There are two things everyone experiences in this world life and death. Life and death is something no one can escape. The question that is pondered is when it will happen and that is something not known until it happens. My grandfather was a death that I did not expect to happen so soon. His death made me realize life is so precious and I can’t take it for granted. My grandfather in my eyes was the father figure in my life. He was loving, generous, and funny. I would constantly visit his house on the weekends as a little girl. His home was my escape from my home. His home is where I felt peace. I loved my grandfather so much that as a little girl my favorite artist at the time was Alicia Keys and my mom bought me a ticket to join her concert, but I remembered I said I was going to my grandparents’ house that same day. As a little girl I ended up choosing to stay at my grandparent’s house over the concert. Even as a child I realized that family is so precious, and I don’t regret the choice I made now as I reflect. That extra time is something that I will forever treasure. My grandfather was a police officer and one day he got sick. I believe my mother told me he was chasing after a guilty man who ran into a swamp, but the man didn’t know how to swim. My grandfather decided to go into the swamp to save the man. As a result, the bacteria in the swamp made him sick and he eventually retired. His health was slowly declining and as a child I could notice it, but I was in denial. I thought me and my grandpa would have more time. I would visit my grandpa all the time, but there was a period where I stopped visiting. I got busy and distracted on things that didn’t matter. Occasionally, my thoughts would tell me to check up on my grandpa, but I didn’t. I thought I had more time. Then one day in middle school my mom came to my classroom to pick me up and told me in the car that Granddaddy is dying . I never felt so much pain in my life. I was crying hysterically. My mom drove my brother and I to the hospital to see him for the last time and I had to leave because the pain was overwhelming. Reflecting on the moment I wished I would’ve showed I loved him to the very end. I believe what was keeping my grandfather alive while his health was declining was the love his grandkids and I gave him. I believe that love heals and brings hope. I think my grandfather lost his hope because we were not there. From this moment in my life, I learned not to give up on family and really check up on my loved ones. Now I constantly check on my grandma because I want to spend as much time we have to the very best. I want her to feel loved to the very end. As I grown up, I have learned to love everyone unconditionally. To conclude, my grandfather love has greatly impacted my life and I want to be that light for others as well because love heals.

What is my purpose? This was a thought that wandered my mind since I was young. All I knew is I wanted to help people. At first, I thought of becoming a teacher, doctor, and then a nurse. It was not until I went to college and sat down with Christian woman that showed me the scripture, Mark 1:14-18 that I finally saw my purpose. From the women’s love, guidance, and living the truth it has encouraged me to help people spiritually too. Before I ever met the Christian women, I was fully dedicated to playing volleyball and striving to earn good grades, but it was not enough. Even with all the success as a first-year college student I still was not fully happy. It was not until I truly learned about God's love and truth that I found happiness, so I want the same for others too. Moreover, In the beginning of my journey I was determined to only focus on my major and being an athlete, but after studying the bible with the Christian women my heart was impacted by the scriptures. I realized I wanted my life to evolved around helping people not only physically, but spiritually too. My purpose in life is to serve others. My aspiration to leave people with hope and everlasting happiness. As a result, I am pursuing to have a bigger role in the women’s ministry and become an OB/GYN physician assistant. As an OB/GYN physician assistant it will allow me to aid in women’s needs and newborns. For me it would be an honor and bring immense joy to witness life being brought into this earth. To become an OB/GYN physician assistant I am earning my biology degree then planning to go to physician assistant school. There’s a great need for physician’s assistants in the medical field and I am ready to fill the gap. In my career I will impact the world positively by making sure future mothers and their children are well taken care of. Women are critical for our future because they bore the future in their womb. A part of my purpose is to make sure children can enter the world as healthy as possible. That's how greatly I will impact the world. For women's ministry my vision is to become leader in the church and for the world. I will become a leader that is determined, honest, compassionate to others, and has integrity. As well in my career too. Right now, to develop my skills to become a spritiual leader I lead bible studies constantly during the weeks, attend campus devotionals, and church weekly. From my intensive schedules as a Christian full-time student it has instilled in me to make times that I care for. To make time to help others because that is what life is about. My vision will allow to me help people and I am so excited for what life has in store for me. Also, having more financial freedom will allow me to dedicate more time to prepare for my career and pursue women’s ministry. I truly believe I can impact so many lives through ministry and my career.

Wake up, volleyball, study, eat, and repeat. When walking into the recreational center seeing the young athlete girls manage to somehow chase a ball across the gym and slam it over with excitement, you could say I was in total awe. At that time I never knew right after that moment that is what I would be doing for the next six years. My love for volleyball started from when I was leaving basketball practice and saw them playing volleyball. I didn't know what the sport was, but I knew right then that I desperately wanted to play it. I could say playing basketball at 10 was totally not my thing, just the idea having players bumping into me for a ball at my age was my worst nightmare. Even though I'm asked 24/7 if I play basketball because of my height (6’3”) on the bright side it constantly reminds me all my passion resides in volleyball and I wouldn't have it any other way. I would say I am a naturally competitive person and volleyball brings it out of me. Before playing volleyball I really was shy and over the years playing this competitive sport has really developed me to be a stronger person. It has made me more vocal on and off the court, gain confidence, leadership skills, and become more responsible at an early age. The whole concept of volleyball makes me passionate about it. Playing with a team encourages me to want to become better to make the team better. It's great to know that your team is all fighting for the same thing and builds lifelong friendships. These are the same people where I have traveled with, practice almost everyday with, encourage each other on and off the court, most importantly win with, and even sometimes lose with. Winning with your friends creates the best memories that will be cherished forever. Also, just slamming the ball on the ground and leaving the other team scrambling to try to get the ball up is what makes it fun. Volleyball can be very intense especially when the score is tight and you're on the 5th set; every volleyball player knows that crazy feeling of trying to side out during that moment and winning that point or game. Could you agree that's the best feeling ever? Furthermore, I support and grow the game every time I step on the court. It can be encouraging a teammate that they can do it and cheer them on like crazy when they do. Also, to play my best, so my teammates can get better with me. I could say being a middle has helped my teammates to deal with a big block and I could definitely say they have helped me too. Also, participating in fundraisers to support the team, which helps the program. When I am not playing volleyball I am one of the biggest fans. I schedule on my planner when a game is on, so I can support my favorite college and professional teams. They inspire me to want to be better and I look at them as true role models. Even though this is small I teach my 7 year sister how to play volleyball and instill the passion in volleyball in her. I know she is going to have so much potential even though she's still young I know she is going to grow the game of volleyball. Lastly, my all time favorite memory was playing in a big time tournament known as the Gasparilla Tournament in Tampa, Florida. It is my favorite memory because my team had put in so much fight to win first place. I remember how close the game was and had the parents jumping out of their seats. We were playing the well known OTVA team and was on the third set. I remember we went over 25 points going back and forth just trying to earn two points to win. I could vividly remember my heart was pumping out of my chest. It went like this: our serve went over, they swung it back at us, we fought so hard to get a touch on the ball, and our outside finished it with a kill. To imagine the moment we acted like we won the NCAA Championship. Overall, It taught me to never give up because anything can happen if you put your mind to it. It felt amazing to win first place in our bracket in our own city.