When people ask me about who I am, I usually don’t know what to say. I could say I’m a soccer player, An athlete, a student, a brother, a runner, a reader and writer, a child of god, a volunteer, or a referee. I could say all these things and many more, but I never feel like that alone can show people who I really am. I am 16 years old going into my junior year at Johns Creek High School. I am amazing and I have everything and more.

My soccer journey started as an adventurous 7 year old that was drawn to soccer. From playing recreational soccer for fun to now playing on a team that travels out of state for games and tournaments nationally, I have come a long way. I became a captain of my club soccer team Atlanta Fire United, played for my high school soccer team, and played in high profile matches in North Carolina and Orlando. Playing soccer got me into refereeing. Part of me just felt like I wanted to get a job, and a part of me wanted to get a job with something I would truly enjoy. I have refereed for about a half year now, and have learned to enjoy everything that comes with it. The crazy screaming parents and coaches along with the occasional fracas on the field are something I have embraced and become entertained by. Cross country was something I recently got into to help me as a runner and an athlete and also to meet new people. Anyways, that’s basically the athletic part of me, but there’s still so much more that encompasses me.

“At my Fathers house, there’s a place for me, I’m a child of God, yes I am.” These are the lyrics of a song we sing at church and as I have progressed forward in my understanding and relationship with God, this couldn’t be more true. Since joining North Point Church a year and a half ago, I have met so many amazing people and grown so much in my faith. From summer retreats to Daytona Beach, to weekends with my brothers in Christ, to Sunday afternoons together, I don’t take any of it for granted. I am a brother to two, and one of the things I have tried to do with my brothers is help them get closer to God as well. My younger brothers mean the world to me and I love them so much. ‘

I do great in the classroom. I get good grades and am a member of different clubs. I’m going to go to an amazing college one day. I am an A student and an avid reader and writer. I am a part of Beta Club which does volunteer work in the school and community. I joined that club for the volunteer hours and recognition initially, but it is something I now find joy in and willingly do. Writing is something that I feel came to me at an early age. I remember once writing a narrative in my fifth grade class, and my teacher later telling me that it was one of the best in the class and that I had a talent for it. I have enjoyed writing a lot and see it as a way to express myself. A career in writing is something I will eventually look to pursue, but nothing is set in stone yet.

My experiences and things I’ve done in this life don’t quite define me or tell my full story, but it gives you an idea of what I’m all about. As I continue to move forward in my life, I will add new things to my palette and grow into an even more amazing person, with a greater story to tell.