Personal Statement

As a kid, I always wanted to play football. My parents had me try a number of other sports such as soccer and baseball and to be honest, I didn't like any of them.  My parents have plenty of embarrassing pictures of me either crying or in a bad mood at practice and at games. So, when I told my parents that I wanted them to sign me up for Pop Warner, my parents were a little concerned. My dad played football for most of his life and eventually won a CIF championship with Upland High in 1995. They weren't sure if I would be able to handle the sport considering how much of a stink I made playing baseball. But, I knew this was what I wanted. In third grade I was a big boy and my parents knew that I would have to lose some weight in order to play, so for  about a month before sign ups, I made a deal with my parents that I would come home everyday and run a mile on the treadmill. This would not only prove how serious I was, but also help me begin to cut the weight I would need to in order to play. When the first day of sign ups came, we got in the car and headed over. My parents were really proud of me and I was so excited to finally get to play football. Whenever I am faced with a challenge or obstacle, I think back to my third grade self and remember the work and dedication that I put in. That work ethic and mental strength not only helped me to lose the 20 pounds I needed to in order to play, but taught me that hard work pays off. This lesson is something that I apply to football, training, and the classroom, every day.