Virginia Tech

"Sorry, I don't have my lines memorized yet." When I heard the phrase for the third time two weeks out from the first state high school theater competition, where my high school was entering a 30-minute version of Hamlet in the Klingon language, I knew I had to take charge.

Spending hours constructing a line-by-line guide to the script and seeking out the actors having trouble, I stepped beyond my roles as a mere translator and dialogue coach to tutor the cast. Rapidly learning my part, I aided other actors' preparations during rehearsals as much as I practiced mine. Despite our third place finish, I discovered how to commit whatever's necessary to ensure a good showing.

Despite having been a member of the Scholastic Bowl team since entering high school, even a year ago, I could contribute little more than an understanding of the sciences and esoteric medieval history. However, when I became one of the team's senior members, I realized that wasn't enough.

After working hard to ensure that my teammates can depend on me, I've learned to recognize figures as various as Rodin, Coltrane, and Hegel. During games, I've gained the confidence to step forward when it's time to choose a captain and the experience needed to make quick decisions. At Virginia Tech, in the Academic Competition Organization, I will continue to use the skills I've acquired to bring those around me to victory.

I moved to my neighborhood seven years ago, and ever since I've been heavily involved with all the dogs in the neighborhood. My favorite resident was Spot, an older dog, who belonged to a blind man. While her owner was in the hospital where he passed away, I watched her full-time. He could no longer pay me, but I didn't mind. I cared for Spot until she passed as well. The neighbors refer to me as the dog whisperer, because I was able to get a leash on a lost dog who is typically very aggressive and find his owners. Through this, I've learned great responsibility, that I intend to spread to my peers at Virginia Tech.

I have a goal to go D1 for cheerleading. I've been cheering since I was eight, and this has always been my dream. I currently attend weekly tumbling classes on top of my daily practices, and after this season I plan to spend my time working on my skills. I want to start cheering my freshmen year, so I have under a year to get ready. Until recently, I didn't know much about college cheer, so I consulted with my coach. She helped me gather a list of colleges and told me what I needed to work on. She has helped me attend multiple cheer clinics. Those clinics confirmed my desire and started me on the path to my dream.