From 6th to 8th grade, I faced bullying from a fellow teammate in the locker room because of my weight. It was a tough and isolating experience, and it caused me to struggled with self-esteem. However, when I entered high school, I made a decision to change my lifestyle. I began working hard to lose weight and build muscle, pushing myself both physically and mentally. By my sophomore year, I earned a spot on the varsity football team, and my junior and senior years I have had the honor of being a team captain. Looking back, overcoming the bullying I faced was a huge part of my growth, not only physically but emotionally. It helped me develop resilience and determination, and I now feel like I can help others going through similar struggles. In an unexpected twist, over the past two years, I’ve actually become friends with the boy who first started bullying me in 6th grade. Come to find out, his family life was really messed up. His father was in and out of jail, and my friend was having to be the man of the house and help with his younger siblings. The past two years I have been giving him rides to football practice, taking him to FCA meetings, and even buying him breakfast and food after school. We’ve formed a bond, and I’m glad I have been able to be there for him, knowing how much I needed support during my own tough times. Overcoming this adversity has shown me how much we can grow and change, and how important it is to help others along the way. My goal is to pursue a career in the HVAC/R industry, which offers so much opportunity for growth. I have been accepted to Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in the fall. Their program has an excellent reputation for providing hands-on, technical education and almost immediate job placement. At TSTC, I plan to earn both a certification and an associate degree in HVAC/R. Earning both will equip me with the experience required in the field and knowledge to be a business owner. By owning my own HVAC/R company, it will allow me to provide for my family, contribute to my community by bringing in jobs, and helping others. I know building a successful business won’t be easy and will take hard work, but I’m ready for the challenge.