Dozens of tabs open on my computer. An entire arsenal of unread emails—most of which I never signed up for. The looming question—what are your plans after high school?—waiting at every social event, family dinner, and casual conversation. Being a high school senior is stressful. Expectations, questions, and decisions lurk around every corner, and when this is met with a second-semester lack of motivation, stress and anxiety attach themselves to the last leg of the journey. High school offered the fresh excitement of independence, challenging subjects, and adulthood on the horizon of the not-so-distant future. Then came an unexpected battle—perfectionism. My mindset rapidly shifted into negativity as a thought began to run over and over in my head: I’m not good enough. Every missed assignment, misunderstanding, and sheer mental exhaustion continuously heightened this sense of discontentment. As I matured, I grew aware of the issue, attempting to offer myself grace and finding those who could keep me accountable. This helped to tame the overwhelming thoughts. Yet, with the rise in stress that the senior year brings, I’ve fallen back into perfectionism, sinking deeper into the familiar thoughts that initially robbed me of my joy. Transitioning to college, my assignments are not going to get easier. The stress is not going to suddenly dissipate. I am faced with a choice, and I choose to focus on what I can control—my own mindset. From an early age, we understand the importance of being kind to others, yet we forget that we must be kind to ourselves, too. I recently realized that, if I spoke to others the way I speak to myself, I would be considered brutally rude. Why, then, is it okay for me to treat myself this way? A pilates instructor I follow consistently emphasizes this concept: “You cannot hate yourself into a body that you love.” It resonated with me on a new level when I realized that this applies to schoolwork as well. You cannot hate yourself into a perfect grade. You cannot hate yourself into satisfaction. You cannot hate yourself into finishing your assignments early. My mindset shifted to focus on what went well rather than to dwell on what went wrong. Becoming more aware of my perfectionism, I’ve picked up on others' negativity towards themselves. It is often displayed as a joke; “Look at how cringey this is.” “I’m so bad at this.” “Ew, I look so gross in this picture.” I’ve said the same things. Understanding that this constant negativity promotes an unhealthy mindset, I am determined to speak life over my friends. I will encourage them to treat themselves with kindness. I am determined to be a safe place, never treating someone’s perfectionism with condescension, ignorance, or belittlement. Rather, I will let my friends talk freely as I commit to offer them encouragement, empathy, and compassion. I will intentionally remind them of their capability, accomplishments, and worth. Every time I verbally acknowledge that I am not good enough—even jokingly—I am lying to myself. This applies to each person who does the same. It’s time to start treating ourselves with worth and kindness. It’s time to stop throwing ourselves into the pit of comparison and to start finding contentment and satisfaction in the positives. I am ready to love my neighbors and myself. And as I embark on this journey of healing, I am determined to bring my friends along with me. I am ready to begin to speak life again. I am ready to live life again.

