Olivia Hernandez '22 Recruiting Profile

My heart stops as the gavel drops. “ORDER IN THE COURT, People of the World  v. Olivia Hernandez WILL NOW BEGIN". The charges presented against me are listed as if in slow motion:  1) not good enough... 2) not enough experience.

In my mind, I reflect upon how I could possibly overcome them as I sit in court testifying to my truth and my determination. For one moment, I blink and I realize that my direct examination was stricken from the record. Unable to tell my story, left with the world to take a stab at my mind and soul and take all credibility, the day I was born into this world, I already began to face challenges.

As the questions began to pour in against me, I ignored the staring eyes and sneering voices behind my back, pushing through just to remind the jury, my own ego, that I am enough. That I, Olivia Hernandez, am good enough and can do so much more because it is my choice and mine alone. It’s the most important choice I'll ever need.

I was attacked on my age with questions regarding my ability; it was always the People of the World  v. Olivia Hernandez. I am always the youngest of my class because I was promoted an academic year. I was attacked with words like “you’re too young,” “inexperienced,” and “not good enough.” These words made me feel limited and small as if my age and inexperience defined me. Slowly, I came to realise my age does not account for my ability or knowledge. Being the youngest has taught me the ability of determination, determination to be resilient and not let my age stop me from moving forward toward my goal of becoming a better lawyer, student, athlete, and friend. 

 I made my choice long ago that I was to prove myself capable of achieving great things at my best. As the rigorous tasks are handed to me with rules of evidence, I follow them and strive to fulfill each at the highest degree with my skills in academics, athletics, and law. With each objection, or challenge that tries to hammer my credibility I use a positive outlook to show my commitment and dedication. Starting with volleyball, I learned the values of discipline, communication, hard work, and teamwork. My passion for volleyball has driven me to be a leader, and as a setter and an all around player, many of those skills have been challenged to work harder and carry all of my responsibilities on and off the court. I am driven to keep on improving myself, giving 110% and also helping my teammates, picking them up when they are down. My positive attitude towards volleyball is also passed onto my academics as I take Advanced Placement and Honors courses and am actively involved in the Mock Trial team to pursue law and steady this path as I approach the end of my senior year and soon college.

As I move through life before that final verdict I challenge myself to evolve and walk along my future path and conquer all the challenges before me.