Sydney Kovel '22 Recruiting Profile

When describing my personality, some words that come to mind include outgoing, energetic, enthused continuously, positive and decisive leader, and there to lend a helping hand whenever needed. I started playing field hockey in 5th grade because my friend and I were going to attend different middle schools, and I wanted to stay close to her. In the end, I fell in love with field hockey and began to play because I love the rush it gave me. Something field hockey taught me is to leave my heart on the field. To pour all of my feelings into my playing rather than release it on other people. Life is too short to be rude to other people.

I am on the executive board of the Black Student Union and am part of the Diversity Council. In black student union, I was head stage manager and director of our Black History Month Assembly. I am in a few other school clubs, but I am most passionate about these two. I am passionate about these clubs because my race plays a huge part in my life and identity. Being biracial leaves a big question, and many people ask me, "what side do you choose?". I need a welcoming environment just to be accepted would be nice. Although Black Student Union itself is colorist, at times, it can be comforting. These clubs have given me a deeper understanding of race in my hometown. For example, we are incredibly diverse but segregated.

My current academic goal for high school is to manage 3 AP classes going into my junior year and to get A's in all of them. Taking 3 AP's would be a massive accomplishment for me because I have ADHD and an auditory processing disorder. In the past, several of my teachers have underestimated me, and I have always proved them wrong. However, this is a whole new level of difficulty for me.

The only time I have ever felt entirely focused is when I am on the field. The world around me goes still, and I focus all of my attention on getting to the goal. Having these two disorders has taught me to be grateful that this is the worst Health problem I could have. I go to the specialized doctors' office and am surrounded by children who have it way worse than me. These two disorders have allowed me to see realistically. In the classroom, many teachers like to make it known that I have ADHD and an auditory processing disorder. They call me out in class, always saying we need to talk after class in front of everyone or always asking if I am ok. At first, I thought it was considerate of them to care so much about my health and wellbeing, but as time passed, they became obnoxious about it, and it made me very uncomfortable.

Thank you for reading my statement! There is still a lot more to learn about me, and I would love to share it with you. Please feel free to reach out!