Growing up in an American small town in the middle of no where in South West Georgia, I have had the opportunity to spend quality time outdoors. Over the years, I have grown to love being outdoors in nature every second I can. Throughout high school, a friend and I took advantage of a bass fishing team that was recently founded at our school. After a rocky start to our first season of fishing competitively, we ended up winning a GISA state championship in bass fishing in the Spring of 2018. Beyond the excitement of being able to bring home a hardwood trophy, this experience has served as one of the most influential moments of my life. My fishing partner and I had fished five to six tournaments that we struggled heavily in prior to the state championship. Although there were many long tough days spent on the water not catching much, we learned something new each time we wet a hook. Over time we got better and learned so much. It taught me how to overcome adversity but mainly showed me the true meaning of hard work paying off. Fishing is not the only outdoor hobby I enjoy. I am also and avid hunter all throughout the year. Nothing is more rewarding to me than being in the quiet woods before sunrise and listening to the entire forest slowly wake up as day breaks. I have learned quite a lot from the great outdoors and intend to continue my passion for it.