Hs Experience

You asked me to tell about an experience that helped shape who I am. The truth is that I have been going through this experience from a young age. Being the younger sibling of two, my brother has always been known as the “golden boy.” Not only did he excel in academics, but his dedicated character carried through into his athletic abilities.  On the other hand I was none of that instead more interested in spending time with my friends and being social. I did not strive to be better due to fear of falling short of my brother. I thought to myself, “Why try? I’ll never measure up.”

My fear followed me into high school, but there seemed to be a sign of change. My brother excelled in the math and sciences, making me believe that those classes were all that mattered, but I finally realized that could not be more untrue. Three areas in school really helped realize my hidden abilities and potential careers. First was taking marketing class, which allowed me to develop off my loud persona into something useful. Talking to people was always a simple task for me, but after taking that class I evolved into a strong speaker with the creativity and professional vernacular needed to succeed. Then there was ceramic class where I shined brightly. Art has always given me the opportunity to express myself visually where I could not with words; my imagination was able to come to life on a 3-D scale. My favorite mentionable creation was a miniature “Mike Wazowski” from Monsters University which brought smiles on all whom laid eyes on him.

Finally, but perhaps most importantly to me, I joined my school’s dance team. Keep in mind that I dislike being watched and had zero dance experience besides watching Shakira and the Step Up movies as a kid, but it was finally time for me to step out of my comfort zone. Walking into the gym I knew no one, and only the desire to be on the team kept me moving forward. Unfortunately my auditions was not enough to get on the performance team, but the coaches saw potential and gave me a spot on the training team where I could train along with the other members in efforts to proceed on to the varsity team the following year. It wasn’t my preferred outcome but I accepted it wholeheartedly because I wanted so badly to be on that team. That faith my coaches had in me motivated me to become a better dancer to show them that I deserved to be on more than just the training team. I worked extremely hard and progressed so quickly that by the end of the season they presented me with a varsity letter that was not necessarily supposed to be given to me because I was only on the training team. This team allowed me to grow not only as a dancer but as a person who is disciplined, responsible, and strong.

As my high school journey is nearing its end there’s nothing I’m afraid of because I know what I’m capable of and I know I am strong enough to take on anything life throws at me. I no longer have the fear that once held me back from my success. I may not be much like my brother, but that’s a good thing—my talents are something to be proud of. Discovering my talents in art, dance, and marketing eliminated my fear, and I will continue with this attitude to hone those talents at the University of Washington.