For most of my life, I struggled with my weight. Due to my weight issues, I also developed high cholesterol. In December 2020, I was determined to finally do something about my weight. Since I was home during the pandemic, it was slightly easier for me to start working on my health. With the help of my friends and family, I went from 172 pounds down to 128 pounds in about six months. I started a daily routine of eating better, eating less, running, lifting weights and performing other workouts. Being healthy helped me physically, emotionally and academically.

Eventually, I sustained an injury from so much exercise. This prevented me from continuing my daily workouts for several months. Once my injury healed, I was able to participate in various virtual running activities. It took me a while to build up my stamina to run and exercise again. By this time, I was getting out of shape again. This is when I heard about my future high school’s cross-country team tryouts. They were two weeks away and I was lacking the confidence that I had a few months before. Two days before the official time trial, I reinjured my leg. I was tempted not to try out because I was afraid I would not make the team. Thanks to the confidence I built in myself during the closures, I made the high school cross country team. I was excited because cross-country would further support the healthy living habits that I developed during the closures.