My brother, Sam by Sydney

My brother, Sam by Sydney - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

My brother, Sam, and I have always been pretty close. I’m glad he feels comfortable telling me about his experiences because I’ve gained perspective about setting goals and life in general. Throughout my life and especially now as I finish my high school career, I keep my brother's advice in my mind. He showed me how to be positive and adaptable in frustrating situations. In addition, he taught me to stay true to myself, my goals, and my morals.

Even though Sam is the most dedicated person I know, not everything has worked out according to his plans. He has always wanted to play for a D1 soccer team. To achieve this goal he started his college search early, attended recruiting camps, played soccer with the state team for school, club and Olympic Development Program, as well as volunteering regularly as a coach. Although Sam had plenty of friends in high school, soccer always came first. He once said “soccer is my girlfriend”. I don’t think anyone that knows him could disagree.

Seeing him put all his effort into what he loves is truly inspiring but sometimes bitter-sweet. Sam was talking with a coach from a D1 team, and the coach had not made Sam an offer because he’d not seen a video of him 'dominating a game.’ At his next tournament, in the pouring rain, Sam made a significant impact with 3 goals and two assists leading his team to a big win. Sam wanted to send the coach the game film right away. Unfortunately, no one had recorded the game due to the hard rain.

I couldn’t understand how someone who worked so hard could get passed over so drastically. Sam was not as upset as I expected, however. He said he was glad he played so well and he would use that as motivation to continue being a game changing player. He is now happily playing soccer at another college. This experience made me understand true optimism and how to be adaptable yet resilient.

I always thought my brother's optimism and confidence came naturally. One night I was upset about my body image, and Sam was there for me as usual. He told me how he had trouble feeling confident in middle school because kids made fun of his small size. Sam told me that one night he was in tears talking to our dad. He didn’t understand why he couldn’t grow or gain more muscle, thinking that he was the problem. Dad told him that no one is completely happy with how they look, especially the ones who make others feel bad about themselves. He told Sam that he hadn’t grow much in middle school either and people change with time. Sam kept what our dad said in mind and used his critics as motivation moving forward. When he hit high school he got taller and stronger, and outperformed all of his critics. They started asking Sam for tips to become more athletic.

Another great trait I’ve observed is that my brother never loses sight of his goals or his morals. Once after homecoming, he went over to his friend's house for a small get-together. Some of Sam’s high school friends were into some questionable stuff, and that night they went out to smoke weed. Remembering that night he told me, “So, while they did that, I hung out playing ping-pong with Caden and his girlfriend.” I understood that although he might miss out on doing something to fit in with his friends, he knew what he wanted to do in the future and wouldn’t do anything to risk it. When I think about this story I relate it to my own goals and future, as well as the decisions I will have to make.

I am grateful to have a brother who has been continuously supportive. He has taught me the significance of hard work and determination. Sam remains my biggest mentor and forever best friend.