There were many reasons why I applied to become a Victory Scholar. I thought it was the perfect time in my life to spend one year away doing something completely new and different. It was the ultimate opportunity to learn and grow as a person in all aspects. For starters, it is enough to say that this is a chance of a lifetime just to be able to study at one of the Irish collages, especially Trinity which is amongst the most prestigious in the world; but on top of that, I wanted to further develop my leadership skills and have a positive influence on a new community while playing the sport I have enjoyed my entire life. This also was the opening door for me to travel and see the world outside of America, something I always dreamed of doing. But most of all, my dad is the reason I became a Victory Scholar.
When I was about 8 years old up until age 16, I was fortunate enough to play for my dad, the most influential role model in my life. He taught me everything there is to know about the game, and he is the reason for all of my accomplishments and achievements. Unfortunately, he lost his battle to cancer at the end of my high school career, but I was beyond grateful to have him during my childhood as a young athlete. Not only was he a great dad, but he was a shining example for all of the younger children he coached because of his passion and knowledge about sports, and just life in general.
If I did not have my dad as a role model to look up to, I would never be the person who I am today. Through Sport Changes Life I wanted to be able to pay it forward, by using community outreach and coaching as a chance to be a role model/mentor to younger children who may not be as lucky as I was to have someone like my dad in their lives. Sure, the continuing to play and traveling are HUGE perks that also drove me to apply, but the main reason was to be a figure for younger children to look up to. There are few chances in life where you are able to make a positive impact on a group of people, and we should all be jumping at the opportunity when comes our way.
