Cancer is a hated word for us and has unfortunately ravished our family. It all started when my great, great grandmother had breast cancer, then my great grandmother, then my grandmother and finally my mother. They also carry the BRCA 2 gene which means they are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer. I turn 18 in April and will have to be tested for the gene as well. Because of this, I have been doing self breast exams since I was very young. My mom has instilled the importance of preventive care and knowing your body since I turned 13. Watching her go through cancer was very scary! At one point she had no hair, drainage tubes and was hospitalized for a week. When you are young and find out someone has cancer, the first thing that comes to your mind is if they are going to die. The emotions I saw my parents go through were not only scary but that year of their life was spent with surgeries, treatments and doctor visits. Now they worry about my brother and I daily, literally praying for a cure. Not only does breast cancer run in the family but my other great grandmother had brain cancer and this year my grandfather had lung cancer. It has seemed like an endless battle but their faith has been so strong and it's truly inspiring. Cancer of course affects the patient but also the caregivers and others in the household. It plays with their emotions, fears and causes constant anxiety. Not to mention the financial burden that comes with any illness. For the year my mom had cancer, we didn't really see her much because she was always resting so my dad took care of us. I remember she had drainage tubes and couldn't hold my baby brother which made her cry. I can only imagine what it was like to have her breasts removed at the young age of 30 and fear one day I may have to do the same. However, we are a strong, dedicated and goal driven family so nothing can stop us from accomplishing our dreams. I am graduating high school with an Associate's Degree and will be attending Texas State University to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. I look forward to one day opening my own business in the music industry. I may find out I have the gene and one day may even be diagnosed with cancer but it will not define me nor hold me back. I have learned from the best that life can and will go on!

My mom was Mrs Texas International so volunteering and giving back to the community was a huge part of our upbringing. It seemed like every weekend we were at an event but looking back, I see why she always had us participate too. There was excitement, smiles, hugs and lots of thank you' s coming our way. One thing I learned is showing up was the hardest part and helping was the easiest. Now that I'm headed to college, I want to continue to volunteer on my own because it truly warms my heart and renews my spirit. If I lead by example, hopefully my peers will see that and join the movement I am trying to create. During high school, they required so many volunteer hours to graduate so I chose the animal shelter and thrift store. I absolutely adore animals and love providing them with the attention and love they deserve. I felt horrible for them being in kennels all day so I would volunteer to walk and play with them after school. While I could make that a full time job, my favorite volunteer experience was the Outlet Thrift Store. All the proceeds went to a battered women's shelter so I was volunteering for a great cause. However, it turned out to be so much more than that! I was able to help people feel good about themselves by picking out outfits or what I like to call 'treasures' when thrifting. It was a great feeling to see the smile on their face when they looked in the mirror. My parents always told me, "we have time for what we make time for" and that's so true. I didn't really want to volunteer when I could be doing other things in high school but I'm glad I did and have zero regrets. It's a humbling experience when you give back to others and it makes you thankful for what you have and are probably taking granted for. I encourage all youth and young adults to try it at least once. Who knows, you may discover a hidden talent you never knew you had! It looks great on resumes to be involved in the community and honestly, it's our responsibility as a citizen. Sometimes the easiest way to start is with a friend doing something you love. Volunteering doesn't have to be a boring thing - make it fun and memorable!