Swimming has always been my constant. It has helped me to keep things in perspective and balance. No matter what was going on with life, I could always jump in the pool to provide me peace during difficult times, clarity when the world and life was over complicated and have fun with teammates when I needed a break.
I have been swimming since I was eight years old. I was drawn to the sport because it is equally an individual and team sport. That is, swimming focuses on individual goals and improvements and simultaneously fosters a special community that emphasizes support for your teammates, contributions, and camaraderie.
While swim is a significant part of my life, it is equally important to me to excel in my education. My mother’s family came to the US as refugees. Through their experiences, I’ve learned that hard work, education, and opportunity can change lives. This is why I have always been a good student in school, maintaining a 4.0 GPA (weighted).
It is important to me to attend a college that will foster both my growth in education and swimming. I’m interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and while doing this, be part of a swim program that will challenge me to additional growth and where I can contribute to the team. I’ve recently moved from Maryland to North Carolina and consequently changed swim club programs. The current swim club I participate in is a more rigorous and competitive program. I went from practicing 3-5 times a week to the current program where I practice 7-9 times a week with additional weight training 3 times a week. Because of this, I believe, with the right environment, I have a lot of room for growth and development to improve my swim times.
I’m excited and ready for this next chapter to branch out in my education and continue in the sport I love.