Travel is a potent catalyst for personal transformation, offering individuals a profound journey of self-discovery and growth. The transformative power of travel lies in its ability to expose individuals to diverse cultures, perspectives, and environments, fostering a rich tapestry of experiences that go beyond the surface of exploration. One of the primary ways in which travel contributes to personal growth is through exposure to different cultures. When individuals immerse themselves in unfamiliar traditions, customs, and ways of life, it challenges their preconceived notions and broadens their understanding of the world. The intricate tapestry of global cultures becomes a classroom, teaching empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity. Engaging with people from different cultural backgrounds facilitates cross-cultural communication, breaking down barriers and fostering connections that transcend geographical boundaries. Cultural exposure during travel encourages individuals to question their assumptions and biases, prompting a reevaluation of their perspectives. The realization that there are myriad ways to navigate the complexities of life enhances open-mindedness, allowing individuals to embrace diversity rather than fear it. This expanded worldview becomes a cornerstone of personal growth, shaping individuals into more compassionate and globally aware beings. Furthermore, travel provides individuals with the opportunity to navigate a variety of environments, from bustling metropolises to tranquil natural landscapes. Experiencing different geographical settings can be a transformative encounter with the beauty and diversity of the planet. Standing in awe of natural wonders or exploring urban jungles prompts a visceral connection with the environment, inspiring a deep sense of responsibility for its preservation. Environmental consciousness often emerges as a byproduct of travel, as individuals witness firsthand the impact of human actions on different ecosystems. This newfound awareness can lead to a commitment to sustainable practices and a desire to contribute positively to environmental conservation. The transformative journey through diverse environments encourages a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and instills a sense of stewardship for the planet. The challenges inherent in travel contribute significantly to personal development. Navigating unfamiliar territories, overcoming language barriers, and adapting to different cultural norms require resilience and adaptability. Travel becomes a classroom for life skills, teaching individuals to embrace uncertainty and confront challenges head-on. Overcoming obstacles during travel fosters a sense of self-efficacy, reinforcing the belief that individuals can overcome adversity and adapt to new and unfamiliar situations. Stepping outside one's comfort zone is a cornerstone of personal growth during travel. Whether it's trying exotic cuisine, engaging in local traditions, or navigating through unfamiliar streets, individuals are constantly exposed to situations that demand courage and openness. The willingness to embrace discomfort and uncertainty becomes a transformative force, expanding the boundaries of personal resilience and self-discovery. In addition to external challenges, travel provides a unique space for internal exploration. Removed from the familiar routine and surrounded by novel experiences, individuals often find the mental space for introspection. Travel becomes a journey into the self, prompting individuals to reflect on their values, priorities, and life goals. The solitude and reflection inherent in travel create an environment conducive to self-discovery, leading to a deeper understanding of one's identity and aspirations. In conclusion, travel is a transformative experience that transcends the act of exploration. Exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and environments during travel enriches individuals with a diverse tapestry of experiences. The journey becomes a transformative process that fosters personal growth by promoting cultural understanding, environmental consciousness, resilience, and self-discovery. Through travel, individuals embark on a continuous journey of learning and development, shaping them into more open-minded, compassionate, and self-aware beings.

On October 27, 2021 at 8:27 AM I found out one of my best friends of quite a few years who had had cancer since the age of 3 was at the age of 16 diagnosed terminal. She had beat cancer so many times and had fought harder than anyone else. She showed me what strong looked like. She was always there for me and was one of my favorite people on the planet. There was no one else quite like my Sammy. She while battling terminal cancer married her boyfriend of 3 years where I got to be one of her bridesmaids. She started a fast growing scoail media account that grew from 300 to 243.2 thousand to spread awareness about her condition and being a light to so many people. The doctors told her she wouldn't survive a year and she proved them all wrong. Almost exactly a year later I was sitting in my second class around 9:30 when one of our school police officers walked into my class with our Vice Principal. We were reading the Canterbury Tales and I was very bored. I assumed they were coming in to grab a bad kid and leave. When they just stood there for a minute I sat up and payed attention. They announced slowly and with tears in their eyes that we had lost a member of our grade late the night before. It took me a moment to realize the name they had said was none othere than the girl I had jokingly called my "sister and twin" since the 6th grade. Someone I'd played sports with and whose family loved me and mine loved her. Abby Mac at age 17 commited suicide just days after celebrating her senior night with her soccer team and just hours after hugging me and telling me how much she loved me. I was a mess and the one of the people who best helped me thorugh losing Abby was Sammy. She even though on oxygen and stuck in her bed for the most part had me lay with her and held me in her arms and just let me cry. Sammy never lost her smile and kept living her life to the best of her ability. We spent her birthday toggether having a blast and prom toegther in coordiating dresses. A few months later we celebreated her wedding, which was hands down, the best wedding I have ever been to. When our senior year of high school started we spent senior sunrise together and she came to my volleyball games even though it was super hard for her. Her health just wasn't getting any better, it just got worse and worse. We often takled about her passing and that I didn't want to find out at school. I tryed to see her weekly but due to sports and a few family things I wasn't able to as much as I would have wished. On January 18th at 10 PM I woke up crying and shaking, the next morning was a snow day and I was getting ready to go see her when her husband sent me a message. He told me that she had passed the night beofre at 10 PM. I know that that was her telling me she was gone and I know she made it a snow day. She may be gone but I feel her with me and becasue of that I have been able to work my way through losing her. I love you forever gorgeous, thank you for showing me strength and kindness.

One way I have grown over the past year is my mental health, I have improved in mass amounts compared to how I used to be. There were a few events that led up to my decision to change things up and improve my life. One of the first things that happened was I was talking to a friend of mine back in 2021, his name is Joe. Joe is one of my coaches but he is also a close family friend and is a father figure to me. We were talking about mentalities and how athletes can perform better when they have stronger and healthier mental health. He knows that I struggle and he told me to try at least once a week to be happier or do something that truly makes me happy. It was hard, but I did it as much as I could. Very slowly it got easier and I still struggle some days but I do my best. This one is much more recent but I was talking to a coworker of mine. He is the most brutally honest person I know, I can still hear him telling me, "Ebony, if you aren't having fun or doing it for you, why are you wasting your time? Your mental health is more important than impressing someone or making someone proud of you." He told me to have fun and if I wasn't then there wasn't any reason for me to waste my time and energy. My grandma is one of my biggest supporters and she calls me before every game, meet, or activity I have. She always wants to know how I'm doing and her and my grandpa drive multiple hours to watch and support me. She told me after one of my games last year that she missed seeing me smile when I played and how sad it made her that I wasn't playing to have fun, it was just a chore at that point. She also told me that my happiness is more important than any game and that she would support me no matter what I did. For me that was a big change, I don't know why that hit me so hard but it made me want to change. Lastly, I started dating a boy last year, his name is Blaze. Him and his family are so supportive of me, especially his mom. His mom's name is Kristy and she is basically my best friend. She texts me on a daily basis telling me she loves me and how I need to keep my chin up. She makes sure I am confident and always tells me to believe in myself. She truly has helped me get better at loving myself and being happy with who I am. I have cut so many toxic people out of my life and I have gotten so much happier and my mental health has gotten so much stronger and healthier. I am still the girl I was, just a better version. I will always be that girl and I will always be thankful for her. I have built stronger and healthier relationships with my friends and family and worked so hard to do things for me. My mindset for myself and for my future is so much better and I have learned that throughout my journey when you do something for yourself rather than other people you'll be happier, healthier, and you'll have more fun. Lastly over this year, I have strengthened my mental health and I am so much happier and healthier.