Discuss an organization you are part of—academic or community-based—and how it has impacted you. by Abdinasir

Discuss an organization you are part of—academic or community-based—and how it has impacted you. by Abdinasir - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

When I was a sophomore in high school, I discovered I had a talent for distance running. Since then, I’ve excelled in both the community of cross country and track, placing in state champion competitions in both fields. During my junior year, I was a second place finisher at district track and cross country and broke three school records. I was also a runner up last school year for the state championship in the 3K race, which is eight laps around the track. The winner was only 3 seconds ahead of me. Now that I am a senior, I’m finishing up my last season of cross country. I have many things to reflect on throughout my three years of running. I have experienced a world outside of Portland where I never imagined. I have met many different types of people and have made friends outside of the state. It has opened many doors to my future both academically and athletically. Running has motivated me to perform well not only on the track, but also in the classroom because I know being a good athlete also means being a good student. I have maintained a 3.7 GPA and have taken many advanced placement classes, all while training for running before and after school.
I have received several letters from colleges and universities. I never even thought I would have this kind of opportunity, especially growing up in a family of 11 members. I am hoping to continue to excel in both my education and running career. Both are equally important to me because I want to find success and joy in my future. I want to become a clinical social worker because I want to help people the way I’ve been helped throughout my life. I want to get a bachelor's degree, and then hopefully my masters in this area, and be around families that are new to America and make that transition easier.
As for running, my goal is to make it to the world stage. The Olympics is my ultimate dream: to at least get a medal in the long distance events - the 10k and 5k. And though my dreams and aspirations are big, I will always keep striving.
Failure is not an option for me, whether it’s in school, or on the track. I am driven and focused to succeed in everything I do. No matter what’s ahead of me, I will keep running, keep striving, keep achieving. I don’t think about looking back because what is there is a lot of struggle and hardship. Now, it’s time for me to look forward and shine and make my parents, my siblings, and myself proud.