Emma Karczewski '22 Recruiting Profile

Running has become an everyday ritual for me. It is what I now call my “medicine”. Running has helped me through some difficult hurdles as a young girl. The odd thing is I never knew what it symbolized and what it was doing for me early on.  I was diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder when I was 9 years old. To say it was hard is an understatement. Kids were very cruel but I quickly learned to run away - literally run as fast as I could. I found myself running for long periods of time to forget all the cruelty that was given to me at school. Running was my sanctuary as a young girl, but I was unaware of it at the time. I knew I had to work hard to either beat this or learn to live with it. After years of therapy, I figured out that words were registering differently along with loud sounds in my head.  Learning was a difficult task but one I mastered in my own way.  As the years passed, I found that my love for music was also a big help. Reading music, playing instruments, and singing gave me the outlet to succeed. It also advanced me in my academics and extra curricular activities.  I began to gain confidence by auditioning for plays and actually getting leads. Much to my surprise, high school would bring me a new love and passion for running. I decided to join our cross country team and explore the possibilities of being part of a team sport.  

 Initially, due to my lack of experience I was placed on the "B" team. It didn't bother me, it actually motivated me to work harder for my very first race - literally my very FIRST race! The big day came, there were 100 girls in my race. Nerves were sinking in, Would I fail? Would I embarrass myself in front of my family? I quickly remembered all the kids that were cruel to me when I was younger and the fire was ignited.  Three miles later, I placed 7th and things were never the same after that. I was moved to varsity shortly after and have remained there since.

 I wanted to speak of my experience to show that even kids with challenges, can still come out on top. My learning disability didn't hinder me, it made me a stronger person. My dream is to continue to run in college and prove to myself that I can run at a higher level. Achieving an education while being allowed to do something I am passionate about is a privilege that I respect. I will strive to be the best I can be and not take anything for granted. I am aware that in life we are presented with challenges, overcoming a learning disability was not easy but with hard work and determination it was possible. Achieving high grades is something I am also proud of, as well as learning to never give up. 

My family & I believe that if one works hard, everything is possible. I'm living proof!