Personal Statement
I grew up on the Caribbean Island of Grenada and found my passion for swimming in the sea from a young age. My love for swimming grew even stronger when I began training in the island's only pool. By the age of eight, I proudly represented Grenada for the first time at the OECS swim meet in St. Lucia. At that age I was encouraged to keep a broad base and I was keen to swim in all events.
I began swimming in Ireland, after moving there with my family, in 2021 and became a regional swimmer, for Munster, in 2022. This gave me the experience of more specialized training and the opportunity to compete overseas, for example in Wales. I’m currently aiming for the Irish National team specializing in freestyle, particularly the 50m and 100m events.
My interest in finance began in 2022 when I began studying accounting, trading, business, economies and financial markets. This interest was solidified during a week-long work experience at a finance firm, Mediolanum in Dublin, where I gained an insight into the world of finance. The experience was eye-opening, and it reinforced my desire to pursue a career in this field. I am particularly fascinated by the stock market. Academically, I strive to graduate at the top of my class and excel in the study of finance.
My swim training has taught me the values of discipline, focus, and perseverance. Balancing competitive swimming with my studies has instilled in me a strong work ethic and good time management skills. I am committed to excellence both in the pool and in the classroom.
Having dual citizenship in Grenada and Ireland has presented me with many opportunities and I am proud of my diverse heritage and the opportunities it presents. My goal is to represent either Grenada or Ireland in the 2028 Olympics, a goal that fuels my daily training and commitment to the sport.
In conclusion, my background as a competitive swimmer from Grenada, combined with my passion for finance, has equipped me with the skills and determination necessary to succeed at a top university. I am excited about pursuing my career and sporting aspirations.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Zac Holmes
