Jenna Riley '14 Recruiting Profile

     When I was 11-years-old, in the fourth grade, I was introduced to swimming by a friend. I thought, “Sure, why not try it”. I never though I was going to actually consider myself a swimmer, even after I competed in my first swim meet when I was 12. It wasn’t until I won my first heat winner, in the 50-yard breaststroke, that I realized I actually liked swimming. I have been competing for about five years now, and for the most part, it has been an enjoyable experience. However, when I was younger, I didn’t show very good sportsmanship; I would get flustered if I didn’t drop time in every event. I knew it was an impossible thing to do, but it would bother me constantly if I didn’t achieve that goal. It took me, sadly, about three years to fully comprehend this lesson. I have learned that you have to fail sometimes in order to reach the next step and become more successful, as my Coach, Mark Temple, says, “failing forward”.

     Besides swimming, school is my top priority. I take Advanced Placement and Honors classes, striving to earn A’s in all my subjects. I haven’t decided on a major for college yet, but I will most likely pursue Medicine as a career, perhaps as a Nurse Practitioner or a Physicians Assistant. Luckily, I still have awhile to decide.  I perform community service at a local children’s library where I either help put away books, or if I’m lucky, help kids with art projects. I also work at the Monterey Sports Center as a lifeguard. My life is very active: balancing schoolwork, swim practice, work, and community service. I’m looking forward to the future challenges and rewards college life has to offer.

     I haven’t decided where I want to attend college, yet. Moving, meeting new people, learning about their lives and traditions is something I enjoy doing. My family has moved many times as my Dad was in the Navy. It taught me to be flexible and understanding, and has produced a true passion for travel. I can’t wait to find out where life will take me next!