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Emma Ciesla

465

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am thrilled to share that I have committed to swimming and studying at Butler University and have been accepted into the Lacy School of Business Honors College. As a Division I swimmer majoring in Finance with a minor in Marketing and known as the "fundraising queen" from my time with the Girl Scouts and volunteer work, I have developed unique skills that align with my goals. Throughout my academic and extracurricular pursuits, I have strived to embody integrity, trustworthiness, and common sense—qualities that define my character and guide my actions. As a scholar, athlete, and community volunteer, I have consistently demonstrated these principles to achieve personal success and uplift those around me. My efforts have had a tangible impact on my community, fostering a sense of unity and progress. I have achieved high academic honors in 2021, 2022, and 2023, reflecting my commitment to educational excellence. My dedication to service is highlighted by my Girl Scouts Silver Award in 2020, and I am on track to receive the Gold Award in 2024. Additionally, I have received the President's Volunteer Service Award – Silver in 2020 and 2022 and Bronze in 2024 for my volunteer efforts with the Humane Society of Macomb County and HOPE Against Trafficking.

Education

Notre Dame Preparatory

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Finance and Financial Management Services
    • Marketing
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Marketing and Advertising

    • Dream career goals:

    • Lifeguard & Swim Instructor

      Bloomfield Open Hunt Club
      2021 – Present3 years

    Sports

    Swimming

    Varsity
    2010 – Present14 years

    Awards

    • all state

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Humane Society of Macomb County — Volunteer
      2020 – Present
    • Volunteering

      HOPE Agaibst Trafficking — Volunteer
      2021 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Jennifer Webb-Cook Gameplan Scholarship
    Growing up in a single-parent household has presented numerous obstacles that have profoundly shaped my life and academic journey. The primary challenge has been financial hardship, which greatly shadows our lives. My mother has been my unwavering pillar of strength, providing a nurturing home, opportunities for growth, and a faith-based education. Her sacrifices and determination instilled in me the values of perseverance and gratitude, shaping me into the person I am today. Financial strain was a significant obstacle. My mother's relentless effort to provide for us despite limited resources inspired me to excel in academics and extracurricular activities. She sacrificed much to ensure I could participate in swimming, covering the costs of team travel trips and new tech suits, even dipping into her retirement savings to support my dreams. These sacrifices taught me the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. Sports have played a pivotal role in my life, serving as a critical outlet for stress and a platform for personal growth. As a Division I swimmer committed to Butler University, sports have taught me discipline, time management, and the value of teamwork. The rigorous training schedules and the drive to improve instilled a sense of resilience and determination that transcends the pool and influences all aspects of my life. Being part of a team provided a sense of belonging and support, reinforcing the values my mother instilled in me. Sports also developed my leadership skills. Empathy, communication, listening, awareness of others' strengths, positive reinforcement, and systematic planning in pursuing goals were instrumental in my development in and out of the pool. Most importantly, sports have taught me that the heart of educational athletics beats through silent handshakes, earnest pats on the back, and shared glances of mutual respect—pure embodiments of sportsmanship. Often overshadowed by trophies and applause, soulful sportsmanship defines our character as human beings. Imagine the charged silence as two swimmers take their marks—months of grueling training boiling down to seconds of performance. Last season, I missed first place by a whisper of a second. The sting of that loss was a lesson in humility and grace. The real triumph was my rival's breathless voice saying, "You pushed me to the limits." This taught me that true victory lies in the journey, not the destination. The most important thing sports have taught me is sportsmanship. It is the silent curriculum teaching integrity, fairness, and respect. Sportsmanship transforms the pool, court, and field into classrooms where we learn to give our best, face failures with dignity, and honor our competitors as equals. We celebrate others' successes as our own, understanding every competitor has a story, a struggle, a dream. As I prepare to compete again in college, the significance of sportsmanship has never been more apparent. We are not just swimmers chasing fleeting glory; we are storytellers of effort, ambassadors of goodwill, and scholars of life's broader strokes. Whether I win gold or not, the handshake with my rival will symbolize the true victory—sportsmanship. Educational athletics is about nurturing individuals who value character over medals, understanding that every race, match, or game is an opportunity to exemplify the virtues that make champions in sports and life.