Movies truly are a wonderful creation, allowing for an audience to be transformed into an entirely different world, captivated by the film's storyline. I have always felt this way while watching movies. I have always loved being overwhelmed by the plot, setting, and story. I have loved seeing the character's points of view and understanding why they chose to do what they did. Only one movie has made me feel all of these things and more, crowning it my all-time favorite film. That film is the Greatest Showman. From the moment I began watching, I fell in love. I fell in love with the cast; the way each person fit so beautifully in with the storyline. I fell in love with the costumes; the way they glistened and gleamed. I fell in love with the hair and the makeup; how historically accurate they were. I fell in love with the way that the plot transformed me into a different era. But above all, I fell in love with the message. Our world is cruel, unforgiving, and exclusive. Our world is not kind to those deemed "different," or "odd." Those who fit said categories are outcasted and are labeled unworthy. But not in this film. In the Greatest Showman, differences are celebrated. Those labeled "odd" and "weird" and "unworthy" become the exact opposite. They are now seen as beautiful, worthy, and loved. I loved that this film highlighted differences in such a positive way. I loved that this film taught children and adults alike that differences are beautiful and that no one should be outcasted just because they look or act differently. The Greatest Showman will forever have a special spot in my heart, and I will forever call it my all-time favorite movie.

2020. What a year. I believe that I can speak for all of us when I say that 2020 had it's ups and downs. There were some really tough, testing times. But there were also some great, memorable experiences. For me, the year 2020 was pretty great. I was able to thrive. 2020 granted me with the extremely valuable gift of time. In doing school from home, I was able to take initiative of my time, and chose how I wanted to spend it; which is something that I wasn't always able to do. By having so much extra time on my hands, I was able to refocus and reprioritize. In doing so, I put volleyball and personal advancement in the sport as a top-priority. I was able to push my body beyond my limits, and explore new horizons in personal training through volleyball. During this time, I worked out constantly, broke personal records, and sailed above the things I one deemed impossible. I cannot even begin to express how beneficial that was for me. Putting so much hard work in granted me a spot on the top team in my age group for volleyball; an accomplishment I never would have reached had 2020 been normal. I learned so much as a result of said experience. For starters, I learned how capable I am. We live in a world that is constantly bashing us for not being good enough. I learned throughout 2020 that I am enough. I am good at volleyball. I am strong. I am smart in the game. I am a good teammate; a good friend. I believed the lies that told me otherwise before 2020. I believed that I would never make a top team. But, by refocusing and reprioritizing, I was able to stop believing those lies, and was able to start believing in myself. I never thought that self-confidence would be the one thing I learned the most about throughout 2020. But it was, and I believe that this new found confidence will shape my plans for the future. Believing in yourself is critical, and when you do believe in yourself, you are able to accomplish things you never thought you could. I know this now. I know that I will do big things in 2021, all thanks to 2020.

