Alexander Ramiro Vaca

I want to repay my parents for all there sacrifices and belief in me but overall, I don't want my parents to pay for anything else. Truly, they have provided me with everything a child could want. Through thick and thin they have supported me and I want to repay all of their sacrifice in the sake of my enjoyment and athletic career. In addition to reasons previously stated, I enjoy challenges and want to push myself into the best athlete and person I can be. I understand that I am no 1 in a million athlete or an all-star but I will push myself until I can do no more. Then I will get up and do more.

Off the field I am honored to serve as the current Regimental Command Sergeant Major of St. Johns College High School. This is the highest position a Junior can attain. On the field, or rather on the water, I was voted "Novice of the Year" by my peers my freshman year. Due to COVID-19 we lost our entire Sophmore year but am working hard to build a strong bond and be an encouraging voice to the new rowers.

I view "Healthy athletic performance" as a combination of mental fortitude, physical results and spiritual balance. I pursue this through my daily lifestyle habits. I understand the importance of fueling my body with nutrients and recovery time. The body needs time to heal and it is vital to understand my limitations so I don't hurt myself. An athlete can be in the best physical state, but if they are not in the correct head space, their performance will suffer. I surround myself with positive influences and continue to strive for my goals, not the goals of others. Daily, I reflect upon my actions on and off the field and evaluate how I can be a better friend, brother, teammate and overall person.

I participate in various charity organizations revolving around helping the homeless to the environment. I have spent many hours helping gather and sort food at local food banks and handing out food to homeless people on the streets in Bethesda at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Over the past six years I have completed over 120 hours of service. These efforts are important to me as they are reminders of how fortunate I am. I was honored to travel to Ecuador in the Spring of 2018 to assist in building a school near my Abuelita's village. It is humbling to know where my family is from and to go back to my roots.