I've been swimming competitively for more than eight years. While it hasn't always been easy, I've loved every minute of it, and my swimming experience has become an essential part of who I am today.
Swimming has taught me to set high goals for myself and, more importantly, to consistently work hard for them. This translates into the classroom as well. For example, I've always taken on the hardest classes offered to me at school. I've also learned to dedicate myself to things I am passionate about. I know that, in college, I am interested in pursuing molecular biology, so my course load next year is extremely science-heavy.
Aside from my goals, my biggest motivator is my teammates. There's something special about the way we compete with each other every practice, and yet celebrate each others' accomplishments as if they were our own. To those on the outside, swimming has a reputation for being an individual sport, but I've grown incredibly close to the friends I've made through the sport. I'm very excited to become part of a college team where I know we will all support and motivate each other to achieve our goals.