My experiences as both a student-athlete and a martial artist have shaped the direction I want my future to take and the way I hope to serve my community. Through baseball, I’ve learned teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Through martial arts, where I earned my 4th Degree Black Belt, a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and eventually became a Certified Instructor, I gained confidence, leadership skills, and a passion for helping others grow. Balancing these commitments while taking honors-level courses and working a part-time catering job (The Smoke Pit) has taught me strong time-management skills and reinforced the importance of responsibility and dedication. These experiences, combined with overcoming a serious knee injury in eighth grade, inspired my commitment to pursue a career in physical therapy and sports medicine.

After graduating from Northwest Cabarrus High School, I plan to attend college to begin the Physical Therapy Assistant program, later transferring to complete a degree in Sports Medicine. My goal is to work with athletes recovering from injuries, helping them regain strength, mobility, and confidence. Having gone through the physical and emotional challenges of recovery myself, I understand how important it is for athletes to feel supported, encouraged, and guided by someone who truly cares.

I hope to bring that level of commitment back to my community. Whether working in a clinic, supporting youth sports programs, or volunteering my time to teach proper training and injury-prevention techniques, I want to help athletes stay healthy and motivated. I also plan to continue mentoring younger students in martial arts, using the skills and values I’ve learned—discipline, respect, and perseverance—to help them grow.

My long-term goal is to create a positive impact by helping people heal, stay active, and believe in their potential. I want my education and future career to become a way of giving back to the community that has supported me, encouraged me, and shaped the person I am today.