Senior 23

¡Echale Ganas! , a phrase I have heard my whole life from family and friends. An expression used to persevere to work hard and give everything you got. Realizing that my parents were not allowed the opportunity to fulfill what they aspired to, I hope to make them proud by reaching my best potential. Living in Wyandotte County, the diversity of beliefs, cultures, languages, and backgrounds have allowed me to meet and understand people that are different from me. Having navigated these different identities in my life, it is important to me to be a leader and positively represent the different communities that I am a part of because I have the privilege to be a part of them.

Leadership is having a voice, collaborating with others, and initiating positive change. Growing up I have encountered a variety of leaders that have modeled leadership, such as my family members, teachers, and coaches. A teacher and coach that I admire consistently shows leadership through modeling positive actions and influence. She always stands up for what is right and isn’t afraid to show others kindness and understanding no matter the situation. Leadership means doing the right thing at all times, even if there is no attention or recognition for doing so. All these different people have influenced me and made me reflect and shape my leadership skills. 

Playing soccer my whole life has developed different positive skills and qualities that have led me to step up and fill that leadership role I was given. I am a captain of my high school soccer team and I am someone that my teammates look up to on and off the field. I get to be a leader on the field and practice with people who have never touched a soccer ball. I make a point to seek out younger players that have little to no experience and form a bond with them. I know that trying something new can be scary, and sometimes all you need is an older leader to reach out first. My coaches can rely on me to be positive and make others laugh, even when things might not be going our way. I can support, encourage, and teach my peers more about a sport that I love. 

My leadership skills are also exercised when I am invited to a soccer club that is made up of tons of girls throughout my community who are inexperienced.  Through this experience, I have learned to hone my communication, patience, and teamwork skills. I talk the girls through things during the game and during halftime and give them advice that will positively impact them. I selflssly try to set them up for success and I always look around to find a teammate that I can give the opportunity to and boost their confidence. My goal is to inspire less experienced players to continue with the sport and improve their own skills. 

As a Hispanic, more specifically, a Mexican-American female that is excelling both academically and athletically, I hope to inspire younger generations and show them how much they can achieve. I want to be a living example, breaking barriers and showcasing the heights that can be reached through dedication and perseverance. My dream is to come back to my community and give back to future generations.  Allowing them to have an opportunity just as I hope to have.