How do you hope to leave a positive legacy and make a lasting impact on your church, community, and the world through your education and future endeavors?
Creating a positive legacy is not about being remembered for doing grand things, but about how you made others feel and how you impacted their growth. I believe in making a difference in people’s lives, especially those who have learning challenges similar to mine. Through my education, involvement with my church, soccer background, and Boy Scouts, I hope to leave a legacy of service, encouragement, and kindness.
It was not easy being a young child with a learning disability and being on an IEP throughout my early school years. I understand the feeling of struggling, being different, and needing extra help. However, among those adversities, I was also shaped into an individual who values patience, perseverance, and compassion. I have been blessed with being able to learn from teachers, coaches, and mentors who had faith in me. From their impact on me, I want to help and inspire others with difficulties similar to mine. This is why I am studying in college, so I can become a teacher who fights and provides support to students, especially those with learning disabilities. I hope that my classroom will be an inviting space where every student feels listened to and empowered, regardless of their learning style.
Additionally, I can use my love of soccer as a way of empowering and engaging youth. As a goalkeeper, I have played soccer for many years with my club and with my school. I hope to be a soccer coach someday—not only to coach skills, but to inspire young players. I particularly want to encourage kids who might feel like they do not fit in or have an extra set of challenges to overcome. Sports can be a great method of instilling confidence, friendships, and a sense of direction, which is what I want to be able to share with others. Being a team player and staying active helped me grow not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally.
My church, Archangel Michael Orthodox Church, has also played a big part in who I am today. Attending services, youth groups, and attending St. Vlad’s Summer camp, helped me grow stronger in my faith. St. Vlad’s played a great role at instructing me further on the Orthodox faith and displaying the importance of staying connected to our religious heritage and community. Our church is a place where, regardless of their background, abilities, or who they are, they feel valued and loved.
In the long term, I would like my future career and involvement in the community to be based on services. Wherever it is, whether it’s in the classroom, on the soccer field, or at church, I desire to be identified as someone who helps others succeed. I desire to be the one who encourages a struggling student, helps them stay on track, and is loving and gentle when others are on the edge of giving up. My Orthodox faith teaches me to serve humbly, to love others, and to live purposefully. That is the foundation upon which I want to base my life, and that is the legacy I want to leave.
Ultimately, I hope the impact I have as an individual is significant. I want my church community to remember me as someone who served and helped bridge younger generations to their faith. Also, I want my students and players to know they are supported, challenged, and encouraged to be their best. That is how I will be making a difference—not in one aspect, but in every aspect of my life. By God’s will and with the assistance of my faith and education, I hope to be remembered for growth, service, and love.
