My mental health affects every aspect of my busy life, and for me it is crucial to maintain in order to live well. Within my role as a student, an athlete, a friend and a family member, my mental wellness is a necessary factor of carrying out these responsibilities. A typical day in my life as a high school senior is busy, but is filled with activities that I am passionate about. For example, in the fall, I am a dual-sport athlete, participating in both cross country and volleyball. I arrive at school by 5:55am for my cross country practice from 6-7am. I then shower and dress for school, with my first period class starting at 7:40am. From then on, with a few breaks, I am in class until 3:20pm. I then head back to the gym to change and get ready for volleyball practice, which takes place from 3:30-5pm. After that, myself and the other seniors stay behind to help clean up the volleyball equipment. Once everything is put away, I drive home, where I have dinner with my family as well as do my homework. I try to wrap up my work and time with family around 10pm, in order to be refreshed for another early morning and a full day. I write out my schedule not to appear like I have amazing time management or an infinite amount of energy. On the contrary, I often find myself unsure of whether or not I have the stamina to fulfill these many commitments day after day. I love my family, friends and teammates who I am honored to be supported by, and I am grateful for the education I am receiving and for my wonderful teachers. I am blessed to be a part of a close family of seven, and daily seek to be a leader to my four younger siblings. All this to say, my life is complete with many amazing people and duties, and I would never change that, despite the busyness that it brings. It can be hard however to recognize these many things as blessings without strong mental wellness. Without a healthy mental state, a fast-paced yet manageable lifestyle can begin to seem overwhelming and impossible to sustain. I can no longer fully embrace time with friend and loved ones or give my all in a race or game. I start struggling in my school work, and it can be hard to focus on the task at hand. In past struggles with my mental health, I have learned that it is beneficial to take time to relax and enjoy much needed rest. When I do continue with my normal schedule, I find that if I focus on one duty at a time, it takes away stress and calms my otherwise preoccupied mind. In whatever life you lead, mental health is important. I depend on my mental wellbeing in order to fulfill my roles well and with intention. I strive to be the best version of myself each and every day, and this is only possible with strong mental health.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is an amazing worldwide event that brings so many diverse people together in a shared love for an amazing artist and her music. Particularly, I found that it conveyed a wide range of emotions throughout an individual's life, and in doing so it acknowledged the ups and downs of my own life, and the importance in embracing both these highs and lows in order to truly live. This message speaks volumes to me, as I regularly find myself trying to ignore any hardship or trials in life. The album that describes me best would be Lover, as I am all about its carefree, happy-go-lucky spirit and its fun sound. I am very spontaneous and lighthearted, and often find myself doing something or going somewhere that I did not plan on doing or going a few moments before. I love a good surprise and am refreshed by being around people I love or honestly just interesting people in general. However, my enjoyment of life at a fast pace can leave me confused and discouraged when I come across hard times or a mental or emotional slump. I can even start scolding myself, saying that I should not feel these negative emotions, but should be out and about, experiencing all that life has to offer. In these times, I am reminded of something my best friend Jane said when the albums folklore and evermore were recently released. I confessed to her that I did not love the slow, often sad songs that seem to characterize these albums. She admitted that, much to my shock, evermore had become her favorite Taylor Swift album of all time. "I don't know", she said in a sweet, softspoken way, "They are sad, but I'm ok with that. The songs are good even if I don't feel happiest when listening to them. There's a kind of beauty in the sadness." Those words have stuck with me long after we had that discussion, because of the simple truth that I was reminded of. It is ok to be sad, or mad, or discouraged, or disappointed, or even heartbroken. You don't have to keep up an appearance of only feeling positive emotions. You can express moments of doubt and loss, instead of keeping these situations private. During The Eras Tour, emotion after emotion is expressed. Red speaks to both a feeling of fun and excitement in the song 22, as well as a feeling of defiance and freedom in We are Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together. All Too Well describes a time of loss and nostalgia, while Enchanted expresses hopes and anticipation of a desired future. Throughout it all, it conveys a wide range of human emotions, and the importance of embracing and accepting all of them.

