Service is very important ideal for me, as I find it is something that helps me keep balance in my life. I know that I have been blessed with many things that most people aren't given and part of having a lot is giving back a lot as well. Luckily, my school has a very active service program but I try to do service on my own. At the end of every season, I go through my drawers and donate the clothes that I don't need to the Salvation Army, I know that someone out there needs the clothes more so than I do, and will get better use out of them than just having them sit in my drawers. Service is important to me because I don't want to be content in knowing I have a lot. I want to help be part of the solutions, there are many kids who don't have half the stuff I do and by me giving up something that I don't use or don't wear, I can make someone's day. I think that service is something that can be done year-round and it's so easy to do, so why not take the 10 or 15 minutes to do it.

On the field, and in the pool, my leadership motto is simple: Lead by example. I can't expect that my other teammates will do what I ask them to if they don't see me doing the correct thing. So on the field/in the pool is the easy part, out of the pool/off the field there's just so much I wish I could do. This past field hockey season I organized a Play for the Cure fundraiser during the month of October with the help of my field hockey team. During each of our home games we sold concessions and during the school day we sold bands that all raised money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. This cause was extremely important to me because my grandmother died from a breast cancer related illness. My team and I raised over $100 dollars for the foundation, I hope that this can be something we do on a regular basis as a team, for a great cause.

I'm a very active member in my school community, and that what makes me the athlete that I am. I know that the lessons I learn in school apply to my athletics and vice versa. Part of what keeps me healthy is that I know what I do effects not only my team but also my singing and my studies. I strive to be the best I can be in all three aspects of my life, arts, athletics, and academics. I know that I have the support of my family and my friends behind me, so while it can be challenging knowing that my decisions impact all 3 aspects of my life and the other people who play a part in those sects, (i.e. my chorus director, my teammates, my coaches) it keeps me focused. I know that I can improve everyday so long as I make the smart, and healthy choices. That's how I keep healthy and focused in not only my athletics but in my life as a whole.