I call it the “extra mile." It is my way of going beyond the expected, with a grit that pushes me to take one more step, to keep on moving forward. Back in my father's coaching days, when he pushed me to be faster, stronger, and never to settle, I learned that giving “just enough” was not for me. The rule he instilled in me, "the mind quits before the body,” stuck with me, challenging me to keep going when others would quit. When I was 13 years old, I suffered an injury that could have ended my football journey. At the time, losing football felt like losing a part of myself, but it also tested my mindset. With doctors telling me my football career was over and my teammates upping their training, I knew that it would have been easier to give up. But giving up was not an option when you live by the extra mile rule. While physical therapy was painful, the mental grind was tougher. The constant doubt and fear were the hardest part of the process. Almost every day I heard a voice telling me to quit, but I remembered all the sprints, the challenges, and the practices my dad had pushed me through, so I kept going. I learned to grind through every therapy session and practice like there was no tomorrow because the reality was there was no guaranteed tomorrow in football for me. It was me and my own mind. Overcoming this setback was not just about playing again, but it was also a testament to what I can endure. I was able to prove to myself that I am capable of more than I think. The “extra mile” has become my identity, fueling me in every aspect of life. When people doubt my limits, I see it as a challenge, as a chance to do what others will not. I will always try to push that extra mile, whether its when I'm against someone else or its just me and my own mind. I’ve learned that going the extra mile is rare, but it makes me who I am, driving me to be the type of person who will keep pushing regardless of the odds. I am glad that I am able to say that not many have the drive that I have, and I hope that it will help me in my future endeavors.

My name is Damian Felix, and my goals for the future are driven by a strong passion for engineering, a deep connection to my family, and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I hope to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for their renowned engineering program, pursue academic and personal growth, and leave no opportunity unfulfilled as I take on the challenges of college life. My experiences in football, community service, and creative problem-solving have prepared me to face these challenges head-on, but I know the road ahead will require perseverance and grit. Growing up, I was inspired to innovate and create from a young age. I designed tracks for toy monster trucks out of everyday materials like blocks, paper, and cups, and even engineered games to keep my sister entertained while waiting for our mom to shop. These small, imaginative projects planted the seed for my passion for engineering. Over time, I took on larger, more meaningful projects—building canoes, constructing remote-controlled cars, and even designing a remote-controlled canoe to help the visually impaired navigate water. These experiences solidified my desire to pursue a career in engineering, where I can apply creativity and technical skills to help solve real-world problems. My commitment to others has also been shaped by my family and volunteer work. My older brother’s disability has taught me invaluable lessons about empathy, patience, and resilience. Inspired by him, I began volunteering with the Makapo Aquatics Project in 2019, helping disabled children experience the joy of water sports. Seeing their strength and determination motivates me to push myself and to support others, whether in the classroom, on the football field, or in my community. Additionally, my volunteer work with Airtime, a program that teaches proper weightlifting techniques, has allowed me to mentor younger kids and pay forward the guidance I once received. It is fulfilling to watch them grow stronger and more confident, just as I have through my journey. Pursuing my goals, however, has not been without challenges. Balancing academics, football, and my responsibilities as a mentor has required careful time management and sacrifice. As a student-athlete, I have spent long days at school, late nights studying, and countless hours on the field, all while staying committed to my volunteer work. I also anticipate financial hardships as I pursue a college education, but I am determined to find ways to overcome these barriers through hard work and resourcefulness. My family’s love and support have been instrumental in my journey so far, and I am motivated to make them proud. Ultimately, I aim to live life to the fullest, leaving nothing behind as I chase my dreams. I want to excel academically, earn recognition for my efforts, and use my skills to create innovative solutions as an engineer. The road ahead will not be easy, but I am prepared to face every challenge with determination, knowing that my hard work will open doors for both myself and others.

