Leadership. Integrity. Pride. Sportsmanship.I am thankful for the leadership provided to me by the city of White Bear Lake. There is no one route to success, but that born of hard work. Controlling my own effort was something instilled in me through teachers, coaches, and the various programs available throughout the city. Sports provided me a path to discipline and I owe a lot of my success to my parents, my brothers, and my sister. As well as my many teammates, friends, teachers and coaches.Albeit sports are not everything, they have taught me to endure hardship and celebrate success. Through various organized activities I began to learn about the importance of communication and teamwork. As a captain, I started to learn what it means to take responsibility. I embraced the idea of competition and witnessed its effects on both myself and others. The good and the bad. It is both humbling and joyful to watch so many of my friends and colleagues succeed and grow in their careers. If anything at all, I hope to match the same drive and determination I see around me. I am thankful for the University of Minnesota - Duluth for providing me a route to professionalism that I continue to strive for to this day.