Role models are the people in our lives whom we strive to be like. They inspire us, motivate us, and mold us into the best version of ourselves. There are many people in my life who have fit this description, but the person in my life who has been the biggest role model is my Younglife leader, and dear friend, Ellie Leader. I have had the pleasure of knowing this incredible lady since I was in Middle School when she was my youth group leader. Ellie has always been an inspiration to me. She truly embodies the love of Christ, and I have always admired that about her. She is incredibly selfless and loves others intensely. I remember going to Castaway Younglife Camp in Minnesota last summer, and feeling so moved by the way she spoke of life with Jesus that I decided to give my life to Him, and let Him into all aspects of my life. Since then, she has been the person who has guided me in my faith and walk with Jesus. She has taught me to love like Jesus does, and to aspire to live life like Him. Ellie has taught me that having faith is not about everything always turning out okay, but rather, it is being okay with the fact that God has a plan for me, and that His plan is good. Ellie has taught me to give without the intention of receiving something in return. She has taught me that the joy of giving is much more rewarding than the joy of receiving. I intend not only to pay these ideas forward, but I plan to pay forward many ideas that Ellie taught me. I believe that everyone should feel the freedom in Christ that I feel, the joys of giving, the love of true friendship. Ellie has taught me all of these things, and I deeply want to pay them forward. I intend on doing this by investing in people, just as Ellie invested in me. I plan to become a YoungLife leader one day; through that outlet, I plan to teach what Ellie has taught me. Ellie has molded me to be a woman who seeks to find the good in others before judging them. She has taught me to live and to laugh. She has stuck with me through thick, and through thin. Furthermore, she has taught me to never give up on my dreams. Ellie has inspired me to fight to achieve my goals, and I believe that because of her, I will. I have always dreamed of pursuing a career in the medical field, but sometimes that dream felt too daunting, too difficult to become a reality. Ellie always discouraged any feelings of doubt when I would speak about my dream of pursuing a career in the medical field. When we would talk about careers, she always encouraged that I enter the world of medicine. She would show me the strengths that I possess that would take me places within this field; she showed me ways I was gifted, and taught me to carry them into a potential career. Little did she know that all the life lessons she taught me would carry me just as far as my personal strengths. She taught me to be selfless, joyful, intentional, and faithful. I believe that in teaching me these qualities, Ellie made me the person I am today. Ellie Leader will forever be my biggest role model.

Role models are the people in our lives whom we strive to be like. They inspire us, motivate us, and mold us into the best version of ourselves. There are many people in my life who have fit this description, but the person in my life who has been the biggest role model is my Younglife leader, and dear friend, Ellie Leader. I have had the pleasure of knowing this incredible lady since I was in Middle School when she was my youth group leader. Ellie has always been an inspiration to me. She truly embodies the love of Christ, and I have always admired that about her. She is incredibly selfless and loves others intensely. I remember going to Castaway Younglife Camp in Minnesota last summer, and feeling so moved by the way she spoke of life with Jesus that I decided to give my life to Him, and let Him into all aspects of my life. Since then, she has been the person who has guided me in my faith and walk with Jesus. She has taught me to love like Jesus does, and to aspire to live life like Him. Ellie has taught me that having faith is not about everything always turning out okay, but rather, it is being okay with the fact that God has a plan for me, and that His plan is good. Ellie has taught me to give without the intention of receiving something in return. She has taught me that the joy of giving is much more rewarding than the joy of receiving. I intend not only to pay these ideas forward, but I plan to pay forward many ideas that Ellie taught me. I believe that everyone should feel the freedom in Christ that I feel, the joys of giving, the love of true friendship. Ellie has taught me all of these things, and I deeply want to pay them forward. I intend on doing this by investing in people, just as Ellie invested in me. I plan to become a YoungLife leader one day; through that outlet, I plan to teach what Ellie has taught me. Ellie has molded me to be a woman who seeks to find the good in others before judging them. She has taught me to live and to laugh. She has stuck with me through thick, and through thin. Furthermore, she has taught me to never give up on my dreams. Ellie has inspired me to fight to achieve my goals, and I believe that because of her, I will. Ellie Leader will forever be my biggest role model.

The idea of college can be a daunting thing. There are so many majors to choose from...how can you know which one is right for you? Is switching majors okay? There are so many questions that grip many students who are wishing to receive higher education. Although I do have several questions about pursuing my own higher education, I have always known what I want to study. Throughout the duration of my lifetime, I have had a passion for helping others as well as acting as a servant of other people. For those reasons, I have always felt as though the medical field is calling my name. In the medical field, one must be selfless, committed, and always willing to lend a hand. I believe that I possess these qualities. But there are so many directions one could take when wishing to enter the medical field. How do I know which one is right for me? That is a question that I find myself asking often. As an athlete, I have centered some of my higher educational goals around my sport. I love volleyball so much, and I want it to forever remain a part of who I am. I want to continue to grow and evolve within the sport even after high school is over. So, once again, I found myself asking what direction in the medical field I wish to enter. How can I combine the two things I wish to pursue-volleyball and the medical field? I believe that the answer to that question is physical therapy. So many athletes-many of which play volleyball-suffer from horrible injuries, and have a difficult time getting back to the amazing player they once were. Physical therapists are able to help these determined athletes get back on the court or the field. Not only that, but they selflessly aid in recovery. Yes, I believe that physical therapy is perfect for me because it combines so many major aspects of my life: service, sports, and the medical field. Therefore, I wish to study physical therapy in college.

