Life often gives us moments that force us to reassess our priorities and appreciate what we have. For me, that moment came almost two years ago when I lost control of my bike and fell off a 20-foot cliff into a pond. Miraculously, I walked away with only a sprained ankle, but the experience changed my outlook on life, deepened my faith, and reinforced the values my Italian American family has instilled in me—resilience, determination, and dedication. Growing up in an Italian American family, these values were always present. Both sides of my family share the true Italian embodiment of family—coming together every Sunday for dinner, celebrating special occasions, and supporting each other during difficult times. When my Papa passed away, I saw firsthand how our family leaned on one another, just as we always had. And when I had my accident, my family was there, reminding me that I was never alone. My grandfather, in particular, played a key role in my recovery, sharing stories of his time in the military as I rested. That experience strengthened our bond and reinforced what I had come to realize after my fall: life is fragile, and every moment with loved ones is a gift. This new perspective transformed my approach to everything, including sports. Before high school, I had no real interest in bowling. But with my friends on the team, I decided to give it a try. The first two years were tough—I wasn’t naturally skilled, and there were times I questioned whether I should continue. But just as my accident had taught me to cherish every opportunity, I refused to quit. I committed myself to practice and focused on improvement. That resilience paid off when, by my senior year, I finished second in the PSAL Individual Championship for Staten Island and helped lead my team to a PSAL Championship victory. Looking back, my bowling journey mirrored my family’s deep-rooted determination. Italians are known for their passion, their drive, and their unwillingness to give up when faced with adversity. I carried that same spirit with me on the lanes, refusing to let my struggles define me. That same resilience was also what strengthened my faith. Before my accident, I didn’t think much about God. But after that near-tragic moment, I found myself praying more, attending church whenever I could, and recognizing that I was protected for a reason. My faith, just like my family and my love for sports, became a defining part of who I am. Marcello Rosino’s values—determination, resilience, and dedication—are not just words to me; they are the foundation of my life. Whether in athletics, family, or faith, I have learned that hard work and perseverance are what truly lead to success. And as I look ahead to my future, I know that my education will be another opportunity to apply these lessons. I want to make a positive impact, whether in the sports industry or another field where I can help others. Just as my family and faith have shaped me, I hope to inspire and support others in return. My Italian American heritage has given me strength, my accident has given me perspective, and my experiences in bowling have shown me that success is earned through effort. No matter where life takes me, I will carry these values with me, ensuring that every opportunity is met with gratitude, determination, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible with faith and perseverance.

Service has always been at the core of who I am. Whether helping my family, giving back to my community, or supporting my teammates, I believe that small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. Through volunteering, teamwork, and personal responsibility, I have strived to contribute positively to those around me. Family is the foundation of my values, and I have always made it a priority to support them in any way I can. In addition to helping with chores around the house, I also play a significant role in helping my grandparents whenever they need assistance, whether it’s running errands, doing household tasks, or simply providing companionship. I understand the importance of being present for family, especially when they need a helping hand. Giving back to my community has always been important to me. As a member of St. John's Difference Makers program, I have worked the past two years to raise funds and spreading awareness for nonprofit organizations. My chosen nonprofit, True 2 Life, focuses on violence prevention and mentorship, helping young people make positive life choices. This experience has shown me the power of community-driven efforts in shaping a safer and more supportive environment. In addition to my work with Difference Makers, I have also volunteered with Louie’s Legacy, an animal rescue organization that helps find loving homes for dogs and cats. Through this experience, I have assisted in helping make their rescue mission and adoption events successful. My family adopted our dog from this organization and I love being able to give back to the organization who helped bring such joy in our family's life by having our dog. As a proud member of my high school’s varsity bowling team, I have learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Competing at a high level requires not only individual skill but also the ability to support and trust my teammates. As part of the A team, we worked together tirelessly to win the city championship title, pushing each other to be our best and overcoming challenges along the way. Being on a team has taught me that success is not just about personal achievements but about how well we work together toward a shared goal. I have always encouraged my teammates, whether by offering advice, helping them refine their technique, or simply being a supportive presence during tough matches. The camaraderie we built on and off the lanes has made me appreciate the value of teamwork and leadership, lessons that I will carry with me in all aspects of life. Service is not just about occasional volunteering; it is a way of life that involves showing up for others—family, community, and teammates—every day. By dedicating my time and efforts to helping those around me, I have grown into a more compassionate and responsible person. As I look ahead to college and beyond, I remain committed to continuing a life of service, always seeking ways to make a positive impact on the people and causes that matter most to me.