Troy Lindsey
Troy was selected as our third scholarship recipient on November 12th, 2008. An active gymnast, good student and Boy Scout, Troy exemplihies not only the persaverence necessary to be a good gymnast but also the monumental effort it takes to also be lead a balanced life.
Below is Troy's essay on his Gymnastics Dreams.
(These
essays are submitted as part of the Scholarship application.)
My Gymnastics Dreams
By: Troy Lindsey
"My name is Troy Lindsey. I am a level ten gymnast at Metropolitan
Gymnastics. Here is a brief description of my gymnastics life: I
started gymnastics in New York at age 8 at World Cup Gymnastics. I
was told that I did not have the body build of a gymnast and would
never make their team. I was allowed to train in the recreational
program. I worked hard and was determined. One day, I caught the eye
of the Head Coach who said that perhaps he was mistaken and offered
me a spot on the team. Shortly thereafter, my family relocated to
Washington for my Dad’s work. I started off as a level 4 at Auburn
Gymnastics Center. Every year after level 4, I moved up a level.
Last year, I moved to Metropolitan Gymnastics where I competed at
level 8 and won the Region 2 all-around championship under Coach
Liu.
My goal in gymnastics ultimately is to do the best I can. My goal is to win, but the most important thing is to give my all and be a good sportsman. A goal in gymnastics that applies to my real life is to do well enough as a level 10 to get a scholarship to Stanford University. Then of course, another goal of mine is to have fun, without some fun, gymnastics would just be like a job. As I do gymnastics right now and plan for the future, these are the things I keep in mind.
Gymnastics is important to me and has helped me grow up. As a kid, I think my parents put me in gymnastics to do something constructive with my energy. Now that I look back, gymnastics has done a lot more than that for me. Gymnastics strengthened me, not only physically, but also mentally. It put some courage into me and taught me to be confident. Since I have been doing gymnastics, I do not have time to get myself into trouble and have not been tempted to do things that might take me in the wrong direction. Gymnastics has also made me proud of myself.
Now gymnastics is not my whole life. If I ever really wanted to get into Stanford University, I would have to do well in school, so I have. I challenge myself in school with hard classes that will prepare me for my future, no matter how hard. For example, this year in school, I am taking two AP (Advanced Placement) classes and a pre-AP class. They are extremely hard to manage, but I handle it. I have learned to manage my time and study in the car during the one hour trip home from gymnastics. But, I do stay away from other school sponsored activities because of gymnastics.
I also like to play soccer, but gymnastics is still my main focus. One thing I like about sports like gymnastics and soccer is that they keep a person fit. I like the feeling of knowing that I am nearly as healthy as I can be.
Another activity I do is Boy Scouts. I participate in Boy Scouts because it directly prepares me for what is to come in life. I am currently completing the final requirements to get my Eagle Rank. Boy Scouts teaches me how to spend a night under the stars as well as how to be a leader. My fellow Scouts voted me as Senior Patrol Leader, but I had to decline because I did not feel that I could fully give the time that the position deserved. Boy Scouts also keeps me active in my community. We do service projects all of the time. They keep the troop in touch with what is happening in the community. Plus, Boy Scouts teaches great morals.
My family life is great as well. My two sisters used to do
gymnastics, but it got to be too much for them. My parents are
great. They support me in everything I do, whether it was with
homework or getting me a ride to a gymnastics competition. At home,
I have plenty to do with my dogs and my family’s horses. My family
is good about going to church as well. We try to go every Sunday,
but things tend to get in the way at times. But that is my family.
I have plenty of things to do with my life, but I like to stick to
gymnastics. It gets me pumped up and causes me pain that I just love
(not really), and it is all worth it. My gymnastics dreams
intertwine with my everyday life and will continue to, so long as I
can keep doing gymnastics.
I would like to thank the Iron Cross Foundation for providing scholarships which give the help needed for boys to continue in their gymnastics careers. Thank you for considering me and I hope that the committee will consider my application favorably."
Thank you very much.
Troy Lindsey
