Writing used to be my enemy. It was such a terrible issue that my mom would take me to the library to write a paper for school. She knew I wouldn't have a complete meltdown if I was in public. Keep in mind, I was only in fourth grade. Still, it was awful. It wasn't until I hit fifth grade that things changed when I had a new teacher, Mrs. Smith. Apparently, I told her that I hated reading and writing upon our first meeting, however I don't really remember that. Nevertheless, she was not deterred from helping me. She broke it down in the simplest ways. From explaining outlines to introducing quality word choices, she made writing doable. She lovingly gave me feedback through critiquing my work but also building my confidence. For the first time, I could write an essay without tears; not only that, but it even grew to be rewarding when I wrote a paper and gave my very best effort. Finally, at the end of the year program, Mrs. Smith stood in front of all the students and parents. She shared why she believed it is necessary for people to strive to be proficient writers. Then she quoted George Orwell, “If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” It clicked. At last, I understood why writing is vital. I'll never forget it. Now, I love writing. It's my best subject. It's a tool I use to express myself, record important moments, let out my feelings, and be creative. Simultaneously, I know it's making me a better thinker, and therefore a more liberated person. I used to view writing as a trap, but now I see it as my freedom. I am so thankful for Mrs. Smith for that very reason. Now here’s where this all came full circle. In my eleventh grade year, my beloved teacher reached out to me and enlisted me as a tutor to her fifth grade class. I felt so honored that she trusted me with this position. There I was again, back in fifth grade. This time however, I loved reading, I loved writing, and I loved that I had the chance to help students the way Mrs. Smith helped me. Truly, I believe that she is part of the reason I desire to become a teacher. She showed me how to love learning again. It is my dream to do the same for my future students, and I know that striving for a higher level of education will launch me into living my dream.

Jesus is my everything. He is the reason there is anything great in my life. The best way to see how my life has been changed by Him is to understand what my life would look like without Jesus. To start, I would be pained with anxiety constantly. All my desires would be selfish. Likely, I wouldn’t be as kind, and if I was, it would be fake. I wouldn’t love people very much because I probably wouldn’t love myself. My good days would fill me with pride, and my bad days would sink me so low. I wouldn’t be happy or even close to satisfied. I would be hopeless. I wouldn’t have a divine plan for my life. Everything would be meaningless. “But God raised him from the dead!” Acts 13:30. In the same way, God has brought me to life and life everlasting. Jesus, who is merciful and full of grace, has saved me. He has freed me from anxiety. My desires are Christ-driven because I delight myself in God’s will for my life. I am able to love deeply as Jesus has shown me. He has given me joy, and He satisfies my soul daily. I’m grateful for my good days, and I’m still grateful on my bad days. I have hope. I have an eternal destination. I have Jesus, and He alone is my world. Christ is my rock and my motivation everyday.

Last summer, I saved 15% of every dollar I earned and set it aside in a blessings fund. I did not know what I was going to use it for, but I wanted it to be solely for the purpose of helping others. Later that year, I felt in my heart that I needed to use this money to sponsor a family for Christmas. I asked the children’s pastor at my church if she knew of anyone who needed financial support this Christmas. She did, and we decided to keep the whole thing anonymous. She gave me the ages of the children and their interests. Then I went to Five Below, Target, Walmart, and online shopping to find gifts for all three kids. It was super fun! I bought stockings and little stocking stuffers. I bought a different wrapping paper for each kid and wrapped all of the presents. I also got a couple gifts for the mother of the children who was on her own. Then, I brought all of the wrapped presents to my church where the children’s pastor would deliver the gifts for me. After Christmas, I heard that the family was so blessed by all of the gifts. They were touched by the amount of gifts and the details of it all. It was such an honor to do this, and I’m looking forward to doing it again this year.

“If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” - George Orwell Writing used to be my enemy. It was such a terrible issue that my mom would take me to the library to write a paper for school. She knew I wouldn't have a complete meltdown if I was in public. Keep in mind, I was only in fourth grade. Still, it was awful. It wasn't until I hit fifth grade that things changed when I had a new teacher, Mrs. Smith. Apparently, I told her that I hated reading and writing upon our first meeting, however I don't really remember that. Nevertheless, she was not deterred from helping me. She broke it down in the simplest ways. From explaining outlines to introducing quality word choices, she made writing doable. She lovingly gave me feedback through critiquing my work but also building my confidence. For the first time, I could write an essay without tears; not only that, but it even grew to be rewarding when I wrote a paper and gave my very best effort. Finally, at the end of the year program, Mrs. Smith stood in front of all the students and parents. She shared why she believed it is necessary for people to strive to be proficient writers. Then she quoted George Orwell, “If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” It clicked. At last, I understood why writing is vital. I'll never forget it. Now, I love writing. It's my best subject. It's a tool I use to express myself, record important moments, let out my feelings, and be creative. Simultaneously, I know it's making me a better thinker, and therefore a more liberated person. I used to view writing as a trap, but now I see it as my freedom.

