Brady Barajas: Adding Insight To Injury

By Sayo Jolayemi

     Brady Barajas told me, “As you are pursuing a passion, there will be difficulties or roadblocks, and sometimes you will have to sacrifice and give up on things. But you still need to see the light at the end of the tunnel because if you don't have that long term mentality you won't be able to have the success you want later on in life.” When I asked Brady Barajas about the mentality needed to accomplish what he has in high school, this is what he said. It is clear to see that this way of looking at life is working for him given that he will be attending the University of Chicago this upcoming fall. As a student athlete Barajas has experienced many joys playing soccer for the Gladiators, his favorite high school memory in fact comes from one of these adventures. Barajas told me about his favorite high school memory, “It was our senior game against River Hill, and we won.” he explained to me, knowing the spirited rivalry we share with the Hawks this game was without a doubt very meaningful to him.

     Barajas feels that Glenelg has done a tremendous job preparing him for the future, with the wide array of AP classes the school has to offer along with extracurricular activities. These endeavors have allowed Barajas to determine his major, Biochemistry and have made him feel comfortable with his upcoming future. His current internship at Johns Hopkins University has exposed him to the field of surgery and his mentor has given him keen insight into this future career path as well. Given his track record of personal injury Barajas was forced into spending a great deal of time inside hospitals for surgeries and physical therapy, however this wasn’t all bad. Barajas’ frequent visits are what truly solidified his interest in this career of medicine.

     Of course behind every strong student is a parental figure who helps guide and influence the character of said individual, for Barajas this was his mom. Barajas said, “My mom has been there every step of the way…”she is actually the one who shared the message headlining the article with Barajas. Barajas is passionate about soccer, given his year round dedication to the sport this should come as no surprise, although the original plan was for him to star on Chicago’s varsity team, his leg injury has adjusted this plan. However, Barajas remains in contact with the coach for the Phoenixes and will hopefully hit the turf as a Sophomore.

     In ten years, Barajas sees himself finishing four years of university, followed by another four years of medical school. By then he would ideally be interning for a surgical doctor in a big urban city. He is excited for the next stage of his life, and if he could tell younger students one thing, it would be to step out of your comfort zone and try those activities you’ve had your eyes on. “If you end up enjoying it, you will not be disappointed with yourself.”

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