Mackenzie Houston '17 Recruiting Profile

Its eye opening on how this statement not only represents who I am and how I see myself, but it also represents the next chapter in my life... Where everything begins to look and feel real. Being born and growing up in a small town, I’ve been counting down the days until I get to move forward in life and take on what the world has to offer me. I was once told that whatever you set your mind to, you’re able to achieve. Ever since that day I’ve been setting goals in academics and athletics for myself to personally achieve.

         Academics have always been a top priority. Just this past year I achieved highest final mark in Advanced University English for all grade 11 student’s semester 1. The previous year (grade 10) I received a perfect score for my OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test). I take pride in my school work and only ever submit assignments that I have done my absolute best on. Taking all University Classes time management skills falls into place. The only down falls to it all, is that I don’t attend a school with very much support. To further explain, I am not placed on any sort of “athlete acceptance” where extensions and different ways of teaching are applied. In a way it makes me work harder, makes me prove to myself that I can do great things. A teacher told me that students from my school don’t go very far in life- this because of the small town mentality. I want to prove that teacher and the whole school wrong, that I can go far, and I’m willing to do anything in my power, with a lot of hard work to achieve that goal.

         With hard work comes to dedication, and with dedication comes athletics. I have been in the sport of swimming for the past 7 years. I loved the sport ever since I hit the water for the first time. It seemed natural. When I swim I feel like one with the water and the pool is where I feel at home. For the past 4 swim seasons I have been competing as a NKB swimmer.  Training 9 times a week, up to 22 hours to master technique. Waking up at 4am each morning to drive an hour to the pool to then do it all over again some nights. It has its tolls when it comes to sleeping but will pay off in the end and my commitment will always remain the same. At the pool I look to inspire others around me and keep a positive environment.

Family is also very important to me. I am very family oriented and spend as much time as I can with the people that support me and care so much about me. My mother owns her own business, and lets me work there to earn experience and exceptional communication skills. My dad on the other hand is an Ottawa Police Detective. He has taught me life lessons and is one of the many reasons I am aware of the real world. Both my parents have made me into a strong individual. I am grateful that they to are dedicated to my success and take time out of their own busy schedules to make sure I’m on track with my goals. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them encouraging me to be the best I can be.