I watched runner after runner go past me during my favorite track event, the mile race. It was the final lap, the moment when I would usually have given any amount of energy and strength that I had left in an attempt to win. It was a humbling moment, watching those girls fly past me, because I had no way of responding. I wasn't in the race at all, but was forced to be a casual bystander, unable to run due to a stress fracture in my right leg. I felt my eyes fill with tears as I anticipated being in a similar situation for the next six weeks of my recovery, experiencing race after race that I could not participate in. A decision had to be made as to whether I would spend this seemingly infinite period of time sulking, or whether I would make the most of it as an opportunity to better support my teammates. I reasoned that if I could not be a competitor, I should be the best cheerleader and friend to those competing. While I would still feel discouraged and alone at times, this new outward-focused mindset greatly improved the weeks with my leg in a boot. Without my own races or workouts to focus on, I was able to cheer on athletes whose events I may have otherwise missed. Having more downtime, I got to know fellow teammates better, and formed friendships that I may not have been able to before. I found that it's impossible to feel sorry for yourself if you are completely invested in supporting others and are truly excited to see their success. Through an unexpected and disheartening injury, I learned the importance of selflessness, and the joy found in serving others. Another source of community that I was encouraged by during this time of physical weakness was the physical therapy business that came alongside me and helped me recover and strengthen my leg. I was blessed to have these people who saw me not as simply a client, but as a student-athlete willing to do whatever exercises necessary to return to the sport I love. After this experience, I was inspired to someday be a part of a business committed to these values of service in your community. Whether it's through physical therapy, training coaches, or providing athletic equipment for teams and schools in need, I am passionate about the virtues that participating in a team cultivates, and the opportunity that every student should have to benefit from this. I would love to run a business who prioritizes others, and supports them throughout struggles and hardship.

Changing a nation sounds like a daunting task, but I like to think about it with the perspective of watching a small rock being tossed into a large body of water. The rock, seemingly insignificant, makes a small splash before sinking. However, a noticeable wave of ripples surrounds the spot where it landed on the water and are present even after the rock is out of sight. This is how I choose to view change. Change can come from a few words, a small action or simply from a different perspective. While these appear to be only small rocks launched into the great expanse of this world, they have the power to enact change. It may not be right away, and it may happen long after the related action is done, just as the waves in the water continue after the rock has already sunk. The catalyst of the change may be only a memory when the change finally occurs, but whatever the method, there is always power and potential in even the smallest of events or decisions. With this perspective, I can see change in both a personal and national level through something that already brings many people together in love, excitement, and community, as well as teaches lessons in perseverance, courage, and discipline. It's an amazing aspect of many people's lives and is something that we often take for granted: sports. Personally, I have been privileged to participate in several different sports, including basketball, volleyball, swimming, cross country and track. I am also a part of a family who supports and watches much of Texas A&M's athletics, as well as being proud fans of the Texas Rangers and the San Antonio Spurs. From both watching and playing sports, I have been able to witness firsthand the way it builds community and develops virtuous habits. Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a powerful film with my family: Boys in the Boat. This movie tells the story of the eight-man rowing team who won the gold medal for America in 1936 at the Berlin Olympics. This team was comprised of men from the University of Washington, all college-aged and most having committed to the sport in order to earn a place to stay and a part-time job on campus. These young men were by no means flashy or impressive, as they were simply hard workers needing to support themselves in their education. From rowing, they accomplished not only that, but an amazing feat in sports: earning a gold medal. They became a band of brothers who remained close to each other long after they put away their rowing oars for good. Not only did they gain from this athletic experience, but the world around them did as well. Americans saw them as the ultimate underdogs, completely at a disadvantage next to the rowing powerhouses of Germany and Great Britain. They were inspired by this team's grit and resolve to win, despite the many odds stacked against them. They became attached to these Washington boys who seemed to fly through the water and who would often decisively win a race while looking like they could row for at least a few more miles. This amazing story conveyed the power of athletics to draw many people together. It further emphasized the role that sports can play in providing a better future for many, because most of the boys on this historic rowing team would have otherwise never been able to pay for four years of college. Ultimately, it proved that a simple game can effect its participants and its audience far more than is expected or realized. In my own life, sports have taught me the very important virtue of perseverance. Specifically, the lesson and application of this virtue was prevalent in my sophomore season of track. This was my first time participating in track, and I felt confident after spending the pre-season training. At one of the very first practices, I ran my first mile in under six minutes, which only boosted my optimism for the season. However, this soon waned when I felt a sharp pain and a prolonged discomfort in my right calf immediately following my first race in my first-ever track meet: the mile. At the doctor's office the next day, I was informed that I had either ran with a stress fracture or had developed one from that race. Whatever the case, I was unable to run for six weeks, and was sent home with a boot and a disappointed spirit. Six weeks meant almost all of the remaining track season. After six weeks, the only meets left would be meets that I would have to qualify for, like the Area, Regional, and State meets. With these circumstances, I was given a choice to make. I could officially step away from that season and hope for a better one my junior year, or I could attempt to stay in the best shape possible throughout my injury in order to have a shot at advancing later on. While I was discouraged by my sudden diagnosis, I remembered something that my coach would stress practice after practice of hard workouts after long days of school: persevere. I had chosen to persevere in running, and I would choose it again throughout a rigorous time of rehab. During those six weeks, I used a stationary bike two or three times a day in an attempt to maintain some of my cardiovascular strength. While it was monotonous and I often felt like giving up, I chose to remain hopeful about my chances of finishing the season injury-free. After the prescribed six weeks of recovery, I was cleared to resume running. Then, with the help of my coach and the support of my teammates, I was able to run three more mile races, advancing to both Area and Regionals. Looking back on this experience, I remember strong feelings of sadness and frustration, but more than these, I learned a lasting lesson in perseverance. Why do I tell these stories about sports? I tell them because they prove that athletics can be more than just a spectacle or a competition. They can have lasting impacts in those that they involve and can be a small yet notable step in bringing a group of people, even a nation, together. Through the fun and excitement of a game, they can help develop virtue that will serve athletes well not only in their sport but in other aspects of life. While sports are accessible to many, there are steps to be taken in ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to have an athletic experience, and to have the best one possible. This could be accomplished through hosting sports camps in underprivileged communities or providing better athletic equipment to schools needing it. There are many possible ways to spread the positive influence of sports, and I am confident of its potential to benefit individuals and eventually an entire nation. It may be just another rock thrown into a lake, but it can cause ripples.