It was going to be perfect. The area needed a homeschool volleyball team, and my mom had located the key people who could get the team started. I could already imagine myself approaching the net, jumping with strength, and slamming the ball over the net with perfect accuracy. I could picture my team huddling together and cheering one another on. When my mom mentioned that some players would get more play time than others, a fresh excitement came over me—I would get play time! I showed up to almost every practice, worked hard through every drill, and continued to train at home. When I sat on the bench for our first varsity game, my anticipation and excitement slowly disintegrated as each set passed by. I soon began to realize that this was nothing like what I had imagined. Games suddenly felt like a chore rather than a privilege. I felt overlooked, tired, and very disappointed. Serving a team as a benchwarmer is an extremely disheartening experience. I played two times in a varsity game over the course of my junior year. Additionally, I struggled to connect with my team. I walked away from the season relieved that it was over, disheartened by the feeling of my practice being in vain, and indecisive on whether or not I should try out the following year. I am not a quitter, and letting go of what became my “normal” was not easy. But, through a series of conversations with my family, I realized that I needed something different. As hard as the decision was, I switched to a less competitive church league. Immediately, I was welcomed with encouragement, support, and a willingness to give each player an opportunity to showcase her skills. Switching teams was an adjustment, but I began to realize that support is vital for success. Given this new environment of kindness and encouragement, I continued to progress in my volleyball skills and to learn a new aspect of the game—working with a team. Being surrounded by people who rooted for me boosted my confidence, and I needed this confidence to improve. Although church leagues are often regarded as boring and elementary, I am able to look back now and realize that for my senior year, I needed this opportunity. As I shifted from a sports mindset to an academic one, this transition allowed me margin to focus more on schoolwork and on treating myself with kindness. It allowed me to take a step back and realize what I needed in that season—a chance to thrive rather than a chance to prove myself. And as someone who is diligent and driven, I was still able to push myself while also learning to be patient with those of differing skill. I fell in love with volleyball again, and I now look forward to joining an intramural volleyball team in college and continuing to grow in these skills that I’ve learned from such a positive atmosphere. Society often tells us to “push through the pain.” We run the extra mile, do the extra rep, and work until we’re satisfied. Through my two short volleyball seasons, I realized that this pain isn’t always physical. This pain can be rejection, incompatibility, and the realization that there is still work to do. Having the opportunity to view competition from a big-picture perspective and identifying where I thrived was so beneficial and uplifting. Every chapter of life brings a new challenge. I believe that learning to adapt to these challenges helps us to keep growing.

“I want to be a lawyer.” “I want to be an engineer.” “I want to be a graphic designer.” Personally, I want time to spend with my family. I want to be present in my children’s lives. I want to live intentionally so that when I’m taking my last breath, I can look back and truly believe that I lived a good life. The world defines success as money, hard work, and recognition. While all these things are great, I want success in the way that I don’t have to live stressed. I want success in the way that I can travel and make memories. I want success in the way that, when others meet me, they can walk away and feel good about themselves. Most of all, I want to find creative ways to help others. Almost every morning, I have the privilege to wake up to my Dad making breakfast, my Mom preparing the house for a day of school, and my siblings getting ready for the day. My parents continuously emphasize that not every family gets this opportunity and has this level of closeness. The older I get, the more I appreciate these moments. My parents are self-employed small business owners, allowing them to have flexible schedules to spend more time with my siblings and me at home. This has been such a blessing, and I’ve been able to grow up with my parents very much present in my life. My siblings are my best friends. I hope that my future family is this way as well. Entrepreneurship allows room for creativity in the workspace and intentionality in the home. Both of these aspects are important to me. Teenagers are often regarded as rebellious, unmotivated, and rude. Throughout the course of my high school years, I have been determined to defy this stereotype by seeking excellence. As I prepare for an education in entrepreneurship, it has been my goal to seek out as many entrepreneurship experiences as possible. Over the past few years, I’ve been able to run a small coffee booth at local events, run a small jewelry business with my mom, and, most recently, I’ve launched an online used bookstore called Faded Pages that helps families of avid readers have easier access to clean, wholesome fiction. Through all of these experiences, I’ve learned key aspects to entrepreneurship, the biggest being that, in order to achieve success, an entrepreneur must solve a problem. The very first supporters are typically friends and family members who simply want to support the entrepreneur. But if one is to move past this phase and continue to grow his/her business, there must be a product or service that others desire. This concept is what led me to transition from my coffee business to my book business. I hope that, as I shift into a college education, these past experiences and insights will help me to become a better entrepreneur. At the end of the day, entrepreneurship guarantees failure and hardship, but it's perseverance through these challenges that promotes growth and wisdom. I am willing to embrace the challenges because the reward of creativity, intentionality, and time spent with family outweighs any paycheck.

