Many people have inspired me over the years. From the time I was born until now, my mother has been a big inspiration. She taught me to stand up for myself and others when I felt something was not right. Once I got to Ball State University and started researching sororities to join, I decided I loved Alpha Chi Omega's fight to empower women. I met so many ladies fighting for a great cause. They inspired me to join their sorority and help make this world better for women and families in need of empowerment. After joining Alpha Chi Omega, I jumped right in my freshman year and held two positions, Sweetheart Chair and Chaplin Chair. I enjoyed these positions, but I wanted to try something new this year (sophomore year). I took on the role of Risk Management. This role is very challenging. My job is to make sure everyone is safe and responsible. This position not only helps the sorority sisters but holds them accountable for their actions. To empower women, you must make sure they are not hurting others in the process. It is a complicated, but very important role. I plan to run for this position again next year because I believe in its importance to the sorority and the girls. Outside of my elected positions in Alpha Chi Omega, I also work with the sorority to help others. We as a group have several different options to help empower women. I have worked at a homeless shelter for battered women. This role was very eye-opening, and I am glad I can help even if it is just little things around the shelter. I have also helped mentor high school students. It is nice to be able to help others my age (or close to it) and show them all the opportunities they have. I did not have this kind of help from my peers in high school. It would have been nice to know all the opportunities available to me and how to go out and achieve them. Another activity our sorority does is Habitat for Humanity. I recently participated in this activity. I do not have much construction experience so I was not sure if I would be much help. I found there were a lot of ways I could help, such as landscaping and painting. I enjoy being outside, so I loved helping with the landscaping. It was such a good feeling to think we were helping give someone a nice safe home. Besides working one on one to help others, our sorority holds many fundraisers. These group activities involve the students and community donating to our cause. All the funds go to different charities that empower women and give them a chance at a better future. I am blessed to be able to do this and I plan on continuing these ideas and opportunities after I graduate from Ball State University. In addition, I was selected this year to represent my sorority at our national conference. The conference's mission is to inspire members to connect, lead, grow and serve their communities. I am extremely excited and humbled to be selected to be a part of this year's Alpha Chi Omega National Convention and plan to continue volunteering wherever I end up after graduation. It has brought joy to my heart and hopefully, to everyone I have volunteered to help.

I have always been considered "the life of the party". I always want to make the most out of life and strive to find the fun in it. Sometimes that means being goofy and laughing at myself. I was voted by my teammates in high school as the one having The Best Team Spirit and then also won the award for Best Team Spirit for all Winter Sports, mine being swimming. This was because I like to be involved and have fun. My love of swimming has helped me to give back to my community. I have been an avid competitive swimmer since I was 8 years old. I swam with local swim clubs for 8 years and I am currently swimming for my high school varsity swim team. During my years in the water, I learned not only to swim but the dangers of the water too. After I received my lifeguard certification and since I had been a member of my swim club for 8 years, my coach asked me if I would like to teach the beginner swimmers in the summer swim club. I never thought I would enjoy being around younger kids, so I was not sure how this would work out for me. However, I am someone who always enjoys trying new things, being involved and interacting with others. I also knew from all my years of swimming I would be able to teach beginner swimmers how to swim, so I decided to give it a try. After the first day of swim lessons, I really could not believe how much I liked teaching the kids how to swim and be safe in the water. It was great to see them improve and get excited about being in the water. I liked getting to know the personalities of the little swimmers and being able to encourage them and cheer them on during swim meets. Even though I knew I liked teaching swim lessons, I was not sure if I was making a difference. All the kids seemed happy and made improvements. It was not until one of the parents, who also happened to be one of my high school teachers, came up to me after one practice and said how much her daughter looked forward to coming to swim lessons because of me. That made me feel good about what I was doing. It can be hard to enjoy something if you do not like the teacher or coach, so I felt that was a very positive compliment. At the end of the season, we have a big final swim meet with several other swim clubs. As I watched them race through the water, maybe getting their personal best time or winning a ribbon, I thought back to the first day of swim lessons and it was hard to believe these kids were the same ones just learning how to swim. That day I realized I was making a difference in their lives, physically, mentally and emotionally. What a great feeling to do that for someone else. After that session of swim lessons, I continued to volunteer at our high school giving swim lessons. I am not only teaching them about the sport I love but giving them lifesaving skills in the water. I hope I can see these kids as they get older and continue to swim. It would be nice to think that my teaching them their beginner lessons helped to create the same love of swimming I have and gave them their start to a safe and happy life in the water.

