Kathryn Goodwill '20 Recruiting Profile

      The biggest impact on my life was probably when my brother had brain surgery.  At that time I was in 3rd grade and wasn't doing too well in school.  During that time my family became closer than ever and I started to work harder than before.  Before I didn't really enjoy school, therefore I did whatever I could to get out of it.  When my brother started missing school I realized how important school was.  I also had dyslexia.  I sucked at reading!  I didn't actually start reading until 7th grade.  After that I became a word addict.  All these things made me the hard worker I am today.  I never got it easily in academics, so I have to work hard at everything to manage a good grade point average.

    Another big impact on my life was when I joined the swim team.  Before I was part of a softball team and to be honest, I hated it.  I didn't like the fact that a giant, neon, yellow ball was being thrown at my head.  I also hated to run.  Oh god, do I hate to run! But swimming was what I enjoyed. I have always been around the water.  My dad's version of teaching me to swim was throwing me in a lake, but I grew up loving being in, on, or around the water.  In 6th grade I joined CFYN which is a rec team in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. My first year I dropped the most time and got the award for the most improved swimmer.  I loved the sport so much I joined a summer league.  I probably only had about a week off between seasons.  That summer I scored the most points for my team.  Just being in the sport showed me the importance of not only being a team player, but determination to improve.  I never thought I would be in a sport that could guide so many parts of my life.

    To be able to get to my goals of dropping my times and being able to go to college to be a teacher, I had to overcome my anxiety. My anxiety was first noticed in 4th grade when I was facing a 100 question test.  Let's just say it wasn't pretty.  That is one thing that drove me into studying.  I learned at a young age how to take notes, make note cards, and tabs.  I also learned that writing and drawing calmed me.  I learned that I was actually quite the writer! (Hint: Why I was excited to write this) I now write small novels and short stories during my free time or draw. I plan on taking some additional classes in art. I no longer face anxiety, just my excitement and enthusiasm to learn and improve in all areas.