I sat in the Louisiana State Library’s conference room surrounded by dozens of teenagers I had never met before. The suit I wore felt both professional and foreign. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew that my mom would soon be leaving me to fend for myself at the TeenPact government leadership camp everyone had been so adamant I attend. Fast forward three days. I made it past a primary election and now stood in front of the entire group of students, staff, and chaperones as one of four students who was running for governor in a mock-campaign. As I stood there, the magnitude of the situation hit me—something had majorly shifted. Not seventy-two hours prior, I was anxious at the thought of being away from home for so long and terrified of the idea of having to talk in front of these strangers. So what changed? It was a new perspective, trust in God, and a little bit of spontaneity. Comfort zones are our enemies. They disguise themselves as a home to dwell in where, as long as you have the door shut, no troubles will ever come to meet you. But in Matthew 28:19, Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The Lord calls us to leave our comfort zones, and during my experience attending TeenPact, I witnessed firsthand the beauty of what it means to leap from safety while surrendering everything to God. Before we officially began the TeenPact class, the program director challenged us to commit to give our 100% effort over the next four days. I began to realize with every new experience that comfort majorly interferes with growth. We are called to follow Jesus, but we can’t give Him our 100% when we’re still clinging to normalcy. The future, as a high schooler, is terrifying. There are hundreds of colleges, degrees, and careers to choose from, and when that is placed on top of schoolwork, extracurriculars, and the dozens of questions that curious friends and family members have, life-changing decisions become exponentially more overwhelming. It could be so easy to say that I’ll stay home, that I won’t go to college, that I’d rather remain where things are routine and comfortable. But what would I be missing out on if I dismissed God’s plan for my life by submitting instead to fear? I am set to attend Liberty University in Virginia—a college far from home—where I will be studying entrepreneurship, a degree that is bound to come with risks and failures. So often, the overwhelming fears hit me, and I contemplate simply staying home, instead attending a local college. But as tempting as it is to remain in comfort, I am always brought back to that moment during TeenPact when I realized the confidence I had gained from taking the jump. If I am to remain where I am now, would I be able to live in the full potential God has set before me? Would I truly be able to say, in the end, that I went out and made disciples like He called me to do? Christianity isn’t easy, comfortable, or predictable, but, just as God met me before, I am confident He will continue to meet me in every step of my future. I am ready to leap from my comfort zone and fully submit to His plan because I know from experience that He won’t let me down.

With the copy of my favorite book in hand, I sat at the computer and began to type. I had no idea what I would write about, how I would manage to turn it into a book, or where the words would soon take me. All I knew was that I had an irrepressible desire to write my own story—one with a world I loved, an engaging plot, and characters with relatable strengths and weaknesses. My first novel, in a way, was an opportunity to tell myself a story, and this story soon led me on the path of completing five full-length projects over the next two years. Since learning to read, I’ve had a fierce passion for books. By ten years old, I was reading about 100 books a year. Naturally, I soon began longing to write my own books. My goal in my writing is to craft clean, wholesome stories without sacrificing a high-impact storyline. I write dystopian and contemporary, both with a bit of romance. I finished my first novel at 70,000 words, and since then have written over 250,000 words. Journeying through these stories with my characters, I’ve learned that I’m not so different from my eight-year-old self who would sit in front of her dollhouse for hours, bringing her make-believe world to life. Writing is my outlet for my curiosity and creativity to shine. Currently, I am a student in the Young Writer’s Workshop, an online community that helps young writers take action steps towards a successful writing career. This includes finding a mentor, joining accountability and critique groups, making industry connections, gaining entrepreneurial and marketing skills, and refining the writing craft. The most crucial aspect I’ve learned so far is that consistency is absolutely vital for completion and success. Although college guarantees a heavier workload and new opportunities, I am committed to creating margin to keep making progress in my writing, whether a little bit every night or a couple hours on the weekends. I am set to study entrepreneurship or marketing, both degrees where writing skills are beneficial. The momentum I’ve gained thus far is worth building upon. My goal is traditional publication, and that is not a dream I’m willing to let slip from my grasp. Every connection, every piece of feedback, every rejection, and every word I write is one step closer to this goal, whether it be as small as lengthening a manuscript or as pivotal as securing a literary agent. One day, when I can hold my own book in my hands, I am confident that I will look back with gratitude, a new understanding, and a fresh motivation knowing I didn’t stop. I kept moving forward. Writing, for me, is a time to decompress from the day and process my emotions through descriptions and dialogue. And it brings me joy. I never want to lose sight of that. There is a certain beauty expressed when words are woven together and tied into a beautiful tapestry. I love that words have power, that they are able to evoke emotion. I hope that when people read my words, they are met with a sense of warmth and peace. I hope that when people read my words, they don’t feel so alone. I hope that when people read my words, they see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I strive to demonstrate that there is a resolution at the end of the plot, that after all is lost and it feels like there is no way out, there can be a happy ending.

