Undergraduate / What peculiarity or unique distinctives do you possess that will allow you to contribute to UF [4]

"You run for fun?" The number of times that I've been asked this question throughout the last 6 years of my life is mad. "Running isn't even a sport." The number of times that I've heard this statement just makes me mad. Running is probably the simplest action: a continuous right, left, right, along with a constant involuntary breathing pattern. Simple. Even then, training to perfect that right, left, right and that continual breathing for lengths farther than the distance it takes for the Earth's surface to curve out of sight is a trial not for the faint of heart, and that's what makes it so great.

Running does so much more than just release sweat. It releases stress, and I've learned to use it to do so. As I stride across courses all while my body adjusts itself to the challenges of uneven terrains and steep inclines, my mind is set free to drift and to sift through whatever needs sorting or disposing, all which includes the struggles of being a teen, upcoming tasks as a student, some nagging stress. Running has taught me and made me out to be more disciplined. I have had to learn how to cope with being a full time student maintaining strong grades and participating in various after school activities all while being devoted to the lifestyle of a runner. This has been exceptionally difficult, especially when considering the struggles of being an upcoming 1st generation college student whose parents barely got past the 6th grade in a developing Latin American country. Despite their ignorance for what a High School education life is like, I am forever grateful for the efforts and sacrifices my parents have made by immigrating to this country at the ages of 15 and 18 all while expecting a child along their treacherous journey, and allowing me to have the opportunity for a better future.

When I'm put to a task I am persistent and put both hard work and effort into what I do, this is true in all aspects of my life. I'm diligent and passionate about the work I do, and this passion has helped me find a potential for myself which I didn't know I previously had. Over the years that I have ran, I have developed an extremely warped mindset on the nature of what genuine strength entails. I have experienced pain beyond my comprehension, and yet saw no reason for why surrendering to it was acceptable. I have faced that intolerable urge to quit, and the blissful sensation of overcoming it. My love for running has motivated me throughout my high school life, it has given me a drive to excel and taught me to remain perseverant despite how impossible a task may seem. This is what defines me, what would make me a successful Gator and why I run for fun.