Writing used to be my enemy. It was such a terrible issue that my mom would take me to the library to write a paper for school. She knew I wouldn't have a complete meltdown if I was in public. Keep in mind, I was only in fourth grade. Still, it was awful. It wasn't until I hit fifth grade that things changed when I had a new teacher, Mrs. Smith. Apparently, I told her that I hated reading and writing upon our first meeting, however I don't really remember that. Nevertheless, she was not deterred from helping me. She broke it down in the simplest ways. From explaining outlines to introducing quality word choices, she made writing doable. She lovingly gave me feedback through critiquing my work but also building my confidence. For the first time, I could write an essay without tears; not only that, but it even grew to be rewarding when I wrote a paper and gave my very best effort. Finally, at the end of the year program, Mrs. Smith stood in front of all the students and parents. She shared why she believed it is necessary for people to strive to be proficient writers. Then she quoted George Orwell, “If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” It clicked. At last, I understood why writing is vital. I'll never forget it. Now, I love writing. It's my best subject. It's a tool I use to express myself, record important moments, let out my feelings, and be creative. Simultaneously, I know it's making me a better thinker, and therefore a more liberated person. I used to view writing as a trap, but now I see it as my freedom. I am so thankful for Mrs. Smith for that very reason. Now here’s where this all came full circle. In my eleventh grade year, my beloved teacher reached out to me and enlisted me as a tutor to her fifth grade class. I felt so honored that she trusted me with this position. There I was again, back in fifth grade. This time however, I loved reading, I loved writing, and I loved that I had the chance to help students the way Mrs. Smith helped me. Truly, I believe that she is part of the reason I desire to become a teacher. She showed me how to love learning again. It is my dream to do the same for my future students, and I know that striving for a higher level of education will launch me into living my dream.

Writing used to be my enemy. It was such a terrible issue that my mom would take me to the library to write a paper for school. She knew I wouldn't have a complete meltdown if I was in public. Keep in mind, I was only in fourth grade. Still, it was awful. It wasn't until I hit fifth grade that things changed when I had a new teacher, Mrs. Smith. Apparently, I told her that I hated reading and writing upon our first meeting, however I don't really remember that. Nevertheless, she was not deterred from helping me. She broke it down in the simplest ways. From explaining outlines to introducing quality word choices, she made writing doable. She lovingly gave me feedback through critiquing my work but also building my confidence. For the first time, I could write an essay without tears; not only that, but it even grew to be rewarding when I wrote a paper and gave my very best effort. Finally, at the end of the year program, Mrs. Smith stood in front of all the students and parents. She shared why she believed it is necessary for people to strive to be proficient writers. Then she quoted George Orwell, “If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” It clicked. At last, I understood why writing is vital. I'll never forget it. Now, I love writing. It's my best subject. It's a tool I use to express myself, record important moments, let out my feelings, and be creative. Simultaneously, I know it's making me a better thinker, and therefore a more liberated person. I used to view writing as a trap, but now I see it as my freedom. I am so thankful for Mrs. Smith for that very reason. Now here’s where this all came full circle. In my eleventh grade year, my beloved teacher reached out to me and enlisted me as a tutor to her fifth grade class. I felt so honored that she trusted me with this position. There I was again, back in fifth grade. This time however, I loved reading, I loved writing, and I loved that I had the chance to help students the way Mrs. Smith helped me. Truly, I believe that she is part of the reason I desire to become a teacher. She showed me how to love learning again. It is my dream to do the same for my future students, and I know that striving for a higher level of education will launch me into living my dream.