“When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.” These were the opening words to a new adventure as I sat on the sofa shortly before Christmas break of my freshman year of high school with a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird. The classical curriculum I followed had set a rigorous schedule to read hard-to-read classics throughout the first semester. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was a welcomed break, as I was immediately drawn into a story entwined with hope amidst tragedy. This story was set in a not-so-distant past—a world where children played wherever they wished, and where neighbors formed true communities within small towns. But at the same time, this world’s racist biases still raged. Voices were suppressed. People were not colorblind, but, instead, judged one another based on skin color. Scout and Jem, the two main characters, begin to grow curious over a mysterious neighbor, whose house and family’s rumors tremor throughout the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. Meanwhile, their father, Atticus, accepts a court case involving a young Black man, Tom Robinson, who is accused of rape. Initially, the verdict appears obvious; Tom Robinson is guilty. But as Atticus uncovers a series of inconsistencies between the witnesses, tension and doubt begin to grow. The story of To Kill a Mockingbird is incredibly complex, a series of subplots and themes weaved together into a beautiful picture that forms in one’s head as he or she journeys through the book. Seeing this story reflected on the screen was a beautiful experience for me. Although it is produced in black and white and can be considered outdated, this adds an element that helps the viewer become transported to the past, while simultaneously creating a wholesome nostalgia. This factor leads to a documentation of history, culture, and the importance of using our broken pasts to create a better future. As cozy as the movie feels, the storyline soon becomes tragic. “It is a sin to kill a mockingbird.” This quote from Atticus has resonated with me since I’ve watched the movie. So often, we’re tempted to pin our problems on others, but this is devastatingly destructive to everything and everyone around us. To Kill a Mockingbird shows that the good guys and bad guys are not determined by race, contrary to what the characters believe in the story. There is never an excuse to shame someone because of his/her skin color. “Black and white” should refer to morals, not colors. Through a series of court scenes, lies, and deception, Atticus finally uncovers enough truth to create doubts. Still, the judge and jury rule that Tom Robinson is guilty, and tragedy ensues. To Kill a Mockingbird has been challenged for its mature topics and racism, but I believe that it raises a question crucial to the equality of our society—do we kill mockingbirds? Do we slander voices that deserve to be heard? Do we shun those based on race, politics, beliefs, and past experiences? At the end of the story, when the antagonist attempts to attack Scout and Jem, their strange neighbor is the one to rescue them. This neighbor was gossiped about, avoided, and feared, yet his goodness saved two innocent lives. How often do we overlook those who still have something vital to offer to our communities? To Kill a Mockingbird has helped to strengthen my beliefs against racism and biases, and watching the iconic events play out on the screen has created a reminder of the destruction that comes when we wrongly attack the innocent.

