Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or
experience that is important to you. What about this quality or
accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person
you are?

When I was a little girl I was first handed a basketball, and almost
immediately, I was captivated by it. Because I took to the sport naturally, in
the 9th grade, I was first placed into the high pressure and intense training
camp for the school team. Despite the intensity of the camp, I would reach
15 minutes earlier to practice my shooting and dribbling. My coach saw my
passion for the sport and put me in a different training group with senior
players. This had the reverse effect in that I was out of my depth. My lowest
point came when I wasn’t chosen for the SAISA (South Asian
Interscholastic Association) competition, a prestigious international
competition in South Asia.

That failure spurred me to fight for my place in the team. My sheer
determination to make the team and play the sport I loved allowed me to
push my boundaries. I made sure that even on the weekends I would
practice my shooting and was determined to be the fastest player on court.
When it was time for basketball practice I knew nothing else besides that
moment and I gave it my all. I persevered, and with the new energy of
confidence, I realized that I could dribble better, pass smoother and
maneuver quicker through the court.

When I emerged as the youngest player in the school’s history to score the
most points in a game, I truly understood what hard work could achieve.
From a forward player, I began to be looked up to as someone who would
lead on court. My teammates grew to rely on my judgment and my advice.
From somebody who was initially intimidated by the skills and talents of the
older players, I was now one of the core members. I had come the full circle,
and it was only on the basis of my love and undying perseverance to pursue
the sport.

At the SAISA basketball finals this year, with confetti streamed onto the court,
we won the title decisively. This victory was sweeter because I knew how hard
I had worked to get to that point. The hours of practice, the disciplined
regiment and the sheer doggedness to succeed had all paid off. I am most
proud of this achievement because it has given me the confidence that I
can put that same effort into any goal that I want to accomplish.