Swimming
Throughout my childhood and adolescence I have sprung on opportunities in which I would work in a team setting, especially ones in which I would encounter kids. My compulsion to work in such areas could be derived from the supportive and privileged life I was able to lead in my development to the person I am today. I find instant self-pride and happiness through working with kids as I find that working to help build the people of tomorrow to be one of life’s most rewarding disciplines.
Growing up, one could find my younger self reaching out to others on the playground or in-class who were struggling, and due to the fact that I have always attended public schools within the city of Chicago, I was privy to situations and people that have granted me a diverse outlook on problem-solving. It is from these relationships and experiences that I became interested in childhood development. To stimulate my curiosity, I began an entrepreneurial babysitting organization within my neighborhood and a few others around Chicago that offered safe and supportive babysitters to families in all areas of the city. I also began working full time over my summers, beginning in the fifth grade, at a preschool along Lakeshore drive. I found my work in both places very fulfilling, and continue to do so today.
Growing up where I grew up, in the city, social interaction is a skill that was instilled in me from a very young age. From making my way around on the public transit systems to dealing with my fellow citizens, I always found these secondary relationships easy to handle. This translated to my more primary relationships such as boss to employee or, in the case of my rowing team, coxswain to rowers. I am a “coxswain”, and as this role entails I must constantly during practices and races keep the boat and rowers safe by properly steering the boat (according to the river or regatta rules and safety for the crew), be in command of the boat at all times, and coach the crew when the coach is not present. From this experience i have learned valuable lessons in teamwork and leadership; skills that I hope to learn more of whilst taking ECS.