Bob: Hey, Teddy. Teddy: Hey, Bob. I see God hasn’t given you any more inches vertically since I last saw you. Bob: Funny of you to say that, considering you’re paralyzed. Teddy: Well that was uncalled for. Anyway, how has Shana been? Bob: She’s good… we have 3 kids now, and we’re happy in our home. [starts stretching] Teddy: What are you doing? Bob: Stretching. I read an article that said stretching helps you grow. Teddy: Oh please. We both know your growth plates were closed before you took your first breath. Bob: And we both know you were paralyzed before you took your first breath. Teddy: Well that was uncalled for. Bob: Anyway, have any lassies caught your half-blind eyes? Teddy: Well there was this one. Met her at the gym a week ago, I think her name is Shauna. Bob: Cool, I hope to meet her someday. [exit Bob and Teddy, enter Shana and Shauna] Shana: Hey sis, how are you doing? Shauna: (dreamily) Oh good. Shana: Well you seem to be in an unusually good mood today. Shauna: Have you ever seen a guy that gave you those feelings of infatuation he just occupies every thought you have everyday? Shana: Yep… I’m married to him. Shauna: Well I hope to meet him someday. Well anyway I saw this guy at the gym and he’s perfect. His congenital paralysis, his inability to walk, his somewhat bland personality! Oh he’s perfect. It’s really a match made in purgatory. Plus his flaws make me realize that I’m really not a bad person and that I am blessed to have what I have. I guess you really can’t love yourself until you love first! Shana: Well I’m glad to see you happy. Shauna: I’m so happy to have a twin sister like you that can support me through everything. I love you. [exit Shana and Shauna] [enter Bob and Shauna, shopping for produce] Bob: Oh I didn’t know you were also coming to the store… I can buy these. You go on back home. Also is that a new shirt? Shauna: Uhh I think I can buy my own bananas. And no, I’ve had this shirt for a few years… Bob: Hm weird I haven’t seen you wear that. Anyway, have a fun time shopping. See you at home! [Bob begins to leave as he sees Teddy go past him in his wheelchair] Bob: Oh hey, Teddy! Teddy: (while wheeling toward Shauna) Hey, Bob. (To Shauna) My love! Bob: Woah woah woah excuse me?? “My love?” Teddy: What… are you confused at how a paralyzed man can get such a goddess? Bob: What the… That’s my wife!! Teddy & Shauna: Wife??? Teddy: This is Shauna, the girl I met at the gym. Bob: The girl you met at the gym is my wife? [enter Shana] Shana: Hey Shauna, are you ready to go? Shauna: Yeah, especially since this guy thinks I’m his wife. Shana: (sets eyes on Bob) Oh hey, babe! How was your time with Teddy? Bob: ksoerejdlcyxispalfb… Shana: That’s great you have so much to talk about you can’t even put it in words. Let’s go home! Bob: Wait wait wait! What in the name of mongoose on amphetamines is going on here? (Suspiciously) Who are you? Shana: I’m your wife, Shana! Bob: (to Shauna) Well then… who are you? Shauna: I’m her identical twin, Shauna! Teddy: (starts to stretch) Bob: What are you doing Teddy? Teddy: Stretching. I read an article that said stretching helps get rid of paralysis. Shauna: Oh, my love! You’re so funny! (they kiss)

Our mission on this Earth is people. We are called to love people. That is the golden rule, a rule by which almost every belief system abides: “love your neighbor as yourself,” or “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Ultimately, we are all trying to live this life the best we can, and we need to help each other do that. I was recently given the opportunity to help my friend who transferred from another school as he was fighting academic ineligibility from soccer. I helped him study during my lunches as he approached an important test, and I tried to encourage him daily in his trial. He eventually returned to the field, and he later told his mom that my willingness to help him and encourage him was a very large reason that he wanted to keep going and pushing through his tribulation. I have also helped lead a yard sale to help an impoverished village in Guatemala. Later that same day, a couple friends and I had the opportunity to go around the city of Fort Collins and hand out food and jackets to the homeless. It was seeing their faces light up as they set their eyes on the winter coats or the Nature Valley bars that made me feel fulfilled. That is being a servant. Being a servant does not have to be starting a worldwide non-profit organization, or doing big community service projects that look good on a resume. Service can simply be helping individuals who need it most, as well as loving and respecting others daily. Everyday I strive to do just that with those around me, because in the end, the people around us are the only things we have in this world that truly matter.

Everyone is given different gifts, everyone has different interests, and everyone uses their own gifts and interests differently to impact the world in a unique way. I have always been gifted at and enjoyed both math and language. As a result, I would love to study Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. I would also love to minor in Business Administration and Spanish Language. With all of these areas of study, I plan to gain much needed experience at a technological company, learning from those who have also had success in the field and finding out what exactly it takes to be successful in that industry. I then plan to go out on my own to find demands in different fields of work and use my computer science experience and education to fill those demands. This could include anything from sports analytics, to cybersecurity, to cryptocurrency coding, to starting my own small business. I have always wanted to help people, and this will allow me to find the ways in which I can help the most people and make the biggest impact, all while not confining myself to a customary “9-5” job. This fits both my gifts and my interests, and will hopefully allow me to impact many people across the world.

Sports have always been a big part of my life. Ever since I took my first steps, I was shooting a basketball, dressing up like a player from the 1980s, playing football with my brother in the backyard. Many people like sports for exercise or entertainment, but I love it because it has taught me so much about life, as well as given me so many people in my life that are now lifelong brothers. The pressure that has to be dealt with and the adversity that must be overcome is no different than the stress that comes with finances, job interviews, or relationship issues. On that field, it is bigger than a game, and I learn more about who I am every second of playing the game that I love. A lot of that has been shown to me by my teammates and my coaches which have made such an impact on my life. Over the many years that I have played both soccer and basketball, I have gained lifelong relationships with people that strengthen my faith, help me through adversity, and make me a better person. For that reason, I am forever grateful for sports.