I think that I can speak for everyone when I say that the COVID-19 Virus has had a drastic impact on our lives. It effected who we can see, and what we can do. Because of this virus, we are having to attend school and work remotely, interacting more over the computer than ever before; and that is a major change for many of us. Over this time, COVID-19 has significantly impacted my life; and I have learned an abundance about myself in the time that I have been quarantined. For starters, Junior year of high school is a big year for me, as I am preparing for colleges, careers, and my future. COVID-19 has completely changed my ability to do so. I am not able to attend tours of my dream schools, and visit the campuses that I wish to call my home. This virus has restricted my ability to meet with my school counselors, and receive guidance about connecting with these colleges. As an athlete, the COVID-19 virus has also hindered my ability to do so much. Junior year is typically when one begins meeting with college recruiters and coaches; and begins to decide where they want to continue to pursue their sport. This year, I haven't been able to do that. It has been hard for colleges to look at me play, as they only can view me playing in tournaments over the few pieces of film that I was able to take part in thus far this year. Similarly, it has been hard to continue to grow and develop in my sport from home. Although I am able to participate in strength and agility training from home, I am not getting the same experience. There just is something about playing in a real game, and you can't mimic that from home. Though there has been so much negative resulting from COVID-19, I believe that there also has been a lot of positive. During my time in quarantine, I learned a lot about myself and the world. I learned that I am a person who is always on the move, and is always ready to take on the next adventure. But in spite of this, I forget to take time for the things that really matter. In taking time to reflect while being quarantined, I discovered that I really, really like spending time with my family, and I forget how important it is to me to spend time with them when I am caught up in the whirlwind of life. I didn't spend as much time with them as I should have before being quarantined together, and when we were, I discovered how much I regret not doing so. I also am so full of energy, that I forget the beauty and sereneness of peace, quiet and solitude. I try so hard to fill my life with people and experiences, that very rarely do I make myself sit in complete silence and reflect. Being quarantined allowed me to take a step back and do just that. Upon doing so, I realized how uncomfortable I am with this, how I always had to have something to distract me from the truth of the silence, whether is be music, a podcast or whatever. But when I forced my self to spend time alone, and in the silence, I realized something. Our world is so fast paced, and on the move, that we forget the importance of taking time to slow down and learn who we are. I am the perfect example of that; I am always looking for the next exciting thing, and in the same way, I also look for my worth in new, exciting people, and things. But when I forced myself to be quiet, and learn who I am, I discovered so much. I discovered more about my bubbly, outgoing personality, and how to utilize those gifts. I learned to stop searching for my worth in other people, and learned to find my worth in God. I learned how much I am loved; how much I am valued. I would never have learned these things had our world not locked-down. I have said it before, and I will say it again, so much negative has resulted from COVID-19, but so much positive, beautiful things have come out of it too.