I did not start as a confident individual. I struggled in middle school and the beginning of high school with ADD. This led me to believe I was not smart enough or good enough all the time. It took me a very long time to realize I only needed to ask for help. Once I did, my grades started to sore, and my confidence took off. I have worked very hard to stay organized, which is hard when you have ADD. I started making schedules and to-do lists to keep me on track with school, work and sports. Everything started to improve in my life. Today I feel I have a very good system to organize my day and everything I need to do. Setting reminders and marking things off my to-do lists has been the best thing I ever did for myself. It may not seem like a big accomplishment but if you could have seen me 6 years ago, it is an amazing difference. My stress level is under control, my grades are great, and I can accomplish what I need to do on time. The organization has been one key to my success. Another thing I have always enjoyed and that has helped me reduce stress is swimming. I have been an avid competitive swimmer since I was 8 years old. I swam with local swim clubs for 8 years and I swam for 4 years for my high school varsity swim team. I still swim when I can at Ball State University. I even decided to minor in Pool Management. Swimming gives me a chance to focus on myself and keeps me physically healthy. I feel physical health is just as important as mental health in making a person whole. I believe probably the greatest help to my well-being during college was joining a sorority. I joined Alpha Chi Omega as a Freshman. The support system the sorority sisters give each other is amazing. They have been there to help me out during my struggles and celebrations. I cherish the friendships I have made through the sorority. Besides working one on one to help others, our sorority holds many fundraisers. These group activities involve the students and community donating to our cause. All the funds go to different charities that empower women and give them a chance at a better future. This inspired me to join their sorority and help make this world better for women and families in need of empowerment. I am blessed to be able to do this. Alpha Chi Omega has not only helped me, but it helping so many other women in their times of need. There is not just one thing I do but many to help my well-being every day. All these things work together to balance me and keep me mentally and physically healthy. I am very grateful I found ways to make college and my future healthy and happy.

Creativity takes many forms. Being able to use my creativity to write and design has always been something I have enjoyed. It allows me to express feelings and thoughts that I may not be able to express in other ways. I discovered my desire to go into journalism in high school. We had an amazing creative writing teacher. I took this class because I heard wonderful things about her and the class. She had won several awards and been featured in many publications because she is blind. This did not stop her from doing what she loved and becoming successful. She not only wrote books but won awards as a teacher. She was awarded Indiana Teacher of the year in 2015. She is truly a wonderful teacher. Ms. Nimmer inspired me to go into journalism because I enjoyed all the possibilities it could give me. Once I got to Ball State, I learned I could add graphic design to my journalism to my degree. I was so excited because not only could I express myself in words, but also in pictures and graphics. It seemed like the complete package. I joined the Ball State newspaper my first semester and had my very first article published. It was so exciting to work hard on something and see it finally be published. Writing has benefited me in other ways as well. I struggled with ADD in middle school. I did not want to admit something was wrong with me. I denied getting the help my mother tried to give me. Writing and artwork were ways for me to express my feelings and thoughts during this time. It also gave me a chance to escape from reality. I finally did get the help I needed but writing and being creative helped me through this difficult period of my life, as well as inspiration from Ms. Nimmer. Considering where I started, I am so thankful that I am happy and confident in what my future holds now. There are so many possibilities for me in the future with a degree in Journalism and Graphic Design. Next summer I have an internship at a summer camp where I will be working with young girls, working on the camp newsletter and the camp's social media. I am excited about this opportunity, not only do I love summer camp, but I will be able to put my journalism studies to work in another publication. Writing has given me a bright future that I look forward to every day.

