College Admissions Essay: Why I Want To Study Basketball

Basketball is my passion. I started playing when I was little, and since then I have been fortunate with experiences that many girls would yearn for. In 2012 I got selected to attend a basketball program in the USA, funded by the U.S. Department of the State. There, I learned techniques, skills and the role of woman in sports. Back home, I felt I had to share my experience with other girls that share my passion. I remember during summer, I went to a public court near my house to play basketball; while I was there, a group of girls was watching and I invited them to play. Before I left I noticed they only had an old ball and they could barely play with it. As I was leaving, one girl asked me: “when can we play again?” And it was in that moment when I realized that they would have love to play more basketball, but they did not have the support that I had.

I went home thinking about how I could help those girls. I thought that the best way to do it was by sharing all I learned. Eventually, I decided to organize a basketball clinic for girls who play basketball. It was a training session day for 50 girls from under-privileged backgrounds. It was not easy; but my hard work and perseverance made it happen. Initially, I did not get support as nobody had confidence in a young girl running such a big project. But I never quit. I sought for sponsors and sent my proposal to the US Embassy in Nicaragua, who funded the project. Also, I invited distinguished coaches who facilitated the training. During the day, the girls focused on learning basic techniques on how to play basketball. I felt fulfilled by seeing them improve in just a short period. From nothing, they managed to develop the confidence to play and improve their skills; and that is one thing I am proud of. Because of the success of this clinic, schools decided to continue empowering girls through sports up until now; and this makes me even