Everyone has their own tactics and strategies they use when investing. However, more important than developing these skills is simply beginning the investment process. While there are countless tips regarding how to go about this action, the one I have taken with me and shared with others is "start investing now." Growing up, I saved nearly every penny I ever came across. Every dollar of my paycheck or found in my path went straight to my savings account in the bank. Before high school, I had not realized there was so much more I could do with my money. I remember sitting in my personal finance class on a rainy Tuesday morning. We were discussing investments --stocks, bonds, risk, interest. Although these things were not new to me, I had never made the connection that I could take part in an investment journey. I wanted to do just that. My teacher provided us with several investing tips, emphasizing the idea to begin investing now, even if it is a small amount. Following that class, I began looking into investing. If I did not start investing then, when would I? There are many benefits to beginning investments now. Starting even small investments early and at a young age allows for time. The more time allocated to an investment, the higher the return. If I continue to add to the investment over the years, I can accumulate even more money. By the time I retire, I will not have to worry about where I will get my money to live. Now that I have investments, I have time to develop investing techniques. The hardest part was getting going. The hardest part of anything is starting. By starting investments now, I am becoming wealthier by the day.

The world does not want you to be yourself; it wants you to conform to the ways of society and be just like everyone else. It tells you what to think, what to say, and what to do. With all of this added pressure, it can be easy to give in and live your life the way the world expects you to. However, you must find ways to be you. After all, different minds make for a better society. My journey to becoming me has been difficult. The world told me it was better to blend in than stand out, so I have felt obligated to follow the crowd. But every time I did what the world wanted, I was left feeling unsatisfied, unfulfilled, and empty. As a result, I set myself apart by staying true to who I am. One of the things that I regularly do is honestly evaluate myself. I reevaluate my values, beliefs, and desires. In doing so, I determine whether or not they are my own and if I am living them out to the fullest. Following this practice allows me to set aside society's expectations and be me. Going along those same lines, I also practice self-awareness. I work to acknowledge my feelings and how I express myself in different environments. By doing so, I remain grounded in a world that is not. Another thing that I do daily is seek out opportunities that are in my best interest. I find activities that will positively influence my life while removing myself from things that negatively affect my life. To be my true self, it is necessary that I let go of things that do not benefit me.