George R.R. Martin once said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” Since childhood, I’ve had a fierce passion for books. My mom, who homeschools us, provided our family with books that helped to foster that passion, and as a result, helped form a love of learning. Around the age of 10, I read approximately 100 books a year. Although books were such a formative part of my childhood, the older I became, the harder it was to find decent books. As I shifted from children’s books to middle grade books, I struggled to find content that my parents and I were comfortable reading. Because my mom had only a select list of books to offer me, the rate at which I read was drastically dampened. I could no longer walk into the library and judge a book by its cover. Many families, especially in the homeschool community, struggle with this issue. My goal is to launch an online used bookstore that offers gently loved, wholesome books to help families of avid readers build a quality home library and foster their children’s love of reading. My hope is to sell books at a reasonable price and give young readers and teenagers a streamlined system to find great books that will resonate long after childhood. After conducting a survey of my target audience, I’ve collected over 80 responses to help narrow down favorite genres, book content, and preferred social media platforms. My bookstore will be primarily based on Facebook and Instagram, offering a new lineup of books once every two weeks. Before forming the idea of a used bookstore, I owned a small coffee business that I set up at local events. The wisdom I gained through this experience has been invaluable. Firstly, I learned organized processes to keep up with finances, as well as communication skills between the seller and customer. Additionally, I learned that setting myself apart in a saturated market is absolutely vital and that leaning into the customers’ needs is one of the most crucial parts of success. My dad owns an instrumentation business, and growing up watching him operate his business has majorly influenced my own dreams. He’s always taught me that his biggest goal in his company is to put himself in his customers’ shoes. I hope to carry this same goal into my bookstore. By isolating a target audience that I relate to well, I want to fix a problem that many families—mine included—face. Because I’ve felt the frustration, I am passionate about parents and teens being able to rest assured that the content inside of any book purchased from my bookstore is safe. I have always found joy in finding creative ways to help others. I believe this is a key component to my love of entrepreneurship. Rather than hesitantly adapting to a job that I don’t truly love, I desire to have the freedom and flexibility to formulate a business that I am passionate about. I never want to dread my job so much that I lose sight of what truly matters. So many people go through the same routine everyday, waiting from the moment they open their eyes Monday morning for their Saturday. I do not want to live from weekend to weekend. I want to thrive and find joy on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Entrepreneurship builds life skills foundational in all circumstances—communication, customer service, drive, integrity, and passion. I am well aware that entrepreneurship comes with a risk, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

Almost every morning, I have the privilege as a homeschooler to wake up to my Dad making breakfast, my Mom preparing the house for a day of school, and my siblings getting ready for the day. My parents continuously emphasize that not every family gets this opportunity and has this level of closeness, and the older I get, the more I appreciate these moments. My parents are self-employed small business owners, allowing them to have flexible schedules and spend more time with my siblings and me at home. Since I was little, they’ve demonstrated that you don’t have to work for a big company to be successful and that average people are capable of running a business. Entrepreneurship is such a flexible path to take because it leaves room for creativity, intentionality, and passion. My goal in life has always been to find creative ways to help people, and that is why I want to major in entrepreneurship. For a long time, I was unsure what I wanted to do after high school, and, although there is still a level of uncertainty, I’ve learned that I enjoy brainstorming business ideas and finding simple ways to fix problems. Confucius said, “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I want my future career to stem from true passion. I don’t want work to be an obligation. So many people wake up every day with dread, sit through traffic with dread, go through their daily tasks with dread. This doesn’t just damage customer service, but personal joy. Because entrepreneurship comes with so much flexibility and opportunity to infuse projects with creativity and personal desire, work doesn’t have to be such a dreadful experience. Additionally, because entrepreneurs are the owners of their own businesses, they can amplify their own themes and values into their businesses. My Dad has always taught me that his goal in his industrial instrumentation business is to put himself in his customer’s shoes. Because of this, he is able to work with greater efficiency, but most importantly, greater kindness and integrity. And since he is the owner of his business, it’s not just him who is known for this, but his business as a whole. I am classically educated, and leadership skills are one of the most important aspects of my education. Being able to display my personal values in a business would help me to utilize these skills and work with intentionality. When I someday start a family, I want to spend time with my kids and show them that with careful, logical planning, they, too, can reach their business dreams just as my parents have shown me. My dream career is to follow in my parents’ footsteps and start my own business so that I, too, can demonstrate my values in my business—compassion, creativity, kindness, and integrity—and use the creativity and intentionality that sparks my passion.