I’ve lived in Bellevue since the 5th grade, starting at Enatai Elementary School, then onto Chinook Middle School, and now as a senior at Bellevue High School. Each stage of my education and the impact of the Bellevue community has played a crucial role in defining my passions, interests, and the person I am today.

At Bellevue High School, I embraced leadership roles that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. As the president of the Finance Club, I had the chance to explore my passion for finance, organizing events and leading discussions that deepened my understanding of the field. Serving as the secretary of the Middle-Eastern and North African (MENA) Club provided me with a platform to connect with my heritage and foster cultural awareness within our school community.

My involvement didn’t stop there. I was an elected member of class office all four years of high school, rotating roles including class president. This experience taught me the importance of teamwork, organization, and the impact of student leadership. Additionally, my participation in DECA, where I was a state finalist during my sophomore and junior years, and recently placed second as a senior, honed my business acumen and competitive spirit. Currently, I am preparing for the upcoming state DECA competition, eager to build on my previous successes.

Outside the classroom, I dedicated my summers to volunteering at NXTGen, a youth baseball camp for 6-12 year old's. This experience was incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to mentor young athletes and share my love for the game. Alongside volunteering, I worked part time at Earl’s restaurant in downtown Bellevue between sports seasons, gaining valuable work experience and learning the dynamics of the hospitality industry.

Sports have always been a cornerstone of my life. Freshman year I juggled football, baseball, and basketball, but eventually decided to focus on football and baseball due to the demanding schedules. Football quickly became my favorite, largely because of the brotherhood and camaraderie that come with being part of a team. Summers were spent playing baseball for my club team and preparing for the upcoming football season.

Initially, my athletic focus was on baseball. After a successful junior season, I began receiving interest from schools on the East Coast and even attended a camp in Boston, meeting numerous coaches and exploring opportunities. However, my trajectory took an unexpected turn during the fall of my senior year. Encouraged by our athletic recruiting coordinator at BHS, I created a football highlight tape and sent it to various schools. To my surprise, I received significant interest from several highly-regarded academic institutions.

This new path led me to discover Sprint Football, a unique variation of the sport with weight restrictions that emphasize speed and agility. A good friend who plays baseball at the University of Pennsylvania suggested I reach out to Sprint Football teams. Within a week, I was on calls with coaches from both UPenn and Cornell, discussing my future in their programs.

Choosing between two prestigious Ivy League institutions was challenging but ultimately, I felt a stronger connection with Cornell. The coaching staff’s enthusiasm and clear vision for the program resonated with me. Their energy and "want" for me were undeniable, and I knew Cornell was where I belonged. I decided to commit to playing Sprint Football at Cornell. I will be enrolling in the Dyson School of Business, focusing on finance. The prospect of combining rigorous academics with collegiate athletics is exhilarating.

One aspect of college football that excites me is the travel. Unlike high school where games are typically within an hour’s drive, college games will take us across state lines, involving flights and long road trips. I look forward to the core memories of staying in hotels, traveling with my teammates, and experiencing life on other elite college campuses.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize everything happens for a reason. Going into my senior year, I fully expected to commit to a baseball school after the season. Yet, within two months, I found myself committed to an Ivy League institution for Sprint Football. This unexpected turn of events taught me that good things often come when you least expect them, and embracing new opportunities can lead to incredible outcomes.

As I prepare to embark on this new chapter at Cornell, I carry with me the lessons, experiences, and relationships from Bellevue that have shaped who I am. I am excited for the challenges and adventures that lie ahead, knowing my journey is just beginning.