Creativity takes many forms. Being able to use my creativity to write and design has always been something I have enjoyed. It allows me to express feelings and thoughts that I may not be able to express in other ways. I discovered my desire to go into journalism in high school. We had an amazing creative writing teacher. I took this class because I heard wonderful things about her and the class. She had won several awards and been featured in many publications because she is blind. This did not stop her from doing what she loved and becoming successful. She not only wrote books but won awards as a teacher. She was awarded Indiana Teacher of the year in 2015. She is truly a wonderful teacher. Ms. Nimmer inspired me to go into journalism because I enjoyed all the possibilities it could give me. Once I got to Ball State, I learned I could add graphic design to my journalism to my degree. I was so excited because not only could I express myself in words, but also in pictures and graphics. It seemed like the complete package. I joined the Ball State newspaper my first semester and had my very first article published. It was so exciting to work hard on something and see it finally be published. Writing has benefited me in other ways as well. I struggled with ADD in middle school. I did not want to admit something was wrong with me. I denied getting the help my mother tried to give me. Writing was a way for me to express my feelings and thoughts during this time. It also gave me a chance to escape from reality. I finally did get the help I needed but writing and being creative helped me through this difficult period of my life, as well as inspiration from Ms. Nimmer. Considering where I started, I am so thankful that I am happy and confident in what my future holds now. There are so many possibilities for me in the future with a degree in Journalism and Graphic Design. Next summer I have an internship at a summer camp where I will be working with young girls, working on the camp newsletter and the camp's social media. I am excited about this opportunity, not only do I love summer camp, but I will be able to put my journalism studies to work in another publication. Writing has given me a bright future that I look forward to every day.

My struggle began in middle school, and I did not see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th-grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th-grade year, I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it would be. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother would tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was doing homework and during school. She believed I had ADD and tried to get me to go to the doctor. I did not want to go and struggled for too long. Once I got to high school. I realized it was only getting worse and I was depressed. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that did not mean I was not smart or could not be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this was not the end of the world but needed help. I am glad I finally realized I did not have to struggle, and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I have been on the honor roll in high school, part of the National Honor Society, on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, and yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. Now I am a sophomore at Ball State University studying Journalism and Graphic Design. I have joined a sorority (Alpha Chi Omega) with the best cause, working to empower women. I love being able to help others and this cause is important to me. I have been able to mentor students with my sorority sisters. It is nice to be able to help others my age and show them all the opportunities they have and help them. I did not have this kind of help from my peers in high school. It would have been nice to know all the opportunities available to me, how to go out and achieve them and that I could be successful. Considering where I started, I am so thankful that I am happy and confident in what my future holds now. I am not worried that I am not smart enough or good enough to do something now. I hope I can help others get to this point in life too as I will continue to mentor and help others after I graduate from Ball State University.

Many people have inspired me over the years. From the time I was born until now, my mother has been a big inspiration. She never let me give up and pushed me. She taught me to stand up for myself and others when I felt something was not right. Once I got to Ball State University and started researching sororities to join, I decided I loved Alpha Chi Omega's fight to empower women. I met so many ladies fighting for a great cause. They inspired me to join their sorority and help make this world better for women and families in need of empowerment. After joining Alpha Chi Omega, I jumped right in my freshman year and held two positions, Sweetheart Chair and Chaplin Chair. I enjoyed these positions, but I wanted to try something new this year (sophomore year). I took on the role of Risk Management. This role is very challenging. My job is to make sure everyone is safe and responsible. This position not only helps the sorority sisters but holds them accountable for their actions. To empower women, you must make sure they are not hurting others in the process. It is a complicated, but very important role. I plan to run for this position again next year because I believe in its importance to the sorority and the girls. Outside of my elected positions in Alpha Chi Omega, I also work with the sorority to help others. We as a group have several different options to help empower women. I have worked at a homeless shelter for battered women. This role was very eye-opening, and I am glad I can help even if it is just little things around the shelter. I have also mentored students. It is nice to be able to help others my age (or close to it) and show them all the opportunities they have. I did not have this kind of help from my peers in high school. It would have been nice to know all the opportunities available to me and how to go out and achieve them. Besides working one on one to help others, our sorority holds many fundraisers. These group activities involve the students and community donating to our cause. All the funds go to different charities that empower women and give them a chance at a better future. I am blessed to be able to do this and I plan on continuing these ideas and opportunities after I graduate from Ball State University. In addition, I was selected this year to represent my sorority at our national conference. The conference's mission is to inspire members to connect, lead, grow and serve their communities. I am extremely excited and humbled to be selected to be a part of this year's Alpha Chi Omega's National Convention.

