Identity

Although one may consider being influenced a negative thing, I believe there are positive side effects. For example, I began swimming competitively at the age of six. I remember the feeling on gliding through the water as I heard the crowd roaring when I'd take a breath. That adrenalin rushed motivated me to fully commit to the sport of swimming. From there, I joined yet another swim team. This team required hours of dedication, determination and goal setting. Throughout my eight year on the team I discovered a tremendous amount of positive qualities about myself. I owe a lot of what I learned to my head coach, Dawn. She taught me more than just how to win a race; she taught me that life is unfair but you can't succeed in anything if you don't put your mind to it. I learned how to be my own personal motivator, whether it be in the pool or in school. I learned that eventually hard work will pay off as long as I am willing to put in the effort 100% of the time. I also learned that although there may be difficulties and obstacles along the way, staying focused and determined are the key factors to achieving my goals. These attributes I have obtained from the sport of swimming are continuously being tested throughout my everyday life.

Another major factor that has attributed to my identity today are my fourteen years of Catholic school education. The environment I learn in has had a tremendous affect on who I am today. From being in grade school and having to pray 3-5 times a day has helped put me on a track to having a daily prayer life, whether it be aloud or in private. I have learned how to truly respect my peers as well as elders. I have gained a sense of independence in that I know what is required of me to be the best student I can be. I understand this world is harsh at times and being in an all girls private catholic school has taught me to appreciate all that I have but also help those who do not have as much. The catholic school education has also encourage me to attend a smaller Jesuit College, Fairfield University where I will be studying to become a registered nurse.

Lastly, my family has had a large impact on who I am today. They have helped me understand the true meaning behind the word family. Although arguments may break out at times between my siblings or parents, I know they will always be there for me, as I will be for them. In a sense, one may say I have learned how to love unconditionally. With all that my family has taught me, I am able to take those attributes into the real world and put them to use with relationships between my friends, teachers, coaches or strangers. They have taught me how to act as a "lady" but also follow my heart. They believe I am the beholder to my future. Whatever I want to do when I mature is up for me to decide. Their job is to be the supporters watching and cheering as I strive towards my goals.