By age ten, I was just scratching the surface of techniques for punches and kicks. At age fourteen, I was teaching kids martial arts classes as a first degree black belt. Then in 2020 at sixteen years old, I achieved an ultimate goal of mine: my second degree black belt in mixed martial arts. While it may not be obvious to most, the influence of training in martial arts for the majority of my upbringing has played a significant role in who I am today and my journey towards becoming a mixed animal veterinarian. 

As a homeschooled kid, finding a hobby that I could stick with was difficult. I attempted many extracurricular activities – soccer, ballet and jazz dancing, piano lessons – and none seemed to excite or passionately drive me long-term. My mom had other homeschool families that were involved in martial arts and encouraged us to check it out. At first, my two brothers and I loathed the idea because it was a new and nerve-wracking experience; little did we know that once we completed our first class, we would be obsessed with the sport. Once a week of training turned into three to four times a week, each lesson driving me towards goals I never thought I would have. 

As I matured within this sport, I came to realize that martial arts is not just about punches, kicks, and self defense tactics. Throughout my experiences on the mats, I began to see the value in the fundamentals behind a fancy colored belt. I grew in leadership by teaching classes to lower and even equal belt ranks as I. Oftentimes I would train for hours, performing multiple sparring rounds with adult men twice my size and strength, and breaking wooden boards with the techniques I had practiced. These circumstances taught me confidence in my abilities and perseverance within difficulties. My sensei always told us that we are capable of doing difficult things, and it all comes down to mind over matter; these words, although simple, have stuck with me beyond my martial arts days. 

Since growing up and my education taking precedence over many of my childhood hobbies, I have carried over several aspects of martial arts into my everyday adult life. I firmly believe the confidence and tenacity are characteristics I found through martial arts that helped me achieve my current job as a veterinary assistant and even the goodnight scholars scholarship. The leadership experience has shown me that I can successfully help drive others towards a goal and be that support system a person may need; Alongside this, it has taught me that I am capable of taking initiative in my own passions regardless of the outcome. I think being a martial artist has helped me appreciate hard work, as well as the patience and grace you need to allow yourself to have as you go through the ups and downs of life. I know that the lessons I have taken to heart through this sport will only encourage me and positively influence those around me as I continue to pursue my passion of veterinary medicine. 

While I do not train in martial arts currently, I still take into account the underlying skills I was taught as I continue my education and professional life. These things I will never forget and I am forever grateful for martial arts and the role models I trained beside that helped me grow into my individuality.