Grace Chen '18 Recruiting Profile

Starting from a young age, I have learned the importance of hard work,

perseverance, and ambition. When I was around three years old, I was diagnosed

with acute lymphocytic leukemia which affected my body both internally and

externally. As my health degenerated, it became more and more painful to move.

After I underwent chemotherapy, my immune system was still weak which

prevented me from doing a lot of the same activities other children did. However,

my parents never saw me as a victim and encouraged me to lead a normal life. As a

result, they introduced me to golf since it guaranteed a safe athletic environment.

The slow-paced yet thought-provoking nature of the sport made it a perfect match

for physically challenged people like me. Although my parents originally used golf as

just a catalyst for my recovery process, they soon put me into tournaments when

they saw my growing attachment to the game. As a competitive person, I enjoyed

facing the challenges, some that I triumphed over and others that I failed to.

Throughout my journey as a golfer, I have matured into a more patient, strategic,

and resilient individual. I have surmounted many obstacles these past years, so

much that I have come to appreciate the progress and development they bring.

Therefore, I always manage to stay positive in times of stress. Furthermore, I am

a quick learner and can adapt to situations easily. My coach often comments on how

well I follow his instructions and how fast I understand our lessons. It is a

character trait that acts in my favor when I play unfamiliar golf courses or need a

slight swing change before a tournament.