Dear Michael Phelps,

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland and I have found to be a very patriotic American (and Marylander.) Every four years I spend the beginning of August watching the Summer Olympics with my family. Over the years I have come to love three sports to watch; volleyball, gymnastics, and swimming (swimming being my absolute favorite.)

Over the past few Olympics games one name has come up year after year, Michael Phelps, constantly seeing your name, mostly with the tag “Gold Medalist” right next to it. From a young age you have been an inspiration to me. The idea that you came from the same place I did makes me feel like I actually have more potential. Being from a smaller state with not very many “famous faces,” I feel as if I don’t have much of standard to live up to. You have helped to set that standard for me.

I can vividly remember during the 2008 Beijing games there was an article in the local paper about you. I cut the article out along with a larger picture of you, and taped it right above my bed. Each morning I would wake up and it would help me as a daily reminder that there is more to my life.

When I was in sixth grade I was chosen to compete in the STEM Fair that took place at Windsor Mill Middle School, when your mother was the principle. I remember being so excited to hear that I would see and meet Michael Phelps’ mom. During the course of the competition I can recall wanting to just give up so many times, but knew I couldn’t. Event after event my team fought with all the brain power we had and we ended up winning three out of the five events against another middle school. The STEM Fair was the first time I had been exposed to a true team atmosphere and I didn’t want to let my team down. I knew I had been chosen because I have a special talent, just as you are chosen each time the Olympics roll around to compete.

Reflecting on my experience in sixth grade makes me come to realize how many times since then I have been chosen to represent my grade and school in various organizations and events. Now as I am preparing for my freshman year of college I have come to realize that you are my local hero. Not only do you represent Team USA, but you’re representing Maryland and even Baltimore. So this is my thank you for helping me realize my true potential and that being from Maryland makes you extra awesome.

Sincerely,

Just another Marylander

Sierra Spraker