I hope to allow those younger than me who are traveling the same path as me a smoother, and hopefully more prosperous, travel than me. Coming from a small-town high school that focused on simply giving students answers so that they would get good test grades instead of actually teaching students how to study, I had a very rough transition into college. Everything changed: the amount of work, the type of work, and the expectations of the students to complete their work without being "spoon-fed" the answers. Thankfully I was blessed with wonderful support through the transition, but it was still very hard to work through. Now that I have better learned how to study effectively - and be a more effective student - I want to help those who may have the same struggle of not knowing how to study, and in turn hopefully partake in nurturing a generation of innovative, world-changing students!

Of all the lessons I've learned throughout my life, one that continues to prove significant every day is this: Worry only about what you can control. If it's not in your control, don't worry about it. Instead, take control of your reaction to the situation. I started learning this lesson in the sixth grade when I was diagnosed with a chronic illness just a couple of months after my 11th birthday. Before this, I was the healthiest person I knew. Now, suddenly, I'm in and out of the hospital, developing mental illnesses, and afraid that if anyone around me ever found out I would be ostracized. After a few years, though, I learned that I really am not in control of the situation, but I can control how I react to it. So, instead of isolating myself and letting my newfound depression and anxiety rack my mind alongside my disease, I decided I was going to choose to be a light to others. I always tried to offer help to my friends, smile at those around me, and continue to choose to work hard and persevere despite any physical or medical limitations I face. Even now, though I cannot control what goes on around me, I still choose what I focus on and work towards - helping those around me and shining Christ's light in the world.