I have seen change in many ways by Danny

I have seen change in many ways by Danny - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

School has offered up some serious challenges for students like me to partake in, and hopefully accomplish. As the world begins to advance further in the age of technology, so do the problems and questions that come with knowledge and curiosity. Students in school may want to take on perfect honor status, or for them and their team to win a state title for their school. People in clubs and organizations outside of school may be working on the next technological advancement to help foster old technology and create new ones. As for me, my greatest accomplishment was being able to complete 4 full years of High School wrestling.

Since my freshmen year had begun, I had already wrestled for well over 8 years. I was experienced enough to walk in to a room full of tough guys and wrestle for 2 complete hours. However, I didn't know the true rigor of wrestling at a higher level 6 days a week after school, for almost 4 months. The true struggle of waking up in the morning and gathering up the stinky shoes you had to hand clean and washing the shirt you may or may not have ripped at practice. Caring for myself and learning to be a self-sufficient person who could properly time manage started early.

As time went on I was heading to my Sophomore year and was fighting for a spot on the varsity team. I worked on my technique for hours and kept all the same habits I had previously had last year. Except this time I was stronger and quicker. Halfway through the season I ended up being able to grab a varsity spot at the 160 pound division. Although not very successful as the year progressed, I learned a lot about what it meant to get up when being taken down, and how to learn by defeat.

Soon enough I was a junior in high school, and one of the biggest guys in the wrestling room. At 170 pounds I was one of the older people in the room, giving me experience on how to be a leader. Adjusting to leadership wasn't hard at first, but realizing that everyone looked to you for confidence (in themselves) and being the person that would set the tone for your team was nerve wrecking.

Suddenly, my father had told the family on short notice that we were moving to New Jersey for 6 months. This turned my world upside down for a few days. Not knowing how I was going to tell my coach I wouldn't be here for post-season and that I wouldn't see him until next year. That was a real change. I had to learn to cope with a different school, a different life.

I eventually moved back from New Jersey and I am currently making my mark on wrestling as a senior. Currently I am wrestling and hoping to become a state placer this year at the 2017 KHSAA State Wrestling Tournament. Fighting through the long 4 years of mistakes, mishaps, and hard-work have taught me something only wrestling could have. I say proudly that I have wrestled for 4 straight years in High School, and it has taught me how to deal with change in so many ways. Change not only during a life crisis, not only for the sport and the team, but change in myself, too.