Bishop's Scholarship Candidate | Aquinas High School
My name is Alyssa. I’m currently 14 years old. I’m the oldest of four, this has taught me responsibility and how to be a good example. These have been valuable skills for me as Vice President of Student Council. At school, I also participate in Yearbook, which taps into my creative flow. My passion is playing softball. I play for the travel team, Cruisers, in Clairemont. For fun, I also play volleyball for my school, both of these activities have further taught me how to work as a team. During my free time, I volunteer at my local library.
Where it began
Catholic Foundation
"My parents have taught me important values like patience, respect, perseverance and responsibility since I was little."
Lectoring & Faith Leadership
Mass Reading: Video I
Mass Reading: Video II
Over the years that I have received a Catholic education, that Catholic education has helped shape who I am and how I treat others. Being a part of a school community that is based on faith has taught me the value of responsibility, kindness, and service. It has provided me with chances to develop as a leader, take part in volunteer work, and strengthen my values both within and outside of the classroom. These opportunities have shaped the way I connect with people in my everyday life and support my school community.
I have learned a lot about perseverance, teamwork, and dedication from playing volleyball and softball. Being a part of a team has taught me the value of helping people and communicating clearly, both on and off the field. Sports have also helped me stay disciplined, overcome obstacles, and share in my accomplishments with others. All things considered, playing volleyball and softball has made me a more dependable, accountable, and productive person.
"My dad has taught me that to be a great athlete, I can’t focus on the past. He taught me that even after continuous practice, I will still make mistakes—the key is to shake off the frustration."
"I think of my team and my coach; they would be proud of me for working hard. Shaking off frustration is how I help my team succeed on the court."
To live out the Mission of the Church of San Bernardino is to impact the family, neighborhood, and society with the power of the Gospel. As a student within this Diocese, I strive to be a beacon of hope and a leader who leads with the heart of Christ. This means bringing my faith into the classroom, onto the field, and into my community service.
Many things have shaped the person I am today but my family and school community have had the biggest impact. My parents have taught me important values like patience, respect, perseverance and responsibility since I was little. These values guide the choices I make in my daily life. At the same time, my school community has helped me grow academically and socially by encouraging me to make mistakes and learn from them. With their support and guidance, my family and school have played major roles in helping me become who I am today.
My family has supported me in everything I’ve done, whether it’s school or sports they always have my back. It doesn’t matter what I’m struggling with, my parents are always there to help me. My mom has taught me to never give up. She is a great example of perseverance. Between me and my siblings, work, and maintaining the house, she has a lot on her plate. Yes, she gets frustrated. Yes, she gets tired. Yet she doesn’t stop living her life. And I love that about her. She has shown me what it means to keep moving forward.
My dad, on the other hand, has taught me that hard work is important and patience is key. He’s shown me that to be a great athlete, I can’t focus on the past, I can’t be scared to make the same mistake again. He has taught me that even after continuous practice, I will still make mistakes, even the most basic of mistakes. My dad told me that everyone should have a way of cooling off. I have multiple. Deep breaths, I tell myself when I’m feeling frustrated. Taking a break helps me refresh. I think of my team, my coach, they would be proud of me for working hard. They would want me to shake off the frustration.
I love both of my parents very much, they each have taught me so much, but so have my siblings. Even though they are younger than me, I’ve learned a lot from them. My sister Aileen, has shown me commitment. The amount of effort she puts into her school work blows my mind. She cares so much about school and learning. Danielle, my youngest sister, continues to teach me to not take life so seriously. I’m young with my whole future ahead of me. Sometimes I forget that and she always puts a smile on my face. Dean, my youngest sibling and only brother, is the sweetest person I have ever met. At the young age of six, he tells my mom she’s beautiful. He tells me all the time that he’ll protect me forever. I don't think he knows just how much I appreciate him.
I’ll admit that I take my siblings for granted sometimes, but most of the time (if they're not being annoying) I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. They are definitely a big influence on me. I honestly think that if I didn’t have them in my life, I would be a completely different person. Without them, I wouldn’t know what it’s like to switch from laughing and giggling to yelling and arguing in a second. I also wouldn’t know how bad a room can smell with four sweaty children or that it’s possible to love someone but also want to slap them in the face. All three of my siblings continue to grow and change but I hope that we’ll always be close.
After family, school is another major influence. My teachers are dedicated. They don’t just teach me, they guide me. They have helped me become responsible for my work. They have set high expectations which have encouraged me to do my best. They have supported me even in times of struggle. All of my teachers connect our daily lessons to our Catholic faith. They have used our faith to create a sense of community that has allowed me to thrive and succeed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alyssa Murillo Alba