The "Real" You is the "Best" You by Sarah

The "Real" You is the "Best" You by Sarah - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

All my life, I grew up in a sport that required you to fit into a mold rather than have a true identity. Long practices left you tired, drained, and emotionally empty. Coaches told me when I could and could not smile, laugh, talk, or cry. As a young child, this was difficult and confusing. I was growing into someone I was not. I have always had a strong personality, but my sport pushed athletes to be “mentally tough,” which in their eyes meant agreeable and cooperative. This sport created a sense of discomfort while still feeling reliable. That sport was gymnastics.
Gymnastics was a huge part of my life and taught me so much about myself. During the years I competed in local and state meets, I learned how to push myself and stay dedicated to working toward a goal. I wanted to be the best I could be because the gymnastics environment discouraged friendships and encouraged competition. While I enjoyed the challenge, it was difficult because I was empathetic and talkative by nature. In sixth grade, I tore my quadricep. It was devastating because this sport had shaped my life for the previous ten years. All the late-night practices and intense competitions were suddenly gone. My doctors encouraged me to quit due to the long-term effects of my injury. Letting go of my dreams of competing in college was painful, but it led me to discover parts of myself I may never have found otherwise.
Quitting gymnastics gave me a lot of free time. I could finally have sleepovers, travel on weekends, and enjoy life without worrying about competitions. As I healed and learned more about myself, I began trying new activities I never would have considered before, such as horseback riding, painting, violin, piano, and most impactfully, volleyball. I realized that not only could I try new things and succeed, whether it was making my school’s honors orchestra or the volleyball team all four years of high school, but I could also be myself while doing so.
Gymnastics was once my passion, but I learned that I did not have to fit into a rigid mold to be successful. I could use my voice and embrace who I truly was. Finding new passions made me more confident and happier. At volleyball practice, I was allowed to laugh, talk with friends, and speak up when something felt wrong in a rotation or when I had constructive feedback for coaches and teammates. I discovered that my voice mattered and that I was good at using it.
In my law class, we are encouraged to speak openly and share our opinions on important topics. I realized that standing up for what is right was something I cared deeply about. I began speaking up more in class and defending people in my school, whether they were friends or strangers. When thinking about my future career, I knew I wanted something that combined my passions with my ability to advocate for others. This led me to discover sports agency, a career that blends sports and law. Through this path, I hope to encourage more women to enter male-dominated fields and feel confident doing so.
Although my gymnastics injury felt like a setback at the time, it helped me discover my true strengths. I learned how to find my voice, embrace new opportunities, and grow into someone more confident and self-assured. For that, I am truly grateful.