My dream version of myself in the future is not to have some prestigious job title or role, but to simply dedicate every day to helping others in circumstances where they feel broken or alone, assisting them to be better versions of themselves, and also share my faith with them.

If I were sorted in to a Hogwarts house, I would hands down be a Hufflepuff. Now, I know Hufflepuff is one of the most underrated houses. People are quick to whine and quickly close out of the Buzzfeed “which Harry Potter House are you in?” quiz tab and retake the test so they can get one of the “cooler” houses, like Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. However, I am proud to be a Hufflepuff because I know that kindness is just as admirable as bravery and intellect. Hufflepuffs are known for their kind and loving personalities. They value handwork, loyalty, and patience. They are the type of people to walk the extra mile with a friend who is struggling, be a shoulder to cry on, and partner to dance with. As a peer leader at my school, I have been in many situations where I have learned the value of treating others with kindness and over the years has become very important to me. This year during the start of the school year I had the opportunity to welcome in transfer students and give them tours of their new school. Through that I noticed that when I engaged in conversation with the new students and asked them questions about themselves and their interests as we went through the tour, you could tell they quickly became less nervous than they had been originally to start at a new school. Showing them kindness tore down walls that could have been there such as fear and insecurity. Encouraging others to be the best them they can be and also being there when they fall is what being a good friend is all about. One aspect of my life where I display this is encouraging note writing. Once a week I try to think of someone that I know who might like some encouragement or needs to be filled up with kind words, and I write them a letter to show them that they are loved and seen. In society, we often prioritize being the bravest or smartest. Those qualities are not bad to desire or have. Without brave people, like military personnel we would have gaping holes in national security. Without smart people, we would not have advanced technology or science innovations that benefit society. However, it is important that as a society we realize the weight and necessity of kindness. Simply being a kind human being is not overrated, but quintessential. So, I am proud to be a Hufflepuff and believe it would be the perfect place for me!