“Clay was the one who convinced me to keep at it when I felt like quitting.” This was said in a letter sent to my grandparents several years after their son and my uncle, Uncle Clay, died in a tragic training accident while serving in the Marines. The young man who wrote the letter was in the Corps of Cadets with my uncle at Texas A&M, the university that I plan on attending. He was a freshman, or in the Corps called a “fish”, when Uncle Clay was a senior. One night, the freshman was walking across campus with his head down and his spirits low. He had been having a hard time keeping up with both his studies and his duties in the Corps, and was ready to quit. His resolve to drop out only became stronger when he caught a glimpse of my uncle approaching him. He recognized him as an upperclassman, and sighed deeply. It was customary for an upperclassman, when coming across a sophomore and especially a freshman, to stop them and have them perform a kind of exercise or challenge. This could range from running to doing pushups, sit-ups, or whatever else the upperclassman comes up with. After an early morning, a full day, and feeling exhausted both physically and emotionally, these random workouts were the last thing that this young man wanted to deal with. He averted his eyes as Clay got closer, hoping to somehow pass by unnoticed, despite his buzz cut and uniform, telltale signs of a Corps member. Clay stopped him, and he held his breath, bracing himself for the inevitable barking of commands. Instead of the usual demands however, Clay asked him how he was doing. Surprised, the freshman cadet confessed that he wasn’t doing too well. He admitted his struggles to maintain the rigorous schedule of the Corps while also fulfilling his duties as a student. He even made known to my uncle that he planned on dropping out. Clay listened, and after considering his words, spoke gently to him. He emphasized with his weariness, having been a freshman once too. He acknowledged the physical toil that the Corps of Cadets put on its members. He then told the young man that even with this stress and doubt, he should continue in his commitment to the Corps and ultimately to his country. He assured him that he would look back on his time as a cadet as a time that developed his character. Through long days and trying tasks, he would grow in his courage and perseverance. Clay promised him that he would never regret his experience in the Corps. In the letter to my grandparents, this man said that after that he resolved to remain a cadet, and he stuck to his word. He affirmed my uncle’s promise that he never once had regretted his commitment. His letter was a testimony to Clay’s compassion for others and his steadfast way of approaching whatever he put his mind to, no matter the level of difficulty. While I did not have the opportunity to ever meet my uncle, I am inspired by his effect on the life of a man he met only once. This story reminds me that every interaction is important, and that every chance to encourage someone should be taken. I’m forever grateful for my uncle’s example, and hope to touch others’ lives how he did.

“We were born to be suburban legends.” So goes my favorite vault track on 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Before I had even heard it yet, I remember seeing a list of the vault track titles and thinking, “Wow, Suburban Legends. That’ll be a good one.” And then, after listening to it the first chance I got, very early on October 27th, I realized just how good it was, how it exceeded any expectations I had for it. It’s special not just for its amazing sound and lyrics, but for what it means to me and my best friend Jane. Jane and I have been friends ever since fifth grade when she introduced herself to me while we were sharpening our pencils. We’ve been together through the transition from elementary to middle school to high school, we’ve played volleyball together for seven seasons, and have spent so much time together for no other reason than to be in each other’s company. To put it simply, my life would a lot different without the blessing of Jane and her friendship. I’m so grateful for her joyful spirit, encouraging smile and quiet confidence. With college decisions and post-graduation plans being made, so much seems to be constantly changing. Jane is always there for me, and another thing that I am sure will always be there is our shared love of Taylor Swift and her music. It was Jane who initially made me listen to Taylor. It started in Covid, as we were talking during one of our weekly phone calls. She was raving about the release of folklore, and begged me to listen to it. I promised her I would, and thus started our shared passion for all things Swift. Evermore came along, as well as Midnights and the re-releases, with most recently 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Our anticipation for this album was high, and we were not disappointed. We have a tradition each morning before school to sit in her car and listen to whatever Taylor Swift album we are feeling like that day, and the morning of October 27th, the choice was obvious. Suburban Legends stuck out to us because of its carefree nature and bold lyrics. “I didn’t come here to make friends/We were born to be suburban legends.” It has an us against the world aspect, which in some ways Jane and I could feel like we needed as countless assignments, tests, deadlines and expectations were thrown our way. When stress would start to build up, we’d remind each other, “We were born to be national treasures.” This reminder was usually sung, making it all the more true and powerful. It can be so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of this world, but with the help of this song, I was able to realize that temporary, material aspects of this life are not worth my focus. Instead, I can embrace what lasts, like my relationships with others. I remember this truth each time I sing along to the 1989 album with Jane. We are suburban legends after all.

