Bates College

Personal: 2026 graduate of K12 Private Academy ... National Honor Society president ... Outstanding Scholar award-winner ... recognized community service and philanthropy throughout high school ... presented the Future Health Professionals of America Membership badge for commitment to science and healthcare leadership.

What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership, to me, is about taking initiative to create opportunities that make a lasting impact on others. It means leading by example through hard work, integrity, and resilience while helping those around you grow and succeed. A true leader is willing to step forward when there is a need, and inspire others through their actions as well as their words.

What experience—big or small—has made a surprising impact on you?
One experience that has had the biggest impact on me was founding a school, with the help of my family, for underprivileged children in the Volta region in Ghana. While my goal was to help provide educational opportunities for those who don't have access to it. Seeing how grateful the students were for resources that many people take for granted taught me to appreciate every opportunity I have and never overlook the value of education and sacrifice. That experience gave me a new perspective on leadership and service. It showed me that even small actions can
create meaningful change and inspired me to continue using my skills and experiences to make a positive impact on others in everything I do.

What’s a failure or setback that taught you something valuable?
One of the biggest setbacks I've faced has been the challenges and obstacles that come with competing in high-level tennis. Traveling constantly, balancing academics, and overcoming injuries have tested me both mentally and physically. At times, it was easy to focus only on winning or my ranking, but those setbacks taught me to appreciate the opportunity to do what I love. Instead of worrying only about the outcome, I've learned to enjoy the process, the
practices, the matches, the travel, and the lessons that come with each experience. That change in perspective has helped me compete with more confidence, and grow not only as an athlete but also as a person.

What’s a value or principle you try to live by?
You only have one chance to live each and every day, so I believe you should live it to the absolute fullest. Do what you love. Be who you want and need to be. We are way too tied down by the expectations of arbitrary rules and invisible goal posts when we have the ability to create and live the life we were born to experience. Times are hard. There are setbacks, things happening in the world, and moments that can make it feel nearly impossible to keep going. Sometimes, it might even seem like there is no way out. But I believe wholeheartedly that there is always a way. There is always a way through. Even when you can't see it yet, you just have to keep moving, keep living, and trust that in due time it would have all been worth it.

What’s something about you that might surprise people?
Something people often don't expect about me is how much I genuinely enjoy working with my hands and figuring out how things work. Most people know me as a tennis player, so they don't always expect that I'm also really interested in creating and building and actually enjoy being in a shop, taking things apart, putting them back together, and then some.