Sophie Pazzo '20 Recruiting Profile

I firmly believe that I am where I am today because I am passionate, determined, and committed. 

I love learning new things and I take advantage of every educational opportunity offered to me. I have a particular passion for science, as I am currently taking both AP Chemistry and Anatomy (2018-2019). However, I also love to challenge myself in other subjects. I hope to attend medical school in the future.

I am involved in many activities within and outside my school community. I am a co-facilitator of Oklahoma's Youth-Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), which is a three-year program dedicated to solving an under-addressed issue teens feel they face within the Tulsa community. My Cohort of YPI is dedicated to promoting youth involvement in philanthropy and community boards, as I am a founding member of Teens On Board Tulsa. I believe with great passion that it is important to make a difference in this world. I want to attend a college that challenges me in my academic and athletic pursuits while ultimately helping me become a better leader. 

Although I want to go to college to receive an exceptional education, I would love to participate in cross-country and track because running has always been my passion.  After tearing my labrum in my hip at the beginning of my Sophomore year, I realized that even being able to compete is such a wonderful gift. I came to appreciate all the little things runners take for granted when I watched my teammates practice from the sidelines. To most people, running seems like a pointless cycle of enduring pain without accomplishing anything besides maybe physical fitness. Although there is a great deal of pain, I think it is the strength that comes as a result of the pain that people constantly underestimate. It is amazing to watch a race and see runners constantly push themselves to either find or realize their limits. If someone asked me in eighth-grade why I love running before I encountered the physical and mental struggles of my early high-school career, I would have said it is because I love the satisfaction of winning. If asked that same question today, I would answer it differently. Although winning feels wonderful, the struggles I have faced and occasional failures have made me a stronger runner and person. Running is about the endless memories made on long runs, pushing the pace on "Tempo Tuesdays," and discovering what you are willing to sacrifice on race days. I want to be a part of a dedicated team that is committed to reaching their goals in both running and life. I know that I have what it takes because I am open to learning from my mistakes and I put maximum effort into everything I participate in. I will not stop until I reach my goals.