KORBIN BAILEY AMPER '16 Recruiting Profile

Being an individual, an outcast honestly, is usually considered a detriment to society. We are called weird, different, loners, introvert, and so; because of this we often find solitude more appealing than the conformed clicks that find satisfaction in their banal, repetitive lives. Personally, I embrace this side of me because there’s no one else I’d rather be. I especially do not seek acceptance or pity for what I do, who I am, and who I am to become; in fact, I am appalled by those who try to seek acceptance from others instead of themselves. As an individual, implore this basic and most primitive desire that every human being craves: to be understood. Through understanding an individual can refute and transcend social norms and only then, be given the true opportunities the world has to offer.

I learned that a great way to understand someone is to know what they’re passionate about. For my case this will be difficult, because there’s not one thing in this world I am not passionate about; and my passion unconditionally holds no bounds. Like a pacifist I value all life immensely and even see the beauty in something so simple; like a cool breeze on a warm illuminated day, gently caressing through the trees’ protruded branches that generates euphonious music of pure serenity. Like a warmonger and a stereotypical passionate youth, I find fighting, sports, competition, and warfare to be insanely intriguing. The mere idea of putting one’s intellect to the test through physical endurance, and vice-versa, inspires me to be prepared for my own personal crucible and to always have a personal goal in mind. My passion of all spectrums of life developed me into, what my peers will find annoying and refreshing, an all loving, caring, and over-zealous little man. My passion and perspective on life is what shapes the foundation of my optimism.

Another aspect that evinces my individuality and correlates with my passionate heart and mind, is the commitment and discipline I exhibit with and without others. I proudly represent John A. Rowland High School as a Track & Field captain, Thespian of Troupe 3191, and leading member of Comedy Sportz. In Track, the program itself is not well funded or as popular as football or basketball; and within the team, the pole vault event is even less popular overall. Comedy Sportz was a dying club on the brink of being removed from RHS theater department because of popularity and lack of generating profit. In my freshman year I joined both stagnate groups and transformed them into an unforgettable home for newer generations to come. In the pole vault, I was alone. No coach, no teammates, and no idea on what the hell ‘m supposed to do; I did researched everything I could on pole vaulting. I then executed my research through my physical prowess, and brought closer attention to the pole vault. Slowly, but surely, more and more athletes, both younger and older, joined pole vault with no clue on what to do; so I research further on teaching and leading as well as how different types of individuals respond to such methods. I even broaden my social skills and was successful into networking with my head coach to recruit an official coach for Rowland’s pole vault team. I’m now a proud captain, personally leading over 17 athletes in the pole vault for the past 2 years and over 170 athletes in the track team as a whole for the past year. In Comedy Sportz, a club responsible for losing more money than it generates, was transformed with pure dedication and a handful of drama kids. Through further expansion of taking matters into my own hands, a few others and I networked with our theater director and the heads of Comedy Sportz LA to further publicize and manage our club. In all honestly, it took two long years to get Comedy Sportz to grow as the main profit group for the theater department and to create timeless bonds with all members.

Finally, a final aspect I wish to bring up is a controversial topic; faith. Most people blindly follow their beliefs or allow their faith to be the epicenter of their lives. To simply put, I believe that faith should influence one’s life to how they see fit, and not to make that belief your entire life. Don’t get wrong, if you wish to devote your life to a particular faith or religion then I won’t question it; on contrary, I welcome it just as much. Because I use faith as a means and not as an end, I allowed myself to keep an open mind to the many views and perspectives of the world while still holding true to my own.

This is how I choose to live; as a passionate individual whose commitment in what I believe in to not only benefit myself, but to benefit others even more. I thank you for the opportunity and the time taken to read my personal statement. Hopefully, through this, I am understood.