Throughout my childhood, school and extracurriculars have come somewhat naturally to me. I was lucky to have the opportunity to take challenging academic courses and to participate in activities like piano lessons, choir, and Ballet Arkansas. I’ve enjoyed all of these experiences in and out of the classroom, but I’ve experienced the most growth in the activity that has brought me the greatest challenges: Soccer. 

This sport did not come easily to me. In fact, I wasn’t very good at all when I started,  but I found great fulfillment in both the physical and emotional experience of playing with my team. Sports added a whole new level of competition and cooperation. I played happily for several years until tryouts in 7th grade, when I didn’t make the team in my age bracket and was forced to play on a lower level. Undeterred, I doubled down and worked harder, and was rewarded when my team won the state championship that year. Then, going into the second half of spring season, I contracted osteomyelitis, a rare bone infection, in my right tibia, sidelining me for more than 3 months. At this point, I still wasn’t a great player and, while it may have made sense to quit, I didn't want to give up. 

In 2018 my future in high school soccer was doubtful. I made it 5 weeks on the Varsity team before breaking both my right ankle and L5 vertebrae. I spent the1 rest of the season watching from the sidelines in a boot and back brace. Sophomore year was the best chance to quit. This time I faced a season-ending rare diagnosis: Accessory Navicular Syndrome, a painful genetic condition affecting both my feet. When an actual global pandemic canceled my sophomore season, I began to wonder if the world was sending me a message to hang up my cleats. By this time, I was consumed with the gnawing fear of reinjury, I spent endless hours in physical therapy, and my own coach seeemd to have given up on me, often citing my aggressive style of play as blame for my injuries. But I still loved the sport. I decided that I would play junior year, giving soccer one final chance.

And - my chance finally came. I entered junior year with hopes of making an impact on the team. Despite starting the first few games and playing well, I found myself benched in favor of younger players. I worked harder, pushing to regain my spot. At every opportunity, I self-advocated, telling my coach, “I know I can do it, give me one half.” My pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears...until I was finally given my opportunity. I got my half...and I scored the winning goal to put Indian Springs through to the state championship. I subsequently started the championship game and we went on to win. 

Winning state was rewarding, but this feeling was multiplied because I persevered, suffered for it. I worked for it. Why didn’t I quit? I’m still not totally sure. I do know I faced every setback imaginable, and yet, I persevered.  I persevered because the satisfaction of doing the things that don’t come easy—and still finding success—was so great. I persevered because improving my weaknesses allowed me to enjoy the things that come naturally.  

I look forward to a lifetime of new opportunities. I know some will come easily. I suspect most will not. I know I will face setbacks (fingers crossed no more broken bones or back braces). And I know no matter what, I can persevere.