Wrestling has been more than just a sport in my life. It has been a journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. I have learned to push my limits both mental and physical. In Wrestling matches, you get points based on the things you do. The goal is to pin; two shoulders touching the mat for a second or two. This ends the match instantly. You can get 2 points by having your hips behind their hips if the opponent is on the ground. If you have them on their back, but shoulders aren't on the mat, you get back points which varies between 2 and 4 points. If you are on bottom and you escape from your opponent it is 1 point. I remember one of my toughest matches when I was down 6-16. My muscled burned and my arms felt heavy. I had managed to grab my opponents leg, but before I could take control, she countered, grabbing me and slamming my head onto the mat. A sharp pain shot down my spin, but I had something inside me that refused to quit. This is an example of my perserverance I have strengthend through this sport. I was going to win this match. I fought through my exhaustion, focused on pinning. In a defining moment, I had pinned her before the match had ended. That victory meant more than just a win, It secured my 2nd place finish at Regionals. On the right I have linked the article announcing my 2nd place. This moment marked a moment on how much I have improved over the season since joining my senior year. This lead me to my journey to CCS. Overall this sport is not about "fighting¨ its about control, perseverance, discipline, and the ability to push any challenges life may bring me. Along with this, it has influenced me further in psychology, and how our bodies react. Along with that, criminal justice has also been in interest in mind. It may have less to do with wrestling but the skills I have obtained through wrestling will get me far.
Scholar, Leader, and Virtue
Scholar
Throughout my years at San Lorenzo Valley High, I've demonstrated what it means to be a scholar through my academic growth and leadership in my communities programs. In my AP U.S. History class, I developed strong research and grew my critical thinking skills by analyzing primary and secondary sources to build arguments and write in-debt essays. This class challenged me to consider multiple perspectives, understand historical context, and connect past events to present-day issues- skills that strengthened my ability to think deeply and communicate effectively. Outside of class, I was actively involved in NCBI (National Coalition Building Institute), where I and my peers would focus on workshops that encouraged inclusion, conflict resolution and equality. As a part of this group, I learned how facilitate difficult conversations and listening with empathy.These experiences helped me grow emotionally and broadened my passion for psychology. This had gave me tools that I still use into my academic work and personal reflections. Also, as a Link Crew leader, I mentored incoming freshmen, helping them transition into SLVHS both academically and socially. I developed relationships and leadership skills by modeling responsibility. This role required me to plan and lead orientation activities, check in on students regularly, and encouraging a positive learning environment. Together, these experiences show that I approach learning as a continuous and connected process. Whether through historical analysis, social leadership, or mentoring, I strive to think critically, reflect often, and use my knowledge to positively impact others-- qualities that define me as a scholar. ​​
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Leadership
Leadership has played a major role in shaping who I am.Through sports and mentorship, I've learned how to lead by example, communicate with purpose and support the growth of others. I have played many sports throughout high school and the few I had felt passionate about is Wrestling, flag football, and basketball. I have experienced leadership in different forms. Through wrestling I learned the value of discipline and self motivation. In basketball and flag football, I had to work within a team dynamic, often stepping up to motivate teammates, make in-game decisions, and keep energy high during rough moments. One of my most meaningful leadership experiences has been coaching the middle school wrestling team. As a coach, I wasn't just teaching technique-- I was mentoring younger athletes. There was three of us coaches and I focused more on the girls. Girls wrestling is a very new thing so I wanted to make sure I gave these girls the confidence and motivation they needed. Overall my goal was to boost everyone's confidence, work through frustration, and find pride in their progress. I made it a point to lead practices with patience and to recognize effort just as much as success. Seeing them grow as athletes and individuals showed me the true impact of a leader can have. Through these experiences, I've developed a leadership style that is supportive, driven, and grounded in action. Whether I'm on the mat, on the court, or in the sidelines, I aim to upflift those around me and lead in a way that inspires hard work, respect, and growth. These roles have taught me that leadership isn't just about being in charge-- it's about making others better through example.
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Virtue
Virtue means to do the right thing even when no one is looking. Throughout high school I made it an effort to give back to my community. I strive to be someone with integrity, humility and respect. I have volunteered a lot, inside of school and out. I enjoy volunteering because it helps build relationships and make others stronger. Without people to volunteer our community does not run as smoothly. I was part of the Beach Cleanup club, where we worked to care for our local environment. I live in Lompico, and we have a trash cleanup group that comes out every-so often to clean the creek. This has strengthened my personality and doing these small things make a difference. I regularly volunteer around campus- when helping set up events, supporting staff when needed an extra hand, and being someone others could rely on. For our football team I helped by doing medical training so we could wrap the teammates' arms, ankles, whatever it was so we could keep our students safe. These small acts weren't for recognition; they were because I believe in contributing to my community and leading with kindness. Coaching the middle school wrestling team gave me another chance to grow in virtue. I realized my role was not just to teach moves- it was to be a role model. I made sure every athlete felt seen and encouraged, especially the ones who struggled. It reminded me that success is not just about winning but it is about building character, in myself and others. Through all of this, I have learned that virtue is about consistency. It is about showing up and doing hard work while treating others kindly and with respect. That is the kind of person I aim to be when I wake up.
