My favorite piece of art is Leonardo Devinci's Mona Lisa, for no other reason than the fact that it has no eyebrows.

Something that has always helped me to get through tough times has been to take a step back and breathe. I give myself time to assess the situation, whether it is trouble with school or losing a family member. And then I think about all the good happening in my life. As humans, we are always saying things like "the hills are greener on the other side" or other sorts that at times just sound like nonsense. I'll admit, I've thought so at times too. Instead of giving up on the present, pushing desperately for a greener hill, I've always thought it better to enjoy the blue skies in life. Sure, the past can be painful, and the future can look hopeful, but it is still up to us to enjoy the good things in life, no matter how tough it gets.

When I was about 11 years old, my dad had me read a book by Dave Ramsey called Smart Money, Smart Kids. I don't quite remember why he had me read it, I only remember being completely engrossed. The one finance lesson that I walked away with that has stuck with me is not to buy something just because you want it, but rather to think about if it was something you needed. If you could live without it, you probably don't need it. Living debt-free, something Dave Ramsey lives by, seemed like a dream. This is a goal I have for my own life and one I am starting now by finding affordable college tuition and scholarships.