Christina Yung '22 Recruiting Profile

I chose to participate in the Washougal High School Swim Team because I really enjoy swimming.  When I joined my Sophomore year, there were less than ten girls on the team.  We had to share a coach with another school.  Practices were at 5:00 a.m., 30 minutes away, five days a week because there was no pool close by.  Meets were on Saturday anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours away.

I had taken swimming lessons for several years when I was younger at a community pool, but now I was swimming and competing with and against swimmers who participated in club swim groups.  My parents could never afford to pay for club swim groups so I knew I had a lot to make up for.  My coach had divided attention because the other school he was coaching was a very strong 4A school, while my school was a small group of girls from a 2A school.  I took in everything he said and went to practices with a desire to improve and become a strong swimmer.  I made Districts my first year and was pleased with what I had accomplished.  I continued to work hard and spread the word about our swim team.  We now have 14 girls on the team and we now have our own coach.  When I began swim 3 years ago, my 50 freestyle time was 39 seconds.  With all of the hard work and dedication to myself, my coach and my team, my 50 freestyle time is now 28 seconds.  I made it to Districts and State this year.

A year ago, my dad lost his job and is trying to start his own business.  My mom works as a full-time teacher but I knew that with my dad's situation, money would be tight.  I decided then that it was important for me to get a job to help my parents during this difficult time.  We live on 5 acres and my parents taught me the importance of hard work like splitting and stacking wood, clearing the property, taking care of our 20 chickens and 3 goats, among many other chores.

Getting a job outside of my daily chores was an important step for me not only to help my parents but also to help with my costs-gas, clothes, etc.  It also helped me with balancing my time and energy with church, school (Running Start), sports and other activities.  I have learned to work with people in a customer service position.  I've had to handle difficult customers, opening and closing the store, writing checks for deliveries, preparing food, training new employees, keeping the store clean and welcoming.  

This has benefitted me in that I am more prepared for college life away from my family.  I know how to succeed when difficult times arise.  I know how to work hard, budget money, work as a team, and balance work with college (Running Start) and all of the other extra activities I want to do because I'm doing that right now.