Angelina Spray '27 Recruiting Profile

As someone who has grown up in a multicultural environment, I’ve learned that diversity is a strength. My mother is from the Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine, and I was born in Naples, Italy. This unique blend of cultures has influenced not only who I am but also how I approach life. I speak five languages—Ukrainian, Russian, Italian, English, and I’m currently learning Spanish. These languages have given me the ability to connect with people from different walks of life, offering me a broader perspective that I carry with me in everything I do, both in and out of the classroom.

Academically, I’m driven by my passion for the medical field, specifically neurology. The human brain is a subject that has always fascinated me—it’s the control center for everything we do, think, and feel. Understanding its complexity and the ways in which it can be treated, protected, and healed is my ultimate goal. My dream is to pursue a career as a neurologist, where I can make a real difference in people’s lives, whether through research or patient care. I’m committed to not only mastering the material but also using that knowledge to improve the quality of life for others. Becoming the first in my family to attend college comes with great responsibility, and I want to set an example for my younger brother and show him that with determination, anything is possible.

Athletics has been a cornerstone of my life for as long as I can remember. Swimming became a major part of my life starting in 2017-2018 when I joined competitive teams like Southern Maryland Division Aquatics (SMDA) and Waves of Westlake (WOW). Through swimming, I’ve developed skills like time management, mental toughness, and resilience. Balancing schoolwork and a rigorous training schedule has taught me the value of hard work and consistency. I push myself every day in the pool, whether it’s in practice or competition, because I believe that self-improvement is a lifelong journey. Swimming is more than just a sport for me—it’s a discipline that has shaped my work ethic and my approach to life. The lessons I’ve learned from sports, such as the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and staying calm under pressure, will serve me well not only in my academic pursuits but also in my career as a neurologist.

In terms of character, what sets me apart from other recruits is my deep sense of responsibility and leadership. Being the oldest sibling comes with a responsibility I don’t take lightly. I aim to be a role model for my younger brother, not just in words but in actions. I strive to be someone he can look up to, someone who demonstrates that hard work, dedication, and kindness can lead to success. As the first in my family to attend college, I am paving the way for him and setting a new standard for what’s possible in our family. This responsibility motivates me to excel in every aspect of my life—academics, athletics, and personal growth.

My love for drawing is another aspect of my personality that sets me apart. While sports and academics require structure and discipline, drawing allows me to tap into my creative side. It’s a way for me to express myself and reflect on my experiences, and it provides me with balance. I believe that creativity is an essential skill, even in fields like medicine, where innovative thinking can lead to breakthroughs in patient care and research. 

I believe I would be a strong candidate because of my unique combination of academic drive, athletic dedication, and personal responsibility. I have the work ethic to succeed in a rigorous academic environment, the discipline to contribute meaningfully to a collegiate team, and the character to lead by example. My multicultural background, language skills, and passion for both swimming and medicine make me different from other recruits, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experiences and to the broader collegiate community.