My name is Damian Felix, and like many student-athletes, I have faced mental health challenges that have tested my resilience and shaped my perspective on life. Balancing academics, football, volunteer work, and personal responsibilities has, at times, felt overwhelming. The pressure to excel in all areas while managing expectations took a toll on my mental well-being. However, through seeking support and learning to prioritize my mental health, I have grown stronger and more aware of how important it is to care for myself and others. Moving forward, I am committed to supporting others and generating awareness for mental health challenges. One of the key moments in my mental health journey was realizing that it’s okay to ask for help. As a student-athlete, I always wanted to be strong, not just physically but emotionally. Yet there were times when the pressure felt like too much. I was fortunate to have someone step in and offer support when I needed it most, reminding me that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s strength. This experience motivated me to get involved with Morgan’s Message, a club focused on mental health awareness for athletes. Being part of this organization has given me the opportunity to support others who may be struggling silently. By sharing my story and encouraging open conversations, I hope to create a safe space where athletes feel seen, heard, and understood. Overcoming my own challenges has also taught me the importance of balance. I have learned to manage my time more effectively, prioritize self-care, and take moments to reflect on what truly matters. Whether it’s spending quality time with my family, engaging in creative projects, or focusing on football, I have found ways to stay grounded and present. My involvement in programs like Airtime and Makapo Aquatics has further reinforced the power of community and connection in overcoming personal struggles. Helping others, especially those with disabilities or those who are just starting their own journeys, brings me a sense of fulfillment and purpose that strengthens my mental well-being. Moving forward, I am committed to continuing my advocacy for mental health awareness, particularly among athletes. I will use my platform, both on and off the field, to encourage open dialogue about mental health challenges and break down the stigma that often surrounds them. Whether it’s through my involvement with Morgan’s Message, volunteering, or simply being there for a teammate or friend, I will prioritize compassion and understanding. My goal is to ensure that no one feels alone in their struggles, just as someone once ensured I didn’t. In the future, I hope to apply the lessons I’ve learned to create a supportive and inclusive environment wherever I go. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and by raising awareness, supporting others, and sharing my experiences, I believe I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me.

My name is Damian Felix, and my goals for the future are driven by a strong passion for engineering, a deep connection to my family, and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I hope to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for their renowned engineering program, pursue academic and personal growth, and leave no opportunity unfulfilled as I take on the challenges of college life. My experiences in football, community service, and creative problem-solving have prepared me to face these challenges head-on, but I know the road ahead will require perseverance and grit. Growing up, I was inspired to innovate and create from a young age. I designed tracks for toy monster trucks out of everyday materials like blocks, paper, and cups, and even engineered games to keep my sister entertained while waiting for our mom to shop. These small, imaginative projects planted the seed for my passion for engineering. Over time, I took on larger, more meaningful projects—building canoes, constructing remote-controlled cars, and even designing a remote-controlled canoe to help the visually impaired navigate water. These experiences solidified my desire to pursue a career in engineering, where I can apply creativity and technical skills to help solve real-world problems. My commitment to others has also been shaped by my family and volunteer work. My older brother’s disability has taught me invaluable lessons about empathy, patience, and resilience. Inspired by him, I began volunteering with the Makapo Aquatics Project in 2019, helping disabled children experience the joy of water sports. Seeing their strength and determination motivates me to push myself and to support others, whether in the classroom, on the football field, or in my community. Additionally, my volunteer work with Airtime, a program that teaches proper weightlifting techniques, has allowed me to mentor younger kids and pay forward the guidance I once received. It is fulfilling to watch them grow stronger and more confident, just as I have through my journey. Pursuing my goals, however, has not been without challenges. Balancing academics, football, and my responsibilities as a mentor has required careful time management and sacrifice. As a student-athlete, I have spent long days at school, late nights studying, and countless hours on the field, all while staying committed to my volunteer work. I also anticipate financial hardships as I pursue a college education, but I am determined to find ways to overcome these barriers through hard work and resourcefulness. My family’s love and support have been instrumental in my journey so far, and I am motivated to make them proud. Ultimately, I aim to live life to the fullest, leaving nothing behind as I chase my dreams. I want to excel academically, earn recognition for my efforts, and use my skills to create innovative solutions as an engineer. The road ahead will not be easy, but I am prepared to face every challenge with determination, knowing that my hard work will open doors for both myself and others.

I believe success is pushing yourself to be better eveyday. I call it the “extra mile." It is my way of going beyond the expected, with a grit that pushes me to take one more step, to keep on moving forward. Back in my father's coaching days, when he pushed me to be faster, stronger, and never to settle, I learned that giving “just enough” was not for me. The rule he instilled in me, "the mind quits before the body,” stuck with me, challenging me to keep going when others would quit. When I was 13 years old, I suffered an injury that could have ended my football journey. At the time, losing football felt like losing a part of myself, but it also tested my mindset. With doctors telling me my football career was over and my teammates upping their training, I knew that it would have been easier to give up. But giving up was not an option when you live by the extra mile rule. While physical therapy was painful, the mental grind was tougher. The constant doubt and fear were the hardest part of the process. Almost every day I heard a voice telling me to quit, but I remembered all the sprints, the challenges, and the practices my dad had pushed me through, so I kept going. I learned to grind through every therapy session and practice like there was no tomorrow because the reality was there was no guaranteed tomorrow in football for me. It was me and my own mind. Overcoming this setback was not just about playing again, but it was also a testament to what I can endure. I was able to prove to myself that I am capable of more than I think. The “extra mile” has become my identity, fueling me in every aspect of life. When people doubt my limits, I see it as a challenge, as a chance to do what others will not. I’ve learned that going the extra mile is rare, but it makes me who I am, driving me to be the type of person who will keep pushing regardless of the odds. I have always found sucess when I push myself beyond my limits, because the truth is not many people are willling to go as far as me. With this scholarship, I will use it get me into college where I can challenge myself with new goals every year.