My struggle began in middle school, and I did not see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th-grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th-grade year, I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it would be. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother would tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was doing homework and during school. She believed I had ADD and tried to get me to go to the doctor. I did not want to go and struggled for too long. Once I got to high school. I realized it was only getting worse and I was depressed. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that did not mean I was not smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this was not the end of the world but needed help. I am glad I finally realized I did not have to struggle, and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I have been on the honor roll in high school, part of the National Honor Society, on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, and yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. Now I am a sophomore at Ball State University studying Journalism and Graphic Design. I have joined a sorority (Alpha Chi Omega) with the best cause, working to empower women. I love being able to help others and this cause is important to me. I have been able to mentor students with my sorority sisters. It is nice to be able to help out others my age and show them all the opportunities they have and help them. I didn't have this kind of help from my peers in high school. It would have been nice to know all the opportunities available to me, how to go out and achieve them and that I could be successful. Considering where I started, I am so thankful that I am happy and confident in what my future holds now. I am not worried that I am not smart enough or good enough to do something now. I hope I can help others get to this point in life too as I will continue to mentor and help others after I graduate from Ball State University.

Feminism to me means being able to be who you are, and what you want to be and fight for injustices when you can't do those things. I have never been afraid to say what I think is right and fight for it. However, I know some people don't feel they can. That is when people like myself stand up for them and become involved in making a change to make everything equal and better. Many people have inspired me. From the time I was born until now, my mother has been a big inspiration. She never let me give up and pushed me. She taught me to stand up for myself and others when I felt something was not right. Once I got to Ball State University and started researching sororities to join, I decided I loved Alpha Chi Omega's fight to empower women. I met so many ladies fighting for a great cause. They inspired me to join their sorority and help make this world better for women and families in need of empowerment. After joining Alpha Chi Omega, I jumped right in my freshman year and held two positions, Sweetheart Chair and Chaplin Chair. I enjoyed these positions, but I wanted to try something new this year (sophomore year). I took on the role of Risk Management. This role is very challenging. My job is to make sure everyone is safe and responsible. This position not only helps the sorority sisters but holds them accountable for their actions. To empower women you must make sure they are not hurting others in the process. It is a complicated, but very important role. Outside of my elected positions in Alpha Chi Omega, I also work with the sorority to help others. We as a group have several different options to help empower women. I have worked at a homeless shelter for battered women. This role was very eye-opening and I am glad I can help out even if it is just little things around the shelter. I have also mentored students. It is nice to be able to help out others my age (or close to it) and show them all the opportunities they have. I didn't have this kind of help from my peers in high school. It would have been nice to know all the opportunities available to me and how to go out and achieve them. Besides working one on one to help others, our sorority holds many fundraisers. These group activities involve the students and community donating to our cause. All the funds go to different charities that empower women and give them a chance at a better future. I am blessed to be able to do this and I plan on continuing these ideas and opportunities after I graduate from Ball State University.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it would be. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother believed I had ADD and tried to get me to go to the doctor. She would tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was doing homework and during school. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world, but needed help. I am glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years, part of the National Honor Society, on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it would be. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother believed I had ADD and tried to get me to go to the doctor. She would tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was doing homework and during school. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world, but needed help. I am glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years, part of the National Honor Society, on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now.

I have several ways I like to get involved and help others in my community. When choosing a sorority to join this year, one of the things I evaluated was their involvement in volunteer activities and their cause. I decided to join Alpha Chi Omega at Ball State University because their cause is the empowerment of women. I thought that was a wonderful cause and something I really wanted to be able to do. Through the sorority I have been able to volunteer at a local women's shelter for families trying to escape domestic violence. It has been humbling and very rewarding. I have been able to help women and children who need love and support during this time in their life. I may not have done anything extraordinary, but I feel my time helping the with cleaning or playing games with the kids as something they appreciate. Many of these women and children have been through a horrible experience. I believe the thing they need most is company and a kind heart. The feeling that they are safe and loved. I truly feel blessed that I chose this group of fellow women who want to work for the same cause. I hope I can continue to empower other women (and children) once I have graduated. Being a safe shoulder to cry on or laugh with really something special.