I fell in love with volleyball from the minute I stepped onto the court. I love the intensity, the competition, and the team dynamics. I love tough practices and heart-stopping plays. Every part of volleyball is such fun for me. I have always been a very competitive, achievement-oriented person, and I believe that is what has lead me to become so passionate about volleyball- volleyball is a very competitive sport; and each play is an achievement. It is vital that you play point for point, fighting for every victory along the way. That is another thing I love about volleyball; the constant fight. As a volleyball player, you must play point for point, fighting to win a point in your favor. I love that the game can shift, and you must always be on your toes. Over my seasons of playing volleyball, I have had many memorable experiences on the court, but one sticks out to me. This summer, I worked extremely hard to be able to make the top team for my age group for my club. I put in countless hours in the gym, and on the court, building endurance, muscle, and getting reps in. I took every opportunity I could to improve, and it paid off! I was able to plant a spot on the top team. A few weeks ago, I was able to play in my first power with this new team, and we ended up winning the power! This remains a memorable experience in my head and in my heart for a few reasons. One being the emotion behind that win; I worked SO hard to be able to be on this team and the feeling of being on a winning team is indescribable. That win remains a reminder of how hard work pays off, and that I can do anything I put my mind to. Volleyball will forever remain a part of my life, and it will always be a part of who I am. I envision myself supporting and growing the game long after my time on the court is through. I would love to coach volleyball to young girls someday. I want to pass down the things I have learned, and the values that have been instilled in me to the next generation. I want every young volleyball player to learn to love every part of the game as I have. Volleyball is a thrilling game, full of ups and downs. It is exciting, nerve-wracking, and extremely fun. It will forever be my favorite sport; the one I love playing most. I hope that every young player learns to love the game as I have, and I hope that volleyball will grow and develop even more as the years so by.

You may be asking, "Who are these adorable little kiddos?" These little cuties are my siblings. Through thick and thin; triumph and trial, they have always been there for me. These two have always been, and always will be my biggest cheerleaders, and my best friends. I stand firm in the belief that they have made me the woman I am today. My sister has taught me so much, both about myself and about this crazy thing we call life. She has taught me to push boundaries and to be fierce. She has taught me to stand up for what I believe in, and to fight to make a difference. She has taught me to be bold, daring, and remarkable. My brother has also taught me so much. He is much quieter and more reserved than my sister is, and that quality is one I admire. He is humble, and chooses his words carefully. He has also taught me to be intuitive, and to think outside the box. The things my siblings have taught me pair together quite nicely; to be bold, and to speak my mind, but also to choose my words carefully. These little people have made me a bubbly, bold, encouraging, thoughtful, and lovable woman, and I am exceedingly thankful for them. I am grateful that they brought out qualities that I did not know I had, and have helped me develop them. I am thankful that they have taught me how precious family is. These two will always have a special spot in my heart.

Community service grants individuals of all ages across the globe to give back to their community. In doing this, people are able to see their impact on the broader community; and allows one to feel like they are a part of something that is bigger than themselves. I have had the privilege of participating in giving back to my community and engaging in something that is bigger than I am. I have always felt passionate about investing in people, and have had many opportunities to do so throughout my lifetime. In middle school, I got to be an ambassador to the incoming sixth-graders as an eight-grader at my middle school. I was able to invest in these new middle schoolers, welcome them to our school, and make them feel like they belong. This was very important to me because I believe that it is crucial to make people feel like they belong and make sure they know how loved they are. I think that in having this effect on people, I am able to give back to my broader community. If I treat someone with complete kindness and love, perhaps they will treat someone in that same way. If that next person treats another as the person before them, a web of kindness and love is created. I believe that this has a positive effect on the community because we are all treating each other with kindness, and in turn, are creating a better world. Similarly, I have participated in many volunteering opportunities that have given back to my community. For the past two summers, I coached volleyball at a summer church camp. During my time coaching volleyball, I was able to teach young children good sportsmanship, as well as how to be a good teammate. These are not only great athlete qualities, but they are great life skills. I believe that these qualities are wonderful in the workplace, and in school, as they allow one to work well with others. This gives back to my community because I helped to create an outstanding new generation of teammates who work well with others. I plan to keep giving back to my community in a variety of ways, and I plan to remain involved in ways that I can serve others!

