Morgan Wright '16 Recruiting Profile

It was the beginning of the second trimester in my 8th grade physics class when I finally figured out what I wanted to do for my career.  Astronomy.  Just looking at the picture of the break down of where we are in the universe was incredible.  First, the universe with endless waves, each with an uncountable number of galaxies, all so foreign, so unknown.  Then, a corner of the galaxy where our insignificant, little galaxy lies.  Then, a close-up of our Milky Way, with the billions of glowing stars we can't even see at night because they're still too far away.  Then the picture broke it down even more into our solar system: just a little speck in our galaxy. Then, finally, Earth.  And in that moment, it hit me, the fact that no matter how far humans venture out into space, we will never, ever uncover half the secrets and beauties that this universe has.  What also hit me, was the question "Why, in the universe, do you stress about anything that this speck of an Earth can mess up in your life?"  That was the moment I realized that I was pretty small in the whole proportion of things and that while my life is insignificant compared to the universe, I want to make it worth living.  That was the moment that I decided what I was going to do with my life.  I am going to live.  I am going to be as successful, as helpful, and as happy as I can. That's kind of where I got my motto: "Be the reason someone smiles today".  If I can inspire others to be happy and live a life worth living, I've accomplished one of my main goals in life.

My mom has been my roll model my entire life.  That may be because she's a strong, independent woman worth admiration and the fact that there isn't anyone else in my close family.  My parents divorced when I was 2 years old.  I was their only child.  My mom got me; my dad got all the money, the business, the car, everything.  My mom hasn't remarried and recently got laid off from her job of 12 years.  We've surprisingly held on for almost a year now. All of this and one little passion has molded me into the person I am today.  That little passion is volleyball.

Volleyball is amazing.  I love it so much.  My mom is the one who got me into it.  She used to roll a volleyball back and forth to me when I was just learning to walk.  Volleyball has become a huge part of my DNA.  The school day comes so much easier when I have practice to look forward to.  It's like I can go through physics and history and Spanish without any idea what the instructor is saying(mainly Spanish), and then I can get to volleyball and I can clear my head.  I think it's because it's the one thing in my day that I already know how to do, but that's just my theory.  Volleyball has taught me that there is always something I can get better at, something to get stronger in, that can only be achieved though determination.

Someday, I hope to be a successful astrophysics/astronomer/astrochemist(something along those lines).  I know that will require a lot more schooling, but I am prepared.  I have achieved a 3.80 GPA and I will strive to keep it that high.  I am a member of California Scholarship Federation, which I refer to as "the smart kids club".  CSF has us do volunteer work, so I have volunteered at the senior center to help them with anything they might need.  I am very excited to play volleyball at the collegiate level.

I hope this personal statement isn't too long and you got to know about who I am.  Thank you