Silva, Swim and Service
WEST NEW YORK, N.J. (BVM) – David Silva began playing sports in middle school. Before that, he didn’t feel he was ever really good enough.
Like many, Silva said he had trouble finding his “niche” in his younger days. “I felt as if whatever I tried to do, wouldn’t work out”, Silva recalled, “ I remember being that shy little kid who was always nervous and afraid of trying new things.”
Youth Police Academy
In the sixth grade, Silva took a shot at joining a program offered by the local police department. David submitted an essay entitled “Why I Want to be in the Youth Police Academy,” hoping to get in.
Silva recalls, “applying to the academy was a decision I made to prove to myself that I could do anything I set my mind to. I remember seeing the video online, and thinking to myself, If those kids could do it, then so can I.”
“Silva remembers , “as if it were yesterday, looking back it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Silva’s first day of the academy was rough.
“I remember tearing up, but I knew I couldn’t give up,” Silva said. “I woke up the next day ready to head back and ready to face whatever was coming my way. I had my family supporting me and I couldn’t let them down.”
Upon completion of the academy, Silva realized this was a huge accomplishment.
“Up until then I was that shy little boy who felt like he didn’t have a voice, but I found my voice. I learned about determination and courage,” Silva said. “I learned to not give up, and to give my all in everything I do. The academy taught me to grow out of my shell. Not only that, but I received an award for “most improved” which still remains on my desk to this very day.”
Silva went on to participate in every academy after that, ultimately becoming a Police Explorer.
“Becoming a police explorer was a huge deal for me,” Silva recalls, “I remember mentoring two Youth Police Academies, then our town began the Police Explorers Post. I would definitely say that the core roots of determination, courage and not giving up, have helped me not only in my service with the Explorers, but also in my athletics.”
Swimming
As a swimmer, Silva said he applied all those three core values to his athletics, as motivation to keep going when things are tough. Silva is this year’s Memorial High School swim team captain and has qualified for, and participated in Hudson County Championships, his sophomore and junior years.
“Result is what matters at the end of the day.” Silva says, “If you give it your all, you will always succeed, and I remember that every time I’m in the pool. Even on the days where it’s cold, or raining hard, or when I have to wake up early, I remember determination, courage, don’t give up, keep on going. It’s something I definitely carry with me all the time, even going into my competitions.”
Community Service
Along with his participation with the Youth Police Academy and Police Explorers Post, David began getting involved in the community. Serving his community brings Silva incredible joy.
“It doesn’t matter whether I serve in a parade, an organized event or even at the senior citizen holiday events, I do them all with a joyful heart,” Silva said. “My biggest joy is seeing other people happy, and if I can make just one person smile, it’s all worth it for me.”
Silva says, “every now and then I see someone on the street who will stop me and say, ‘hey I remember you from the senior citizens event, I was so happy’ and hearing that is beyond anything you can think of. Nothing matters if we can’t make those around us feel good.”
Serving the community was and continues to be important for Silva, who feels that, “if we don’t take care of those in our community, how can we expect to function as whole and have a successful community? It’s all about serving each other.”
“My work ethic definitely comes from my mom,” Silva recalls. “Being a single parent is a tough thing, and I’ve seen personally the struggles and challenges my mom has faced. I’ve seen her work.”
Silva recounted, “my mother worked long hours, waking up early and going to sleep late. She faced long days. Apart from her regular teaching job, she would do private tutoring right after school, some days working until 8 PM and she would do this on the best and even worst of days, snow, rain or sun. I know she does that all out of love and seeing that inspires me and developed my character and work ethic.”
Senior Year
Silva’s goal for senior year is to be able to “improve from my last seasons.” Silva said he wants to improve his times and to be able to place in the top 12 in the county again.
“This year, I want to be able to bring back home another medal to add to my collection and finish on a high note,” Silva concluded.
Silva feels that there is a definite connection to sports and serving his community.
“It takes that same energy and passion” Silva says “ to help and serve others, and to encourage those on my team, and push them to do their best while at the same time making sure they have what they need from me in order to succeed.”
Silva hopes to have another winning season with his teammates once the MHS swim season gets underway.
The star swimmer plans to continue his academic and athletic career at Columbia University, majoring in Computer Science and says, “it has been my dream school for as long as I can remember,” and adds, “I know I will be able to do great things, no matter where I end up with the support of God, and my family and friends.”
