Juan Paredes '22 Recruiting Profile

 My name is Juan Manuel Paredes. I am 17 years old. I live in Quito, Ecuador. Playing soccer is my passion. I have played soccer since I was 3 years old; playing in little tournaments and little soccer academies. Then I became more serious with soccer and decided to try out for a professional team, where I have played for the last six years, this team is in the highest level of soccer in my country. I have become friends with people all around Ecuador that have different ethnics and economy status. These friends have become a family to me and I am thankful with them because they have showed me real life in my country and that I really leave on a bubble. This has helped me to grow empathy and to not feel superior to anyone and to respect everyone. I know the other reality of the world which not much people have the privilege to know. That is the most beautiful thing soccer has given to me. Because of soccer I had to leave my school where I saw all my friends all days. I have been in the highest level of education all of my life but do to soccer and my dreams I had to leave school in 10^th grade. I went to an online school named K12. It was a tough decision, leaving all of my school friends and having to be alone in my house. This experience helped me to know myself better and to be a lot more disciplined and responsible. Now I see my friends once a week which in my point of view make it more special every time I see them, I miss them a lot but my dreams are bigger. Soccer is a big influence in my life and all the people surrounding me. My father loves soccer just like me and he was the person who made me have this passion for this sport. My father and mother have been there for me in all the journey and have helped me take correct decisions. Also, soccer has made me and my parents closer to each other. Playing soccer to me is like going to the psychologist. It is a time where I can be myself and distract from reality. Playing soccer has helped overcome a lot of problems and insecurities I had. Although homeschooling was not a good thing for me emotionally I learned to be alone and to be happy by myself which I think is a very important quality. I am a very loving, caring, responsible, and respect person that has clear values and knows what is good and bad. I consider myself a really hard-working person because I never give up on my goals. I goal I have is to be in one of the best D1 programs and to play soccer for them helping the team get an excellent season.