I have always been raised with a “take it on” mentality. I am not known for backing down, but for confronting my challenges head on. I don’t know where this mind-set all began, but I always grew up surrounded by highly influential mentors. I have gained a lot of positive qualities from these role models that make me who I am today. There is no doubt that my parents have been the main driving force behind my success. Since I was a young boy, I had an adventurous personality, always itching to get out and play. I found comfort in sports, trying everything I could. First soccer, then wrestling, next came football, lacrosse and everything in between. Maybe it was the competition that helped me grow, or the coaches I had. Whatever, whoever it was, helped to sculpt me into the determined man I am today. I have been taught many lessons throughout my life, and none more powerful than this quote from my wrestling coach, “The biggest risk in life is not taking one.” I will never back down from a challenge because every time I have tried to, someone has been there to pick me up and urge me to finish. Now that my journey has taken me thousands of miles away from my home in New York, I will have new experiences and people to learn from. I admit it was hard leaving my parents and everything I knew at home, but I am ready to start another chapter in my life and conquer new goals.