I stared across the net at the middle blocker who seemed to be a foot taller than me. “No way she’s my age”, I thought, but all other doubts would have to wait as the set began. It was my junior year of high school, and I was given the unusual role of backup setter and middle hitter. Setting had always come naturally to me, but that year our team was utilizing a more experienced setter in her senior year. Through situations like these, volleyball has taught me the value of being flexible both on the court and in life. Junior year of volleyball brought an exciting season which included an extremely close team, challenging competition, and even a playoff run. Throughout this time, I served my team primarily as a hitter, with the occasional game in which I would set. Navigating playing these vastly different positions proved to be difficult. I vividly remember one instance in which my team was playing in a tournament. The tournament took place in an unfamiliar part of town, causing our setter to be late to the first game. With very little notice I was told to be prepared to set, and just like that I was transformed from hitter to setter. While it was easy to feel frustrated or unprepared, what motivated me to make the best of this less than perfect situation was my team. Whether or not I chose to step in and set would not just affect me, but all of my teammates. This was an example in which being flexible proved to be a valuable quality. I write these words as a senior beginning my final season of high school volleyball. I’m no longer a hitter, but am now the full time setter. The flexibility I learned from juggling both positions still makes me a better player today, as there are always things to adjust to in a game, whether it’s an out of place pass, a left-handed hitter or a new team dynamic. Even though adapting to change doesn’t always come naturally to me, I’m learning the importance of adjusting in order to work well with others. I believe that this skill will serve me well as I enter my college career. As I am exposed to new people, classes and experiences, I could choose not to accept what may seem unfamiliar or strange. Or, I could commit to being flexible in a new environment and to what it may teach me. By taking this approach, I feel that I will be better suited to have an impactful time at college. Through adjusting and learning flexibility as a volleyball player, this quality will continue to benefit me as I further my education.

How can a person demonstrate true leadership? This question can be answered in many ways, as some picture a leader as the strongest, or others as the most outspoken. While these could be qualities that contribute to being a leader, they do not make a leader. In my experience, leaders are those who best serve those around them. I am a dual sport athlete every fall. I both play volleyball and run cross country. This can make for a hectic schedule, but I can honestly say that I love this time of year and am so grateful for the ability to contribute to both teams. While I had the great privilege of competing in the UIL State Cross Country Championship as well as advancing to the playoffs with my volleyball team, the athletic achievements are not what motivate me to keep up this busy lifestyle day in and day out. While both of these experiences were thrilling, what truly motivates me are the amazing communities found in both sports. Through helping develop these communities, I have been taught how to truly lead. My volleyball team is special in that most of us have been playing together ever since middle school. While this allows us to grow close to each other and have better teamwork both on and off the court, it can potentially be a challenge for those joining the program later. As one of the captains of the varsity team, I saw a need to intentionally connect with new players. This could look like sitting with them on the bus ride, or choosing to warm up with them instead of the teammate that you’ve always warmed up with. It proved to be challenging, as it meant stepping out of your comfort zone or not spending time with a close friend on the team. However, in the end it was so rewarding as I saw players integrating into the team and becoming a valuable asset to it. Though it might look different than what others view as leadership, I truly believe that the best leaders are selfless and sacrificial. In cross country, my leadership role looks different. While I have played volleyball since sixth grade, I am fairly new to cross country, having only started it my junior year. I went into the sport excited to build relationships with others, but soon found that, based on your pace in workouts, you were mostly only exposed to those with similar speed. This forced me to be creative in how I connected with others, whether it was waiting for a teammate at the end of a race with a water bottle in hand, or taking the time after practice to ask someone how their workout went. This could be difficult on the hot days when I all you want to do is go inside or collapse on the ground, but when I continued to support my team, we became more of a single unit instead of individual runners. This sacrifice proved worthwhile as I saw teammates encouraging and pushing each other regardless of their skill or fitness. So what is a leader? Someone who isn’t afraid to serve others, because they are confident of their place in a community and want others to be confident in their roles. This kind of leadership is not glamorous or exciting, but has an irreplaceable role in forming a cohesive group, whether it’s a team, a business or a society.