“Hard work will beat talent when talent does not work hard”. I always wanted to play varsity basketball when I was in high school but my ability was not yet at the varsity level. Before my junior year in high school, I decided to commit myself to work on my skills in order to improve my chances on joining the squad. Twice a week, I would wake up at 5 in the morning to be at school by 6 and workout with the varsity coach. I attribute my great work ethic to my commitment in basketball during that year. I was able to shoot the ball and handle the ball better than I ever had but more importantly I became a man. I had become a tougher person and a competitor on and off the basketball court. I realized I could accomplish anything I wanted if I put in the work. After months of hard work, the varsity basketball coach notified me that there was a spot on the varsity basketball team for me. His saying was always, “hard work will beat talent when talent does not work hard.” But working hard was not only a commitment to myself, it was a reflection of my parents. My parents were immigrants from another country and found success in America with a poorly spoken English. I also knew that if my parents could succeed, there is nothing to stop me because I was given the boon of a good education and grew up speaking English. In my 8th grade history class, I was introduced to this quote by Lucius Seneca, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." I want luck. I am starving for success. I do not want to be complacent with where I am in life. I can be great and will be great because when my opportunity in life comes, I want to be ready and jump all over it. I am in a challenging and competitive environment in UCLA. I need to find a way to stand out and not be just an ordinary person. My background will make sure ill be given that chance.
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