<p>I am a competitive team figure skater, and I am on the ice about 12 hours per week with additional off-ice (ballet, conditioning) about 3 hours per week. I have won many competitions with my team and have held a team captain position (before moving up to a higher level). This sport has impacted me profoundly and I have grown considerably as a person through my experiences and made lifelong friends.</p>
<p>This does not leave me much time for many other extra curriculars. I am still heavily participating in my school's Model UN team with multiple awards and a leadership position for 2 years, am Band Captain of the Marching Band at my school, play the piano (with multiple awards including the State 1st Place in my division), and volunteer about 2 hours per week in my community.</p>
<p>Obviously I have not started some charity or organization, or traveled on some charity trip to Africa as I skate year-round. Is my skating worth less in the eyes of top-tier universities than starting a business or raising money for kids in Africa? I fear I may have invested my time poorly.</p>