I Am A Black Wasp by Sara

I Am A Black Wasp by Sara - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

I live in a small town just between Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah. Heber City is a beautiful town nestled in a small mountain valley, with a population of just over 15,000, it's an "everyone knows everyone" kind of place. However, my favorite part of the valley I have grown up in is the support of the community. Only having one high school in the valley, every event or activity put on by the high school becomes a community gathering. Everything is supported by the people of the community, all the way down to the high school plays.
Recently the high school lacrosse teams have been all the talk. Players have skill, coaches have experience, this sport has brought breath of fresh air to the high school. I am proudly a member of the Wasatch High School Women's Lacrosse Team, as well as team captain (as voted by my fellow teammates). This sport is face paced, aggressive, and highly competitive. However, my favorite part of being on the lacrosse team is a specific award I have received. The Black Wasp. It encompasses exactly what it means to be a Student-Athlete.
In order for someone to receive this award, there are a number of requirements that have to be met. First, the athlete must maintain a 3.7 GPA during the school year. Second, they need to consistently attend classes and abide by the school’s attendance policies. Third, they have to participate in all varsity games and attend 90% of team practices. Considering those three requirements it is clear that this award is not easily attained. It takes dedication, commitment, and time management in order to meet those qualifications.
The Black Wasp is meaningful to me because it recognizes my devotion and hard work. Being on the lacrosse team requires a lot of time and effort. Some of my peers do not understand why I would devote so much time to a single sport. I do this because of the love that I have for not only the game, but for the girls on my team. While I love to play, I have made a personal commitment to graduate with a 4.0 GPA this too requires hours of my limited time. It takes intention to manage both responsibilities. This is why I appreciate this award because it honors the effort I put in to both lacrosse and school.
Through earning The Black Wasp there have been a number of things I have learned. One of the most important things was that it is possible for me to accomplish both what I need and want to do. Part of being a Student-Athlete is to first meet your academic responsibilities and then enjoy the fun that comes with playing a sport. I have committed myself to maintain a 4.0 GPA and to fulfill all of my responsibilities that come with being on a team. Although it has taken hard work, and time away from friends, I have already seen the endless benefits that come with it.
My commitment to both of these demanding pursuits has helped me achieve a focused attitude. After years of playing, I now am able to organize my time and attention to accomplish what is required of me at school as well as a lacrosse player. There are times when I have to stay up late after a game in order to finish assignments only to wake up the very next day so I can attend an early morning class. Most days do not allow me to “hang with my friends” because of the workload that comes with being a Student-Athlete.
This Award means even more to me than my varsity letter because it not only recognizes my accomplishments on the field but my devotion to academics as well. Lacrosse has taught me to be disciplined, responsible, and has provided opportunities to develop my leadership skills. The effort I put into my grades has taught me those same characteristics. That is what The Black Wasp is all about. I know that without such a supportive community in which I am a part of, this wonderful award would not have such an impact on me.