Jesus is my everything. He is the reason there is anything great in my life. The best way to see how my life has been changed by Him is to understand what my life would look like without Jesus. To start, I would be pained with anxiety constantly. All my desires would be selfish. Likely, I wouldn’t be as kind, and if I was, it would be fake. I wouldn’t love people very much because I probably wouldn’t love myself. My good days would fill me with pride, and my bad days would sink me so low. I wouldn’t be happy or even close to satisfied. I would be hopeless. I wouldn’t have a divine plan for my life. Everything would be meaningless. “But God raised him from the dead!” Acts 13:30. In the same way, God has brought me to life and life everlasting. Jesus, who is merciful and full of grace, has saved me. He has freed me from anxiety. My desires are Christ-driven because I delight myself in God’s will for my life. I am able to love deeply as Jesus has shown me. He has given me joy, and He satisfies my soul daily. I’m grateful for my good days, and I’m still grateful on my bad days. I have hope. I have an eternal destination. I have Jesus, and He alone is my world.

Writing used to be my enemy. It was such a terrible issue that my mom would take me to the library to write a paper for school. She knew I wouldn't have a complete meltdown if I was in public. Keep in mind, I was only in fourth grade. Still, it was awful. It wasn't until I hit fifth grade that things changed when I had a new teacher, Mrs. Smith. Apparently, I told her that I hated reading and writing upon our first meeting, however I don't really remember that. Nevertheless, she was not deterred from helping me. She broke it down in the simplest ways. From explaining outlines to introducing quality word choices, she made writing doable. She lovingly gave me feedback through critiquing my work but also building my confidence. For the first time, I could write an essay without tears; not only that, but it even grew to be rewarding when I wrote a paper and gave my very best effort. Finally, at the end of the year program, Mrs. Smith stood in front of all the students and parents. She shared why she believed it is necessary for people to strive to be proficient writers. Then she quoted George Orwell, “If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” It clicked. At last, I understood why writing is vital. I'll never forget it. Now, I love writing. It's my best subject. It's a tool I use to express myself, record important moments, let out my feelings, and be creative. Simultaneously, I know it's making me a better thinker, and therefore a more liberated person. I used to view writing as a trap, but now I see it as my freedom. I am so thankful for Mrs. Smith for that very reason. Now here’s where this all came full circle. In my eleventh grade year, my beloved teacher reached out to me and enlisted me as a tutor to her fifth grade class. I felt so honored that she trusted me with this position. There I was again, back in fifth grade. This time however, I loved reading, I loved writing, and I loved that I had the chance to help students the way Mrs. Smith helped me. Truly, I believe that she is part of the reason I desire to become a teacher. She showed me how to love learning again. It is my dream to do the same for my future students.

Writing used to be my enemy. It was such a terrible issue that my mom would take me to the library to write a paper for school. She knew I wouldn't have a complete meltdown if I was in public. Keep in mind, I was only in fourth grade. Still, it was awful. It wasn't until I hit fifth grade that things changed when I had a new teacher, Mrs. Smith. Apparently, I told her that I hated reading and writing upon our first meeting, however I don't really remember that. Nevertheless, she was not deterred from helping me. She broke it down in the simplest ways. From explaining outlines to introducing quality word choices, she made writing doable. She lovingly gave me feedback through critiquing my work but also building my confidence. For the first time, I could write an essay without tears; not only that, but it even grew to be rewarding when I wrote a paper and gave my very best effort. Finally, at the end of the year program, Mrs. Smith stood in front of all the students and parents. She shared why she believed it is necessary for people to strive to be proficient writers. Then she quoted George Orwell, “If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” It clicked. At last, I understood why writing is vital. I'll never forget it. Now, I love writing. It's my best subject. It's a tool I use to express myself, record important moments, let out my feelings, and be creative. Simultaneously, I know it's making me a better thinker, and therefore a more liberated person. I used to view writing as a trap, but now I see it as my freedom. I am so thankful for Mrs. Smith for that very reason. Now here’s where this all came full circle. In my eleventh grade year, my beloved teacher reached out to me and enlisted me as a tutor to her fifth grade class. I felt so honored that she trusted me with this position. There I was again, back in fifth grade. This time however, I loved reading, I loved writing, and I loved that I had the chance to help students the way Mrs. Smith helped me. Truly, I believe that she is part of the reason I desire to become a teacher. She showed me how to love learning again. It is my dream to do the same for my future student.

This is Phillip. We call him Phil for short. He’s an eager young kitty who’s always looking for adventure. Mostly, he tries to go outside. Although we try to reign him in, he still manages to find ways to escape. In this photo, I’m pretty sure we’ve captured him creating a foolproof plan to get outdoors.