"A man is as miserable as he thinks he is; and it is not for what he suffers, but for what he fears, that he is truly wretched. The wise man is free from anxiety for what is to come, for he has learned to live in the present, and not to torment himself with the uncertain tides of fortune." – Seneca, Letters to Lucilius In the selected passage, Seneca, the Roman Stoic philosopher, articulates a profound thesis: the misery of humanity originates not in actual suffering but in the anticipatory fear of suffering. This distinction—between the tangible reality of present hardship and the ephemeral nature of feared possibilities—challenges individuals to reconsider the source of their anguish. By advocating for the eradication of fear through a disciplined focus on the present, Seneca unveils the path to emotional freedom, one that aligns with the Stoic principle of living in harmony with reason and nature. At the core of Seneca’s insight is the idea that fear, unlike physical pain or material deprivation, is an entirely subjective phenomenon. It is a creation of the mind, fueled by our imagination and our attachment to potential outcomes. This distinction is crucial: while external circumstances might impose suffering, fear is self-imposed. By emphasizing that "a man is as miserable as he thinks he is," Seneca invites readers to recognize that their emotional response to external events is not dictated by those events but by their interpretation of them. This cognitive framing places the locus of control firmly within the individual, underscoring a central Stoic tenet that external events are beyond our control, but our judgments about them are not. Seneca’s assertion that the wise man is free from anxiety derives from his belief in rational self-governance. The wise individual, he argues, recognizes that fear often distorts reality by exaggerating the likelihood or severity of negative outcomes. For instance, fear may transform the prospect of a minor setback into the catastrophic end of a career, or it may inflate the possibility of illness into an inevitable death sentence. Such fears lead to unnecessary suffering—suffering that is preventable through the application of reason. The Stoic sage, in Seneca’s view, avoids this trap by anchoring himself in the present moment, confronting challenges as they arise rather than preemptively succumbing to hypothetical scenarios. Moreover, Seneca’s advice to "live in the present" is more than a simplistic exhortation to mindfulness; it reflects a deeper ethical and philosophical commitment to accepting the natural flow of life. To torment oneself with the "uncertain tides of fortune" is to resist the Stoic principle of amor fati, or the love of one’s fate. For Seneca, embracing the present moment requires not only an intellectual rejection of fear but also an emotional embrace of uncertainty. Life, he implies, is inherently unpredictable, and this unpredictability is not a defect but a defining feature of existence. By aligning oneself with this reality, the wise man cultivates resilience and serenity, qualities that shield him from the emotional turbulence experienced by those who are perpetually anticipating the worst. This perspective also highlights the moral implications of Seneca’s philosophy. Fear, in his framework, is not merely a psychological hindrance but a moral failing, insofar as it distracts individuals from their duties and obligations. When one is consumed by fear, one is less capable of acting virtuously, whether by offering support to others, making rational decisions, or confronting challenges with courage. Fear narrows the scope of one’s vision, focusing it inward on imagined threats rather than outward on real opportunities to contribute to the world. The wise man, free from fear, is thus better equipped to live ethically, pursuing excellence in thought and deed without being derailed by anxiety. Finally, Seneca’s distinction between suffering and fear has enduring relevance in contemporary life. Modern society, with its constant barrage of information and its emphasis on achievement and security, often exacerbates fears of the future. Whether it is the fear of economic instability, personal failure, or global catastrophe, individuals today are often trapped in the same cycle of self-inflicted misery that Seneca observed in ancient Rome. His prescription—a return to rational self-discipline and present-focused living—offers a timeless antidote to this modern malaise. By internalizing his wisdom, individuals can reclaim their emotional equilibrium, breaking free from the tyranny of fear and discovering a deeper sense of fulfillment. In conclusion, Seneca’s passage underscores the transformative power of Stoic philosophy in liberating the mind from fear. By identifying fear as the true source of misery, he shifts the conversation from external suffering to internal agency, urging readers to master their thoughts and align their lives with the present moment. This insight is not only intellectually compelling but also profoundly practical, offering a roadmap to serenity in a world rife with uncertainty. Through reason, acceptance, and a commitment to virtue, the wise man transcends fear, achieving a state of inner freedom that is as relevant today as it was in Seneca’s time.

