Over the course of 18 years I have learned that when it comes to adversity in your life, you have 3 options- sulk, avoid, or embrace. More often than not, I work to embrace everything… even the bad. In order to stay optimistic through difficult times my mind, of course, immediately goes to “it could be worse.” This statement does make me think how even though it’s okay to be sad or angry, it’s also okay to be disheartened and mourn whatever problem you’re having. Another way I stay optimistic is reflecting on previous trials I have faced, and dissecting how I got over it. Additionally, I try and focus less on me and more on those around me and trying to be a sunshine on their rainy parade (if it is a tough situation that impacts others, too). For example, when my grandpa passed away last year I was undeniably very frustrated, confused, and very sad. But, I knew just how sad my dad was and that made me more disheartened than anything. So, to remain optimistic I preoccupied myself with doing stuff around the house and trying to keep every conversations light when reminiscing on my grandpa’s life. Being optimistic in bad situations, both big and small, has taught me just how strong I am. It has also made me realize just how vital it is for myself and others to find good in every situation. It’s good to embrace the hard times while being sad, it’s good to reflect when the problem seems never ending, and it’s good to be a beacon of hope when everyone else seems to be losing hope.

I hope to impact others and urge them to be kind, especially going out of their way to do stuff for others. Being kind feels like something that is going out of style, people simply don’t offer their aid to others even without reward- people get too caught up in everyday life (and technology but that’s another story). I want to influence those I mentor to be genuine, kind, and overflowing with a love for helping others.

Out of 13 years of school many teachers have touched my life, but the one with the greatest impact would have to be my Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, Mrs. Carroll. Every year since 9th grade I have had at least one class, sometimes two, with Mrs. Carroll. When you are around someone that much you will naturally start creating a greater bond and become more personable with one another. Our bond began to strengthen my Junior year because of my Life and Fitness Nutrition class. In this class we would walk once a week, since we were both fast walkers we would usually end up walking beside each other and talk to help pass the time. Mrs. Carroll always made an effort to ask about different aspects of my life such as how I was doing, how my family was, questions that helped her get to know me. In turn, we would have very deep conversations that helped me open up to her and even get to know more about her. Mrs. Carroll would give me advice when I expressed my anxiety over certain situations, such as my concurrent college classes, and offered comfort on the more difficult days, like when my grandpa passed away. No matter what we talked about, Mrs. Carroll always gave her undivided attention to me and was ready to give advice or just talk when I needed to. She undeniably has had the most positive impact on my life because of her dependability, optimism, wisdom, and logical thinking. Having a teacher that I feel genuinely cared about what I had to say and was making an effort to get to know me is not as common as one would think. Being around Mrs. Carroll has only nurtured my desire to be that kind, reliable, wise figure for others. Mrs. Carroll remains as a role model for me and inspires me to chase my dreams in order to become an educator too. Even though I need to go to college in order to be an educator, I can say with confidence that I WANT to go. My interest in college is the abundance of opportunities it offers. Growing up I have seen how hard my parents have worked in order to provide the life they didn't have for my sister, brother, and I; I could not be more grateful. Though my parents are not college graduates, they defied all odds and have built a great life for us. They have always told me that I have an opportunity they did not, a realistic chance to go to college. My parents have emphasized how they are the exception, thanks to hard work and drive, but they wish for me to go to college in order to make life a little less stressful. I trust my parents wholeheartedly and know that if they are able to help provide me an opportunity they did not have, I should take it and be incredibly thankful. The other driving factor for college is the education. Learning is something that never ends, and I would love the opportunity to grow my knowledge in a field of work I dream of being apart of. I want to go to college in order to take courses to help skills I will need in the real world and prepare me for the work force. Going to college will help prepare me to be the best teacher possible for my future students.