State Runner-Ups by Brooke

State Runner-Ups by Brooke - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

Growing up in a family alongside three sisters, I looked towards them for guidance, inspiration, and encouragement. One of these siblings is my twin sister and we have an incredibly close bond; however, differentiating myself from her is challenging in an environment that constantly throws us together. In order to emphasize my individuality and discover my personal identity I turned towards athletics to develop and challenge myself for excellence. Throughout my life I have highlighted personal goals and chosen to look towards change in a constant effort to develop my character. My participation in high school sports helped me realize the true importance of surrounding myself with people who care. I avoided mechanically surviving inside the system and instead found meaning on the field and in my community. The time I devoted to practice was mirrored in my dedication in volunteer service, extracurricular activities, and my family. My commitment to soccer pushed me to explore other avenues in life and broadened my perspective. It also brought me closer to the ones I love most- both my sisters and my dad. Soccer became a unifying topic that had an amazing umbrella effect over the entirety of our lives. The conversation transformed from “how was practice” to “how was your day” and eventually I felt a strong connection to my family that grew overtime and strengthened.
During the season I led my soccer team to the state finals and softened the devastating blow when we lost in overtime. I refused to succumb to failure and I tirelessly worked to motivate my teammates after our near victory and obvious defeat. This heartbreaking experience forced me to cherish the moments and the process, while focusing on the bigger picture. I witnessed the importance of dedication and direction in life and I utilized this knowledge by teaching those around me not to breeze through the experience, but appreciate every instant.
I choose not to be ordinary, not to settle, and not to pursue a predictable life. These values shape the foundation for my desire to become a leader and guide others. I refuse to let the currents of imitation sweep me into a future that lacks challenge and rigor; and I will fight against this pull to pursue my interests for demanding competition, engaging education, and a lifetime of rewarding memories. As captain of the soccer team and swim team I transformed my outlook on leadership and relentlessly worked to improve my abilities in order to guide my teammates. I have fought to positively influence everyone in my life through devotion and selflessness and I hope to continue to grow as a person who pushes past barriers and raises expectations. I also surrounded myself with unique individuals who shared my passion for knowledge and change; which opened my mind and transformed my perception. No longer did I settle for familiarity, but I strove to understand the unknown and to diversify my daily encounters. My involvement in sports has guided my future aspirations and highlighted my strengths as an individual while emphasizing the necessity of a team- a unified force for success. I plan to focus on the environment while inventing sustainable methods for all aspects of life; and my ability to work with others and accept criticism will seamlessly transfer into this field.
The soccer program at Granville High School has provided me with countless memories. We were Division ll State runner-ups twice and being so close to the top is a humbling experience. I can reflect upon the years of soccer and smile at all the positive impacts it had on my life. The concept of sports values competition and a winner; however in my opinion everyone is ultimately a champion.

My past encourages me to think large and carry my imagination with pride while ignoring opposing forces. I choose to focus on the journey and my transition to a new environment instead of the final destination and ultimate appearance. My efforts to find my true identity emphasize a part of me that desires inspiration, imagination, and a fantastical aspect that is essential in my world. All of my experiences and values in my life serve as a reminder for the here and now, the focus required in progress, and the importance of my well-being over an impressive statistic.