I call it the “extra mile.” It’s my way of going beyond the expected, with a grit that pushes me to take one more step and keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances. Back in my father’s coaching days, he ingrained this mindset in me. He always pushed me to be faster, stronger, and never to settle. “The mind quits before the body,” he would say, a rule that stuck with me. It challenged me to dig deeper, to keep going when others might quit. This philosophy became my foundation, shaping how I approached challenges both on and off the field. When I was 13 years old, that foundation was tested. I suffered a severe injury that could have ended my football journey before it truly began. At the time, losing football felt like losing a part of myself. Football wasn’t just a sport; it was my passion, my outlet, and a major part of my identity. Hearing doctors tell me that my football career was likely over was devastating. Watching my teammates continue to train while I sat on the sidelines only deepened my frustration. Giving up would have been easier, but I couldn’t accept that. Giving up wasn’t an option when I lived by the “extra mile” rule. The road to recovery was grueling. Physical therapy was exhausting and painful, but the mental grind was even tougher. The hardest part wasn’t the exercises or the pain—it was battling the constant doubt and fear. Almost every day, I heard a voice telling me to quit. But whenever that voice grew loud, I thought back to all the sprints, drills, and challenges my dad had pushed me through. Those memories reminded me that I was stronger than I realized, so I kept going. I treated every therapy session and every practice like it could be my last because, for me, there was no guaranteed tomorrow in football. It was just me against my own mind. Overcoming this setback wasn’t just about getting back on the field. It was a testament to what I could endure and how much I could achieve when I pushed beyond my limits. I proved to myself that I was capable of far more than I thought. The “extra mile” became my identity, not just in sports but in all aspects of my life. When people doubt me or try to define my limits, I see it as a challenge. It’s a chance to prove that I can do what others won’t. The extra mile isn’t just rare—it’s defining. It’s who I am, and it fuels me to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds.

From as far back as I can remember, my passion for science and curiosity about how things work has driven me to explore, build, and problem-solve in unique ways. Math has always come to me naturally, but watching engineers like Mark Rober on YouTube makes me realize the true potential of using math and science to create something special. When I was younger, I could watch his videos for hours, intrigued by the mechanical processes and creative problem-solving that bring his projects to life. While my friends did not always share my fascination, I was hooked and motivated to understand the technical stuff behind each project. This interest started with younger memories of tagging along with my dad to his work sites whenever I had an off day of school. Waking up at 4:30 am and sitting through an hour's drive was rough sometimes trying to stay awake, but the reward was always worth it. I will never forget the awe I felt seeing the machines that towered over me, each component meticulously designed to fit a specific purpose. It inspired me to take on courses like AP chemistry and Advanced Math in high school, where I truly pushed myself to understand the material completely. Learning about how things operate and interact drove me to succeed, especially in challenging subjects. My curiosity often extended to hands-on experiences at home. I would always be by my dad’s side when he worked on our broken cars, constantly asking questions about how each piece connected and the impact it had if the part was damaged to the whole car. In addition, career events at school gave me a chance to meet engineers and ask questions about their jobs, making sure that engineering was the field where my curiosity and passion could thrive. I am excited to expand my knowledge and abilities in college and study more about the mechanics and principles that influence the world around us since my passion for science keeps me going. My next steps center on expanding my technical knowledge and practical experience as I get ready to study STEM in college. In order to solidify my academic background, I intend to enroll in demanding science and math classes. Through projects and internships, I hope to learn more about engineering and robotics. I will be able to meet mentors and students who share my interests by joining groups centered around STEM. In order to hone my problem-solving abilities, I also want to keep creating inventive things like my remote-controlled canoe. My objective is to gain acceptance into a reputable engineering school, such as Cal Poly SLO, where I can hone my abilities and strive to contribute significantly.

