DALLAS – For rising junior Ararh Cho of the School for the Talented and Gifted, carrying a flag onto one of the world’s biggest sporting stages was about much more than participating in a global event; it was about proudly representing the city she calls home. Selected as a FIFA World Cup Flag Bearer, Cho joined students from across the country who were chosen to take part in one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events. While surrounded by young people from different states and backgrounds, she was honored to represent Dallas on an international stage.
“I was really proud to represent Dallas,” Cho said. “There were students from all over the country, but I felt proud to be one of the Dallas students representing our city on such a global stage.”
Like many students stepping into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Cho admitted she felt nervous before the event began. With millions of fans watching around the world, the moment felt overwhelming at first. Those nerves quickly gave way to excitement as she connected with fellow participants who were experiencing many of the same emotions. “We formed a community through that experience,” she said. “We got to know people from different places, and that made it even more meaningful.”
Receiving the news that she had been selected came as a complete surprise. After applying alongside several classmates from her highly competitive school, Cho wasn’t confident she would be chosen. “I was expecting a rejection,” she recalled. “When I saw the congratulations message, I couldn’t believe it. I was so excited, and I told my mom right away. It was something I couldn’t wait to share with my family and friends.”
For Cho, representing Dallas carried an even deeper personal meaning. After spending part of her childhood in South Korea, where her parents encouraged her to embrace her heritage, she returned to Texas and initially struggled to find a sense of belonging. It wasn’t until she moved to Dallas that she found a community where diversity was celebrated, and people were genuinely interested in learning about one another’s cultures.
“When I came to Dallas, there were people from so many different backgrounds,” she said. “People wanted to learn about my culture instead of making me feel different. That’s why I want to give back to this community and represent such a diverse city.”
As she reflects on her World Cup experience, Cho hopes her story encourages other young people to pursue opportunities even when self-doubt stands in the way. Before being selected as a flag bearer, she faced several disappointments after being turned down for other competitive summer programs. Instead of allowing those setbacks to define her, she continued to take chances and believed that the next opportunity could be the right one.
“Don’t be afraid to try new experiences,” she said. “You never know what can happen unless you put yourself out there. Even if you don’t get the result you hoped for, you can always learn from it and become a better version of yourself.”
Cho’s journey reflects the resilience, curiosity, and leadership that define Dallas’ next generation. Through her courage in embracing new opportunities and proudly representing her city on the world stage, she serves as an inspiring example of how young leaders can make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.