My love for Nintendo started with the original Nintendo DS and now the Nintendo Switch and my favorite game has always been Mario Kart. There is no better way to thrill-seek, stir up some anxiety, and compete with friends and family. One specific memory that always comes to mind is the day after my AP Chemistry exam when our class organized a Mario Kart tournament. Immediately after we all left the testing room, all we could talk about was the Mario Kart tournament we were having the next day, what pizza toppings we wanted, and what we wanted to drink. There was simply no better way to celebrate all the hard work we had done that year. I spent hours trying to draw a fair bracket based on our skill levels. There was a winners bracket, a losers bracket, and paper crowns for the winners. Each game was a four-player co-op race with all the same settings, as fair as possible. It was my turn to play; I was the underdog. Everyone had way more experience and played all the time; I was good but not super good. The race started and I was holding a steady second place behind my classmate. I was racking up red toad heads and throwing bananas that I hit myself. It was the beginning of the last lap, and I wasn't sure if I was going to win. My classmate ended up falling off the track, and I was able to pull ahead to secure first place at the finish line. Everyone cheered and commented on how they didn't know I was good at Mario Kart. I was very proud of my performance and would have been happy if I only made it that far. All the other players play their first round, and their second, and the first round of the losers bracket. Then it was the quarter-finals, and I was still winning my races. This race was with three of the best Mario Kart players in the class, and I was extremely nervous about this race. I took a step back and realized my chemistry class is playing Mario Kart during school, and this doesn't happen anywhere else with any other teacher. I locked back into the game, my nerves were gone, and I was simply having fun; even though, I was losing very badly. After the race was over, we all shook hands, and I went and sat down. Multiple people came up to me saying that they wanted me to win for the underdog story. This is easily the best and most memorable memory I have of chemistry class and Mario Kart. Never would I ever have imagined that I could bond with so many different types of people over Mario Kart, and the friendships that formed that day are some that will stick with me forever. Playing Mario Kart during class is something I highly recommend to all schools because you never know how much fun you could have and who needs a break from reality. When entering the world of Mario Kart all other worries are put to the side, besides the stress and intensity from the game, but at the end of the day, it is just a game meant for loads of fun with friends and even classmates.

Dear Mom and Dad, You both are my rock. You have done everything possible to ensure that I have all the resources available to better myself as an athlete, and more importantly, as a person. From tot-soccer, all the way to NCAA soccer, you have been there for me without a doubt and through thick and thin. Starting when I was two years old, you both were out on the field kicking a ball around with me. Then came travel and high school soccer with weekday games after long days at work and school. When one season finished, another was beginning. You both did not miss a beat when transitioning from high school to club, when the drive to practice went from 5 minutes to 45 minutes, you made it possible. The out-of-state weekend trips, out-of-state day trips, and everything in between, you gave up countless opportunities for yourselves, and me, and there is not much else I could ask for. Mom, I watch you work so hard, there is no one more ambitious and determined than you. I understand missing some games and tournaments because it was all for me. You were my first coach. You might have had to bribe me with Skittles to stay on the field, but it wasn't for nothing, and I owe it all to you. Dad, you have been to every game and tournament I have ever played. It wouldn't be the same if you weren't on the sideline watching and cheering me on. There might have been times I was angry with you or didn't want to listen to you, but now I understand. You have had a different perspective of the game this whole time and were trying to help me excel. From riding your bike while I run around the neighborhood, kicking balls in the backyard, or sending me training videos on Instagram reels, you just wanted to be a part of my story and success. Now, as a college athlete, I can see the whole picture. When nothing seemed perfect and you both, I assume, were on my nerves, none of that mattered, that is not what will stick with me for the rest of my life. The invaluable life lessons I have learned just from watching you - resilience, accountability, and leadership are something I can take with me and apply to the rest of my life. The wins and losses will never matter compared to the sacrifices made to get me to where I am today. I am a better human being for having you as my parents. Thank you for all that you have done, and all that you continue to do for me, it does not go unnoticed. I love you more, Rachel Gatten