The relationships we make along the road enhance the educational process. These connections influence who we are, whether it's via the steadfast support of family, the insight of a teacher, or the common experiences of a close friend. One of these relationships for me was with a student called RJ, who exemplified inquiry and resiliency. With RJ's aid, I was able to overcome my doubts and overcome obstacles in STEM. In order to motivate future students, I will describe a time when a friend asked me for assistance on a decision that will change their life and talk about a personal STEM difficulty. A close buddy who was having trouble deciding whether to enroll in a challenging advanced placement physics course reached me during my junior year. I understood their enthusiasm for engineering as well as their fear of the challenging nature of the course. We addressed their long-term objectives, the class's potential worth, and the amount of work involved. I talked about my personal experiences juggling demanding coursework and extracurricular activities, highlighting the need of zeal and tenacity. We came up with a strategy together for handling their workload, getting tutoring if necessary, and viewing the difficulty as a chance for personal development. I assisted them in reaching a confident conclusion that was in line with their goals by demonstrating understanding and providing doable actions. Creating a remote-controlled boat for those with vision impairments was one of my own STEM challenges. The goal was lofty: to develop a tool for increased independence by fusing technical principles with empathy. Although the technical difficulties of circuits and coding were intimidating, the true challenge was sustaining faith in the face of failure. Budgetary constraints and unsuccessful prototypes put my willpower to the test. My mentors' encouragement and the motivation from my brother, whose condition inspired the project, were what kept me going. I would advise aspiring STEM students to accept failures as necessary learning experiences. Find peers who are as driven as you are, and look for mentors who can help and support you. Divide difficult issues into doable chunks and acknowledge minor accomplishments as you go. Above all, keep in mind that pursuing a career in STEM is about developing solutions that can improve the lives of others, not only about achieving personal achievement. Relationships like the ones I had with RJ and my mentors highlight how learning is a collaborative process. By giving and accepting advice, we create a foundation of growth that supports us through both setbacks and victories.

From as far back as I can remember, my passion for science and curiosity about how things work have driven me to explore, build, and problem-solve in unique ways. Math has always come to me naturally, but watching engineers like Mark Rober on YouTube makes me realize the true potential of using math and science to create something special. When I was younger, I could watch his videos for hours, intrigued by the mechanical processes and creative problem-solving that bring his projects to life. While my friends did not always share my fascination, I was hooked and motivated to understand the technical stuff behind each project. This interest started with younger memories of tagging along with my dad to his work sites whenever I had an off day of school. Waking up at 4:30 am and sitting through an hour's drive was rough sometimes trying to stay awake, but the reward was always worth it. I will never forget the awe I felt seeing the machines that towered over me, each component meticulously designed to fit a specific purpose. It inspired me to take on courses like AP chemistry and Advanced Math in high school, where I truly pushed myself to understand the material completely. Learning about how things operate and interact drove me to succeed, especially in challenging subjects. My curiosity often extended to hands-on experiences at home. I would always be by my dad’s side when he worked on our broken cars, constantly asking questions about how each piece connected and the impact it had if the part was damaged to the whole car. In addition, career events at school gave me a chance to meet engineers and ask questions about their jobs, making sure that engineering was the field where my curiosity and passion could thrive. I am excited to expand my knowledge and abilities in college and study more about the mechanics and principles that influence the world around us since my passion for science keeps me going. My next steps center on expanding my technical knowledge and practical experience as I get ready to study STEM in college. In order to solidify my academic background, I intend to enroll in demanding science and math classes. Through projects and internships, I hope to learn more about engineering and robotics. I will be able to meet mentors and students who share my interests by joining groups centered around STEM. In order to hone my problem-solving abilities, I also want to keep creating inventive things like my remote-controlled canoe. My objective is to get accepted into a reputable engineering school, such as Cal Poly SLO, where I can hone my abilities and strive to contribute significantly.

From as far back as I can remember, my passion for science and curiosity about how things work have driven me to explore, build, and problem-solve in unique ways. Math has always come to me naturally, but watching engineers like Mark Rober on YouTube makes me realize the true potential of using math and science to create something special. When I was younger, I could watch his videos for hours, intrigued by the mechanical processes and creative problem-solving that bring his projects to life. While my friends did not always share my fascination, I was hooked and motivated to understand the technical stuff behind each project. This interest started with younger memories of tagging along with my dad to his work sites whenever I had an off day of school. Waking up at 4:30 am and sitting through an hour's drive was rough sometimes trying to stay awake, but the reward was always worth it. I will never forget the awe I felt seeing the machines that towered over me, each component meticulously designed to fit a specific purpose. It inspired me to take on courses like AP chemistry and Advanced Math in high school, where I truly pushed myself to understand the material completely. Learning about how things operate and interact drove me to succeed, especially in challenging subjects. My curiosity often extended to hands-on experiences at home. I would always be by my dad’s side when he worked on our broken cars, constantly asking questions about how each piece connected and the impact it had if the part was damaged to the whole car. In addition, career events at school gave me a chance to meet engineers and ask questions about their jobs, making sure that engineering was the field where my curiosity and passion could thrive. I am excited to expand my knowledge and abilities in college and study more about the mechanics and principles that influence the world around us since my passion for science keeps me going. I want to continue to pursue my passion for science in college, as it had always been my dream to one day be able to tell my children that their dad built that bridge. Growing up, my dad would tell me, This is what "I" did, and I want to be proud like my father was and have my family be proud of me. That is my dream.

