- October 2021
Personal Statement
My name is Madison Ball. I will be graduating from Boiling Springs High School in May 2022. I plan to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and then transfer to an optometry school to earn a Doctor of Optometry degree.
Sure I played doctor and performed heart transplants on dolls when I was young, but I did not know that I would one day dream to become an optometrist. I didn’t really even know what an optometrist was until March 7, 2019. That day redirected my entire life and led me on the path to optometry. But let me rewind to a month earlier. On February 13, 2019, my mom and I were in a car accident. Within 2 days, symptoms began to appear that suggested injury from the wreck. I began having 10-14 excruciating headaches a day, photosensitivity, loss of sensation in my left hand, arm, and shoulder, severe neck pain, and muscle spasms, and near-complete loss of vision in my left eye. I saw multiple doctors (including an ophthalmologist) who had no clue why I couldn’t see. I tried to continue with my love of tennis, but I was completely lost, unbalanced, and I literally could not see the ball. I was devastated. Not only had I lost the ability to play tennis, but my grades were dropping, my memory was off, and my confidence was fading. Finally, after 1 month of unchanging symptoms, my mom had me examined by an optometrist who finally diagnosed me with a concussion and whiplash. I knew right then the career I wanted to pursue. I wanted to be the optometrist who makes a difference in the lives of others. A simple fender bender led to 4 months out of tennis with 3 months of physical therapy. That major setback did not stop me from reaching my goals, but set a new career goal and made me realize that I am much stronger than I thought. After 3 months I was finally released, I trained with all I had in me and played number one this past season on varsity. I may not have had the best season on paper, but it was the comeback of a lifetime!
I have been playing tennis for BSHS varsity team (Division 5A) for three years. Eighth-grade year I was seated number 8, freshman year I was seated number 6, and as a sophomore (this past year) I was seated number 1. This year I also received the MVP award for my hard work and dedication to tennis and my team. Even though I came a little late into the game, I continually strive to be the best I can be. I work hard to improve my game by giving 100%, pushing myself to be the very best, and I run every ball down so as to never give up. I have been training diligently to achieve my goal of playing at the collegiate level. Academically, I am currently in the top 9% of my class with a 4.8/4.0 GPA. I have learned a great deal about time management so that I am able to keep my grades up and still play the sport I love. Through tennis, I have learned that I can do anything I set my mind to. God has blessed me with a talent and athleticism that I never thought I would possess. I have learned teamwork, how to succeed, leadership skills, discipline, patience, and motivation. Some of my strengths, other than academics are that I am open-minded, a great listener, coachable, encourage those around me, and maintain a positive attitude on and off the court. I know that playing in college is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I cannot let pass me by.
