Personal Statement

Dominic Terracciano

College Essay

“High Ambitions”

    Growing up as a kid, things were never easy for me. Money was always tight and since day one I was taught that if you want something you work for it, and that nothing was ever handed to you. It felt like we were always in a tough spot. But I was always a dreamer and refused to let my situation hold me back. In fact, these challenges were like my guiding lights, showing me the way forward. The sacrifice my parents made for my siblings and I taught me that I could overcome obstacles as well. In this essay, I’ll share how growing up in a tough environment shaped me and made me determined to chase my dreams. My story is about not giving up, even when times get rough, and always aiming for the stars… High Ambitions.

    All throughout elementary and middle school in Keansburg NJ, a small town in Monmouth County, I was always top of my class and getting honor roll. My parents have always taught me to get good grades and to work hard. When I was only four years old my parents put me in football and wrestling. Ever since I’ve been hooked and feel like sports really do complete me. At just the age of 11, I qualified for New Jersey State Tournament where I ended up as a state finalist. I also won Tri-counties in middle school going undefeated. I won all-American at plenty of different duals and won my whole Jersey Shore division. Also in football, I was always selected for the All-Star leagues at the end of the season. I was never too interested in going to Keansburg High School, as I have always been in Keansburg and am aware it's a small school with not a great curriculum. I wanted a change, a challenge if you will, somewhere to fulfill my high ambitions and give me a better shot at college. I applied to Saint John Vianney High School, a very big, private catholic school in Holmdel NJ. I chose this school because they have better athletics, curriculum, etc. Although the tuition was a crazy 15 thousand dollars a year, I was put on an athletic and academic scholarship which brought it to around five thousand a year. Knowing that my parents were already struggling to make ends meet, I had to put matters into my own hands and get jobs in the modeling and acting industry. I never really did like it too much though, as I was only doing it for my tuition. During one of the SJV wrestling practices, I felt myself get very dizzy and my muscles started to contract and I couldn't move. Long story short I started to lose hearing in my right ear because of something called Ménière's disease. It is something that randomly once in a very long time knocks off your equilibrium balance and gets you extremely dizzy. I’ve personally gotten a lot better at coping with the dizziness, and am better at catching and knowing it is going to happen before it does.

I was able to get enough modeling/acting jobs during my freshman year and it flew by. During my freshman year in the wrestling season one night, we were going up against Holy Cross, another really good private school, and I had to go against a 19-year-old senior who had over 100 wins and was committed to Rider University, this guy even had a kid. Mind you this is my second high school match ever, I caused an upset and ended up beating him 7-6, that was the win that began to get my name out there. I finished the year with all A’s and realized how much different the atmosphere was from my old school, everyone had money, cool cars, etc. While I barely had enough money to buy school lunch and supplies, I didn’t really fit in and it showed. During football season in my sophomore year, I was forced to miss a few practices because I had booked jobs to pay for my tuition, the head coach then thought that since I missed practice I shouldn't be able to play. So he would take me out for quarters of games and sometimes full games. This then forced me to slow down on acting and modeling and was just able to slip by my sophomore year again finishing the year with all A’s. After explaining to the athletic director and head coach that If I can’t work I am going to need more help financially, they denied me the money surprisingly after being a factor on the wrestling team.

Shortly after, I decided to transfer back to my hometown at Keansburg High School with all my friends and old teachers and save my money. Although I went back to public school, my goals never changed, I still worked hard in the wrestling room and on the field, and my dream to open up my own successful business was still ago. I really want to be the change in my family, the one to show them that we can do it too, and hopefully motivate my older brother and little sister whom I know have the potential but just need the guide and proof that we can. My brother, Gino, has always been extremely intelligent, he is two years older than me and at only 18 years old he succeeded two years free in college and was named manager of McDonald's, he was transported to a bunch of different restaurants that needed help managing as well. Which all just demonstrates his work drive and I know can do something big one day, he just needs to see that it can be done. That same year right after I transferred out of SJV, they implemented a new rule saying that transferred students have to wait a whole 30 days for each sport before they are allowed to play. It seriously felt like everything and everyone was against me. It might not seem like it but 30 days is a lot taken out from one season, and I had to do it for football AND wrestling. It was truly upsetting, but never stopped me. In football, as the starting varsity running-back/receiver and safety, I was a major factor and led the team in tackles and yards all throughout my last two seasons at KHS. In wrestling, however, I was shining and going undefeated during the seasons. 

In conclusion, my journey from Joseph R. Bolger Middle School in Keansburg to Saint John Vianney High School and back to Keansburg High School has been a rollercoaster of challenges, determination, and unyielding ambition. I’ve faced financial struggles, health setbacks, and the pressure of maintaining academic excellence, all while pursuing my dreams and trying to help support my family. My experiences have taught me that adversity can be a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. The difficulties I encountered at SJV, the sacrifices I made in the modeling and acting industry, and the hurdles I navigated were not mere obstacles but opportunities to strengthen my resolve. These experiences underscore the importance of unwavering dedication to one's goals, even when the path seems steep and the odds are stacked against you. As I returned to my roots at KHS, I carried with me the invaluable lessons learned on my journey. My high ambitions remain undiminished, and I am more committed than ever to achieving my dreams and making a positive impact on my family and community. I am determined to be the catalyst for change, not just for myself, but for those around me, showing that resilience and hard work can pave the way to success. My story, however, is far from over, and I am excited to continue pursuing my dreams, whether that means excelling in sports, achieving academic success, or eventually realizing my goal of opening a successful business. I am eager to embrace the challenges that lie ahead and transform them into stepping stones toward a brighter tomorrow. My journey is a testament to the power of unwavering determination, and I am ready to keep reaching for the stars, armed with the lessons I’ve learned along the way… High Ambitions.