I refer to it as the “extra mile.” It’s more than just a catchy phrase or a motivational saying—it’s a mindset, a way of living that drives me to exceed expectations. It embodies the grit and determination that compel me to take that additional step, even when I’m worn out, even when quitting seems like the easier option. My father first instilled this concept in me during his coaching years, where he consistently urged me to be faster, stronger, and never to settle for mediocrity. He taught me that “just enough” is never sufficient. I discovered that the only path to genuine success—whether on the field or in life—is to give more than what’s anticipated. His mantra, “the mind quits before the body,” has remained with me over the years and has become my guiding principle. It’s not solely about physical endurance; it’s about mental strength. When my mind says “stop,” that’s when I dig deeper, because I’ve learned that the body can achieve far more than we often believe. At 13, I encountered a setback that could have easily ended my football journey. A serious injury, one that threatened to take away everything I had worked for, loomed over my future in the sport. At that moment, losing football felt like losing a part of my identity. It had been my passion, my escape, and who I was. But this injury challenged not just my physical limits, but more crucially, my mindset. Doctors informed me that my football career was finished. I heard their words, but I refused to accept that reality. While my teammates continued their training, I found myself caught in a painful rehabilitation cycle. Each day, I watched them grow faster, stronger, and better while I felt left behind. The urge to give up was overwhelming. The physical pain of therapy was unyielding, and often, the mental strain felt even more daunting. I was grappling with self-doubt, fear, and frustration, all while sensing that the clock on my football future was ticking away. But I remembered the lessons my dad had taught me: “The mind quits before the body.” It would have been easy to let the pain dictate my future, to listen to that voice telling me to quit, to settle into the reality that maybe this was the end of my dream. But giving up was never an option—not when I lived by the extra mile rule. So, I chose to push through. Every painful therapy session, every excruciatingly slow step forward, became a battle against the limits I had once thought were fixed. My body hurt. But my mind? That’s where the real battle raged. Some days, I had to fight just to show up. The mental grind was tougher than the physical one. The constant voice in my head telling me to stop, to rest, to let go, was louder than I had ever experienced. But each time I fought through that voice, I grew stronger, not just physically but mentally. I dug deep and focused on the lessons I had learned from my dad—lessons that weren’t just about football, but about life. Grind. Never settle. Keep moving forward. Every sprint I had run, every practice I had pushed through, every drill that had tested my limits was now a part of me. I realized that this was my moment to prove to myself what I was made of. This injury wasn’t the end of my story; it was an opportunity to show myself that I could endure more than I thought. There were days when I wondered if I’d ever make it back to the field. But I held on to that one principle: the extra mile. There was no guarantee I’d recover in time to play again, but there was a guarantee that if I gave everything I had—mentally and physically—I would be a better person for it. And so, I pushed through. I showed up to therapy every day, even when it felt hopeless. I gave everything I had because I knew that when it came down to it, it wasn’t just about football—it was about proving to myself that I was capable of so much more than I thought. Overcoming this setback wasn’t just about returning to the game I loved—it was about discovering the depths of my resilience. The "extra mile" has evolved from a concept in sports to a core part of my identity. It motivates me in every area of my life. When others question my limits, I view it as an opportunity. It’s a moment to do what many shy away from, to go beyond, to strive harder, and to overcome obstacles that others deem unmovable. Taking the extra mile is challenging—it’s uncommon. Yet, it distinguishes those who reach their aspirations from those who do not. It marks the line between mediocrity and excellence. For me, it has become an essential aspect of who I am. It inspires me to be the kind of person who continues to push forward, regardless of how tough the journey may appear. The "extra mile" is not merely an action I take—it defines my essence. It’s my foundation, and it will perpetually drive my path, wherever life leads me.