- 2019 Highlights
Personal Statement
My name is Gabriel Pate and I am currently in my junior year at Singapore American School. Living abroad in Singapore, and previously in Korea, has not only exposed me to Men's Volleyball, but it has also taught me to be self-reliant, to develop solid problem-solving skills, and has helped me realize how adaptable I am. This independence I've gained through my experience as an expat has helped me both on and off the court. In school, I have learned that every problem has a solution, that building relationships with my peers and my teachers is an essential part of my well-being, and that challenge is essential to my growth. For the remainder of high school, I want to be involved in all my classes, know my teachers, challenge myself by taking tough courses while maintaining a solid GPA, and balance my academics with my passion for sports. On the court, I have seen myself go from an unsure and gangly 7th grader trying to hit over the net for the first time to a confident leader on the court. I feel so fortunate that my international school in Korea not only had volleyball, but has excellent mentors who encouraged me to play. In Singapore, that encouragement and training has continued, as I now play a key role on the SAS Eagles' men's volleyball team. In my junior year especially, I have learned the value of staying positive and focused on the game, and that I have the ability to bring energy to a team and to be a leader on the floor. It's important to spread that positivity and keep everyone from letting their frustrations rule their play. These lessons from sports have helped to make me an empathetic friend, a positive team member, a hard worker, a responsible student and a passionate athlete. I hope to continue to follow my passion in college, not only pursuing courses of study for my future career (where my interests include Education, Kinesiology, Environmental Science and Sociology), but also building new relationships and a competitive, positive volleyball community.
