My name is Liliana Birrell and I am a senior at Watkinson School. I have many interests, some of them are playing soccer and the saxophone, scuba diving, skiing and snowboarding, and most of all traveling. I have been traveling since I was 2, and my first tip was to America! Since then traveling has been a huge part of my life as of now I have reached 22 countries only being 16. My favorite places that I have been to so far have been Scotland and Turks and Caicos, two completely different places but still by far the most fun. I get to scuba dive when I am in Turks and Caicos and when I was 13 I decided to work towards my scuba diving certification which was a lot of work but I am happy I have it.
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I also enjoy playing soccer. Soccer has been a part of my life since I can remember. Being a part of many different soccer teams even with kids from all around the world has changed my life. Not only did I get to meet new people but I built a bond and strong friendship with my coaches and teammates. I learned how to work well with others and achieve a goal that is bigger than myself as an individual.
Since COVID-19 hit, my junior season had been canceled. I was sad to hear the news since this sport has been a part of my life since I was 4. I decided this would be a great opportunity to work with a young team to help out. I had a coach that completely changed the game for me and I wanted to help out her team which I use to play on. Coach Kim, saw something in me when I was just in 4th grade. She saw me as the goalie of the team, I remember the first day of practice she told me that I was going to be the goalie, here I am 7 years in my junior year still playing goalie for every team I've been on. The team I coach consists of 4th and 5th graders who love the game. I work with them on skills and demonstrate different drills and it is honestly a super fun time. I remember when I use to be in their shoes and I hope to create an impact on their soccer careers like Coach Kim did for me.
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Traveling has been a big part of my life as well. 22 countries in counting is probably one of the best and most interesting things about me. Traveling for me is not just about the pictures and nice weather, it is about the culture. The food, people, and way of living are what make up the experience for me and fun things to do along the way. I travel with my parents everywhere, I have one of the best trip planners in my house (my mom) and she never fails to make a great time. I have created friends in countries such as Nepal, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Turks and Caicos. I can not wait to travel the world more and moreover the years. I am so young and have already been to so many places I can not imagine the places I will go even in the next 20 years.