Resilience is often about pushing through challenges and maintaining a positive mindset, even when circumstances make it difficult. As a camp counselor working with 3 to 5-year-olds, I quickly learned how easy it is to have your emotions exposed. When I tore ligaments in my ankle due to a sports injury, I faced one of the biggest personal challenges I had ever dealt with. That injury was supposed to keep me out for the rest of the season, and while the physical pain was excruciating, the emotional toll was even greater. I was disappointed in myself—not only for getting injured but for having it happen before the season had even started. I dreaded having to explain what happened over and over again to concerned people. Despite this major setback, I still had to wake up each morning, put on my camp shirt, and be the cheerful counselor these kids had grown to love and trust. The first day back at work was one of the hardest. I struggled with frustration because I wasn’t able to run and play with the kids as I usually did. Having to repeatedly explain my injury to adults was exhausting, but even more so was answering the endless questions from curious three to five-year-olds about why I was wearing a big boot or why I couldn’t run. At first, their constant questioning was overwhelming, but then I realized something—this was an opportunity to teach them that challenges don’t necessarily define who we are or what we can do. Even though I was in a boot, I was determined to continue being the counselor they knew and loved. I wanted to show them that just because I was injured, it didn’t mean I couldn’t still participate, lead activities, and bring joy to their camp experience. I made sure they saw that I could still do crafts just like everyone else and that my injury wasn’t stopping me from giving my best effort. Even with a limp, I found ways to play with them, climb on the jungle gym, and ensure they still had fun. I refused to let my injury define me. What I didn’t expect was how much my resilience would affect them. Seeing their faces light up when they realized that "Miss Sam" wasn’t just going to sit and watch but would get up and interact with them was one of the most rewarding moments I’ve ever experienced. Their excitement and encouragement lifted my spirits. Instead of seeing my boot as something that limited me, they treated it like a badge of honor—a symbol of strength rather than weakness. Their energy fueled me, not only to push through the summer but also to recover faster so I could still play my volleyball season. This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships—it’s about how we respond to them. Instead of letting my injury ruin my summer or hold me back, I used it as an opportunity to inspire and uplift those around me. I showed the kids that obstacles don’t have to define us, and in return, they reminded me of the power of encouragement, imagination, and determination. What started as a personal challenge became a lesson in perseverance—not just for me but for my campers. Their belief in me helped me push forward, even on tough days when my ankle hurt and frustration crept in. They reminded me that positivity and determination can make any obstacle seem smaller. Ultimately, I realized that resilience isn’t just about personal strength—it’s about using that strength to inspire others and create a lasting impact.

I am passionate about pursuing a degree in kinesiology or exercise science to become an athletic trainer because it allows me to combine my love for helping others and sports. From a young age, I have been involved in Athletics specifically dance, and then later on in life volleyball. For many years, I spent hours practicing dance perfecting my technique, and trying to continue to be passionate about it. However, I was frequently injured and did not allow myself to heal. I soon lost my love for dance and had to battle with the fact that I no longer had a clear path of what I wanted to do. I felt very lost without the structure that dance had given me. As I was navigating this uncertainty, I was constantly bombarded with suggestions from adults about what I should pursue. It was always a lawyer, a doctor, or even an actor. While these were all professions that were admirable, none of them were anything that I was truly interested in. I genuinely wanted to find something that not only made me happy to wake up and say that I did it but also that gave me a sense of purpose. I was soon given this Clarity at one of my first High School football games that I attended when I saw our athletic trainer Rush onto the field. She was a small woman compared to this 6-ft football player who was on the ground but you could feel the power behind her presence. This wasn't my first time seeing her in action but for some reason, this sparked my interest in her profession. From that moment on I was so eager to figure out what she was doing. I started researching what athletic training was, started going to sports medicine camps and even asked that athletic trainer to Shadow her which I did and I got the clarity that I needed. Without hesitation, I immediately knew that this was something that I wanted to do. In all of these Newfound experiences that I was able to have in shadowing this athletic trainer, I realized that a degree in kinesiology or exercise science is not just about treating injuries- it's about being able to connect with the athletes and a reliable source of support for them. It's about not only helping when athletes are injured and making sure they know they will be okay but also preventing injuries and preventing further harm. And showing that they're going to be safe when they get back on the field and helping them do what they love. I am the type of person who thrives in a fast-paced environment and I love the critical thinking that I have to do when being on the field and being an athletic trainer. That at the moment problem solving that comes with each athlete in each injury is something that fuels me to want to gain more education about the career. And most importantly I found so much fulfillment and knowing that I can make a direct impact on not only one person but a team and not only the team but fan base in keeping an athlete safe Pursuing this degree is not only something that for me is a career choice it's also almost a calling. Not only is this me taking in the suggestions that I was given by those adults at a younger age, it's also me putting a Different Twist to it. I can be in the medical field but also be surrounded by Sports and continue to help others. Every opportunity that I get to learn and grow in the field has given me nothing but reassurance that I'm on the right path. And getting this degree would solidify that I am doing exactly what I meant to be and I'm going to go far with this degree.