I moved to the U.S. my freshman year from South Africa. While living in South Africa for eight years, I played many sports. My freshman year in high school, I played soccer at the JV level, but later on in the season, I was pulled up by the varsity coach. The winter of my freshman year I played Varsity Ice Hockey. When spring came around, I was encouraged by all my friends to play lacrosse. I was put on the JV team and there I learned how to pass shoot and cradle. My sophomore year I was put on JV again, but occasionally took face-offs for the varsity program. My Junior year, our Lacrosse program had a change of personnel. We had a new head coach, Mark Lange. My Junior year was the year I excelled in lacrosse. I was a key contributor on the team and I ended the season with ten goals, seven assists and was selected to play in the rising stars game. My high school career has not only revolved around sports, but academics as well. My freshman and sophomore years were hard as I struggle to adapt to the American education system and understanding key concepts. Through hard work and dedication, I was able to turn my academic career around. I ended my Sophomore year just short of making honor roll and my Junior year I was an honor roll recipient along with taking AP German. Through this life changing experience I have learned how to deal with frustration and disappointment. I have also learned the value of hard work and how it pays off in the long run. I have been very fortunate to have such an exciting life so far and I wish to share my experiences of lacrosse and life with others.