I did not start out as being a confident individual. I struggled in middle school and the beginning of high school with ADD. This lead me to believe I wasn't smart enough or good enough all the time. It took me a very long time to realize I only needed to ask for help. Once I did, my grades started to sore and my confidence took off. I have worked very hard to stay organized, which is hard when you have ADD. I started making a scheduled and to-do lists to keep me on track with school, work and sports. Everything started to improve in my life. Today I feel I have a very good system to organize my day and everything I need to do. Setting reminders and marking things off my to-do lists has been the best thing I ever did for myself. It may not seem like a big accomplishment but if you could have seen me 5 years ago, it's an amazing difference. My stress level is under control, my grades are great and I can accomplish what I need to do on time. Organization has been the key to my success.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it would be. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother believed I had ADD and tried to get me to go to the doctor. She would tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was doing homework and during school. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world, but needed help. I am glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years, part of the National Honor Society, on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it would be. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother believed I had ADD and tried to get me to go to the doctor. She would tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was doing homework and during school. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world, but needed help. I am glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years, part of the National Honor Society, on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it would be. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother believed I had ADD and tried to get me to go to the doctor. She would tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was doing homework and during school. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world, but needed help. I am glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years, part of the National Honor Society, on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it would be. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother believed I had ADD and tried to get me to go to the doctor. She would tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was doing homework and during school. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world, but needed help. I am glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years, part of the National Honor Society, on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now.

I have always enjoyed being around others. When I was asked to do swim lessons, I was so excited. I love swimming and wanted to help others find the love of swimming while learning a valuable life skill. At first many of the kids were scared of different aspects of learning to swim, whether it be diving of the block, swimming in the deep end or letting go of the wall. I was able to show them that they were capable of being in the water swimming and being safe at the same time. Of course, this didn't happen the first day, but over time the kids learned to trust me and trust their abilities to swim. By the end of the lessons most were even competing in some swim meets and achieving big goals. I hope that all the kids I've taught came to understand even though something may be frightening at first, if you give it a try you will have success and become more self confident in other aspects of their lives. Swimming has given me so much, I'm glad I had to the opportunity to enrich young kids lives with the joy of swimming, the confidence building and life-saving skill.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it was. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother tried to get me to go to the doctor. She believed I had ADD. She would constantly tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was trying to homework. This happened during school also. My teachers like to publicly humiliate me when I was daydreaming by calling on me and telling me to pay attention. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse and I really wanted to do better. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world and I could do better, but needed help. I am so glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle like I had been and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I'm proud to say that my grades have improved immensely. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years and part of the National Honor Society. I've also been able to do this while being on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now. I hope I can help others like myself in the future.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it was. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother tried to get me to go to the doctor. She believed I had ADD. She would constantly tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was trying to homework. This happened during school also. My teachers like to publicly humiliate me when I was daydreaming by calling on me and telling me to pay attention. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse and I really wanted to do better. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world and I could do better, but needed help. I am so glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle like I had been and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I'm proud to say that my grades have improved immensely. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years and part of the National Honor Society. I've also been able to do this while being on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now. I hope I can help others like myself in the future.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it was. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother tried to get me to go to the doctor. She believed I had ADD. She would constantly tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was trying to homework. This happened during school also. My teachers like to publicly humiliate me when I was daydreaming by calling on me and telling me to pay attention. Middle school was a very depressing and stressful time for me. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse and I really wanted to do better. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I also wanted to be on the high school varsity swim team, which I wouldn't be able to do if I didn't have good grades. The moment I got benched for bad grades was the breaking point. I absolutely love swimming and being part of a team. I hated sitting on the sidelines and watching all my teammates racing past me. This gave me the push I needed to get the courage up to see the doctor. The doctor explained I had ADD, but it didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world and I could do better, but needed help. I needed to follow the doctor's instructions and ask for help if I needed it. I am so glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle like I had been and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I'm proud to say that my grades have improved immensely. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years and part of the National Honor Society. I've also been able to do this while being on the Varsity Swim Team (not on the bench!), Team Captain on the swim team, working on school plays, musicals, the high school yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now. I hope I can help others like myself in the future realize you can overcome obstacles and be successful if you take help when needed and apply yourself. And always listen to your mother, because she's always right!

The best Christmas present ever was finding these two on the front porch in need of a warm loving home. Kato was a loud peeping Tom looking in our front door window on a cold winter day. A year later on Christmas Eve we were able to give Kato the gift of a little sister named Kandy Kane, after finding her on the front porch step. The two have been the best siblings ever since. @ari_otten