I have always been told that my failures and downfalls do not define who I am; that I am more than these negative experiences. But in the moment, it is so easy to believe the lies that scream, "You are not good enough," and "What a failure you are." In eighth grade, I believed these lies after I got cut from the volleyball team. I began playing volleyball in the seventh grade, and to tell you the truth, I wasn't all that good at it, but I fell in love with the sport. I wanted to play volleyball all the time! I wanted nothing more than to make the eighth grade volleyball team. I even began to let volleyball define who I was. I worked so hard to try and make the eighth grade team. But when the roster was posted after tryouts, and I didn't see my name on the list, my heart fell. I felt so disappointed that I was not able to make the team. I felt like a part of me was gone; I had let volleyball determine my worth, and without it, I felt like I wasn't good enough. In the moment, I felt like the biggest failure. But looking back on that moment, I am thankful for that "failure." Without it, I would not be the person I am today. From the moment I got cut, something changed in me. I began to work harder than ever before. I realized that I was the only one who could fulfill my dreams of being a great volleyball player. As the person I am today, I am thankful for this mindset-shift. It has made me become a hard worker, on and off the court. Not only that, but this "failure" redirected and influenced me. As I mentioned before, I let volleyball define who I am, I let volleyball determine my worth. But I am so much more than that. Through years of playing volleyball after that "failure," I now know my worth. I know who I am. That moment in eighth grade helped me see that volleyball is just a game, and as much as I love it, it does not have to define me. Failure is detestable. But we as humans learn from failure. As Henry Ford said, "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." I am not my downfalls and failures. I am so much more than that. However, I am thankful for these "failures," because they have made me the person I am today.

Everyone has heard the term that, "Perspective is everything." But, what does that really mean? Can a prospective really have that much of an impact on a person's life? I believe that it can. I believe that a different prospective can change your circumstances, and outcomes. I believe that a fresh perspective can improve one's overall demeanor, and emotions. I believe this, because it has rang true for me. A little over a year and a half ago, I was given the opportunity to travel to Castaway, a YoungLife Camp in Minnesoda. While I was there, I learned so much about who God is, and how to live like He did. I learned how to become a disciple of Christ, and how to teach others about Jesus. This trip to Minnesoda was by far a life-changing experience for me. But perhaps the biggest thing I learned from that trip was perspective. It all happened while I was sitting on the edge of a boat dock on the Crystal Lakes, overlooking the free, shimmering waters. Everything about that moment was serene, and peaceful. However, I knew that when I returned home, everything would not be as peaceful as it was at Castaway. I knew that I would let the weight of the world would be too much for me sometimes, and that I would feel stressed all the time, and feel like there was no escape. But I realized that day on the boat dock that I was wrong. I was so wrong. There is a way out of the darkness. I do not have to feel stressed all the time, and I do not have to let the weight of the world crash me down. I know this now, because I know that changing my perspective can make all the difference. I can either live in the darkness, feeling consumed by life's constant struggle, or I can choose to find the good in every moment. I can choose to be the good, and I can choose to be positive. I believe that day on the boat dock changed my perspective on life. Since then, I have felt significantly less stressed, and I have been able to find the joy in any and every day. I have learned to live life freely, and not have to feel pressured to fit a mould, or be someone I am not. I have learned to be myself, and to find the joy in the simlest things. This newfound perception has been a benefit to me since that day on the boat dock, and I believe that it will continue to benefit me in the future. With this new perception, I am now able to stand up against the hard things and say, "I am not going to let this be my downfall." I can choose to be joyful, instead of sorrowful. I can choose to be optimistic, and hopeful. I believe that life is not meant to be lived in a state of darkness, and despair. I believe that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and I believe that a positive perspective on life is just what is needed to do so.

All throughout my life, I have had a passion for helping others. I have loved being the person that others can come to in times of need, and I have always loved seeing the joy and satisfaction on others' faces when I am able to help them. I want my passions to be reflected in my career choice, and that is why I am choosing to become a nurse. I want to be able to help people who are in need every day! Since I was in Middle School, I have babysat multiple times a week. I believe that babbysitters are similar to nurses, in that both strive to make the individuals they are caring for happy and healthy! I have learned many things from babysitting, but perhaps the biggest thing I have learned is how important it is to put others above yourself. When babysitting, or nursing, you must be selfless. I think that by being selfless, I will be a great nurse, as I am able to put my personal thoughts or opinions aside, and focus on the task at hand. Nurses are some of the most selfless, caring people, and I cannot wait to join them.