“If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” - George Orwell Writing used to be my enemy. It was so bad that my mom would take me to the library to write a paper for school, so that I wouldn't have a complete meltdown. Mind you, I was only in fourth grade. Still, it was terrible. It wasn't until fifth grade that things changed when I had a new teacher, Mrs. Smith. Apparently, I told her that I hated writing upon our first meeting, however I don't really remember that. Nevertheless, she was not deterred from helping me. She broke it down in the simplest ways. From explaining outlines to introducing quality word choices, she made writing doable. For the first time, I could write an essay without tears; not only that, but it even grew to be rewarding when I wrote a paper and gave my very best effort. Finally, at the end of the year program, Mrs. Smith stood in front of all the students and parents. She shared why she believed it is necessary for people to be confident writers. Then she quoted George Orwell, “If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.” It clicked. At last, I understood why writing is vital. I'll never forget it. Now, I love writing. It's my best subject. It's a tool I use to express myself, record important moments, let out my feelings, and be creative. Simultaneously, I know it's making me a better thinker, and therefore a more liberated person. I used to view writing as a trap, but now I see it as my freedom.

The future state of your community is determined by how well the children that live in it are being raised. If you want to see your city flourish, of course you need to be involved, but it's just as important that young people are being taught how to be good stewards of the community they live in. They are the future leaders, decision-makers, and contributors. This is one of the reasons I hope to become a preschool teacher. From a young age, I want to instill a love for discovery through books and art projects. My students will be wonderful thinkers because I will nurture their fantastic imaginations. My students will be taught responsibility by learning to clean up after themselves. My students will exceed in conflict-resolution because I will teach them how to have a respectful conversation. My students will be kind. They will be quick to speak up for others. Isn't that what every community needs? Citizens who are visionaries, law-abiders, communicators, and advocates? All of these skills can and should be taught in preschool. It's simple life lessons that I desire to teach my students. Moreover, I want my students to know they are loved, valuable, and important. People, who are loved, can love others that much easier. Do you want a community that thrives? Make sure the children are being raised right.

"Long brown hair," "kind of short in height," "musical theatre girl," "church-goer," and "homeschooled" are all ways you could describe me. However, is that really me? Yes, it is who I appear to be on a surface level, but is that all I am? Well, I truly hope not. This past year has been far from ideal. It no longer has affected the 2020 seniors, but it now grasps this year's class too. As I looked ahead at what was to become of my senior year back in September, feelings of disappointment, loss, and frustration swelled inside of me. I knew it wouldn't be normal. I knew it wouldn't meet my expectations. I knew I wouldn't escape it without feeling hurt. I thought to myself, "How can I make this year not only bearable but in the least bit satisfying?" After thinking, praying, crying, and praying some more, I came to a conclusion. The best way for me to find joy and purpose in my senior year is to focus on leaving a legacy. I had to get my mind off of the year's heartbreak, and I needed to give others the love and support I craved. So, I went to work. I told the leaders in my life that I'd like to help them in any way I could. Through my youth group, I focused on being there for the younger students. In my theatre group, I befriended the little kids and showed them that I cared to know about what was going on in their lives. The more I gave of myself, the more I felt fulfilled. It is my desire to not just be remembered as a "musical theatre girl," but rather as "the girl who helped me learned that dance." I want to be known as "the older girl who sat with me at snack time and asked how my week was," "the girl that always said hi to me when I walked in," or 'the friend that lovingly offered advice from her own experience." I don't want my leaders to just see me as a "girl from youth group," but instead as "the young woman that trusted God when everything was falling apart." That is what a legacy is to me, not just the quality of your character, but how you exemplify it to those around you.

Hitler left quite an ugly mark in the timeline of human history. The terror he inflicted on so many was horrifying, inhumane, and wrong. There is nothing funny about it. Meanwhile, the way he viewed himself and his propaganda was ridiculous. It was laughably stupid. I believe that one of the best ways to take power away from a bully is through humor, and that is why I love Taika Waititi’s film, Jojo Rabbit. Masterfully, he blends comedy, bravery, and sorrow all into one wonderful story. All the while, he manages to absolutely roast Hitler. It is hilarious, moving, and eye-opening. Forever, it will be one of my favorites.

The lights went up, but Sera wasn’t there to sing her solo. The theatre’s silence was overwhelming. We were performing The Sound of Music. I, 9 years old, stood there in my costume and briefly weighed my choices, which were: waiting to see if Sera would enter the stage, hoping one of the older girls with me would take charge of the scene, or be brave and sing the solo. The silence grew louder. Until finally, I opened my mouth, and squeezed out the solo a cappella. Even now, my dad jokes that I locked Sera in a closet beforehand.