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it was. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother tried to get me to go to the doctor. She believed I had ADD. She would constantly tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was trying to homework. This happened during school also. My teachers like to publicly humiliate me when I was daydreaming by calling on me and telling me to pay attention. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse and I really wanted to do better. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world and I could do better, but needed help. I am so glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle like I had been and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I'm proud to say that my grades have improved immensely. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years and part of the National Honor Society. I've also been able to do this while being on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. None of this could of been possible without the support of my mother. She stood by me when I struggled. She knew what I needed to do. She never gave up on me and was there when I was ready to come to the conclusion I needed help. She has always pushed me to do better because she knew I was capable of more. She was right because I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now because of her.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it was. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother tried to get me to go to the doctor. She believed I had ADD. She would constantly tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was trying to homework. This happened during school also. My teachers like to publicly humiliate me when I was daydreaming by calling on me and telling me to pay attention. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse and I really wanted to do better. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world and I could do better, but needed help. I am so glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle like I had been and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I'm proud to say that my grades have improved immensely. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years and part of the National Honor Society. I've also been able to do this while being on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now. I hope I can help others like myself in the future.

My love of swimming has helped me to give back to my community. I have been an avid competitive swimmer since I was 8 years old. I swam with local swim clubs for 8 years and I am currently swimming for my high school varsity swim team. During my years in the water I learned not only to swim but the dangers of the water too. After I received my lifeguard certification and since I been a member of my swim club for 8 years, my coach asked me if I would like to teach the beginner swimmers in the summer swim club. I never thought I would enjoy being around younger kids, so I wasn't sure how this would work out for me. However, I am someone who always enjoys trying new things, being involved and interacting with others. I also had the knowledge from all the years of swimming to be able to teach beginner swimmers how to swim, so I decided to give it a try. After the first day of swim lessons I really couldn't believe how much I liked teaching the kids how to swim and be safe in the water. It was great to see them improve and get excited about being in the water. I liked getting to know the personalities of the little swimmers and be able to encourage them and cheer them on during swim meets. There were challenging swimmers who found it hard to keep focused, but I found ways to keep them involved. When little swimmers loose focus, it can be dangerous. Horse play could lead to someone getting injured or needing to be rescued from drowning. Safety is always my top priority and one of the reason I became a certified lifeguard. Even though I knew I liked teaching swim lessons, I wasn't sure if I was making a difference. All the kids seemed happy and making improvements. It wasn't until one of the parents, who also happened to be one of my high school teachers, came up to me after one practice and said how much her daughter looked forward to coming to swim lessons because of me. That really made me feel good about what I was doing. It can be hard to enjoy something if you don't like the teacher or coach, so I felt that was a very positive compliment. At the end of the season we have a big final swim meet with several other swim clubs. As I watched them race through the water, maybe getting their personal best time or winning a ribbon, I thought back to the first day of swim lessons and It was hard to believe these kids were the same ones just learning how to swim. That day I realized I was really making a difference in their lives, physically, mentally and emotionally. What a great feeling to do that for someone else. After that session of swim lessons I continued to volunteer at our high school giving swim lessons. I am not only teaching them about the sport I love, but giving them life saving skills in the water. I hope I am able to see these kids as they get older and continue to swim. It would be nice to think that my teaching them their beginner lessons helped to create the same love of swimming I have and gave them their start to a safe and happy life in the water.

My struggle began in middle school and I didn't see it coming. Elementary school was relatively easy for me. I tested at a 7th grade level in both English and Math when I was in 5th grade, so I thought I knew it all. As I got into my 6th grade year I realized middle school was not as easy as I thought it was. My grades were bad, I kept forgetting to turn in assignments and my organization skills were lacking. My mother tried to get me to go to the doctor. She believed I had ADD. She would constantly tell me to focus because I would get distracted by any little thing while I was trying to homework. This happened during school also. My teachers like to publically humiliate me when I was daydreaming by calling on me and telling me to pay attention. Once I got to high school I realized it was only getting worse and I really wanted to do better. I wanted to go to college and be successful. I finally got the courage up to see the doctor. She explained that I had ADD, but that didn't mean I wasn't smart or couldn't be whatever I wanted to be. She said my mind just worked differently than other peoples' minds. After hearing this, I was able to admit to myself that this wasn't the end of the world and I could do better, but needed help. I am so glad I finally realized I didn't have to struggle like I had been and I am just as smart as everyone else, maybe smarter! I just needed to apply myself, use the tools the doctor gave me and work hard. I'm proud to say that my grades have improved immensely. I've been on the honor roll for the last 3 years and part of the National Honor Society. I've also been able to do this while being on the Varsity Swim Team, working on school plays, musicals, yearbook and becoming a certified lifeguard. But the best part and the thing I'm most thankful for is I'm happy and confident in what my future holds now.