Abuse. That's what some residents hear when they are needing to move into a retirement home. It's what they fear. "Our residents don't live in our workplace, instead we work in their home." commented by an unknown author. Approximately 5 million elderly adults face abuse every year in the United States while living in the retirement home. In addition, even experiencing a moment of physical abuse can drastically increase the risk of death by 300% comparing to others who have never expierenced abuse. Since early 2023, I have worked at a assisted living facility, and when I first started there, I began as a PCA, which means personal care assistant, and I enjoyed meeting residents and learning their backgrounds and stories. Later I received my CNA, and I started to notice signs of caregivers avoiding to assist an resident, and for me, this hurt my heart knowing that these residents were looking towards us for help, and that we would just look in the other direction. In October, an message appeared on our facility's group chat about false charting. An definition of false charting for example is saying that you went and did a safety check on an resident but actually didn't and charted it. Before this message had gone out, false charting was something that everyone was reminded of, and in this situation, a coworker had claimed to do a safety check on a resident saying that they saw them, but hours later the resident's daughter went into the kitchen of their home and found the resident dead. This became clear to me that this stats were true because this girl knew exactly what she was doing, and someone died from it. In December, I got my MA license and became an lead, and I made it my top priority to make sure that all the residents were receiving their proper care. After seeing this side of assisted living, I decided to see if an local skilled facility was worse or better when it came to false charting. Short story told, they were way worse, and I saw many residents not being fed because the CNA was on break or didn't like the resident's family. I was there for only 8 months before I left, and upset by the amount of times that I saw resident's struggling, and people turning the other cheek. Both of these expierences taught me exactly what needed to be done, and I believe that by becoming an nurse, my number one priority is always going to be the residents. By making sure the residents are safe, I need to hire trained CNAs and MAs with an great background and expierence. In addition, there will be no false charting and an abuse policy meaning that one strike, and you are out. Seeing abuse in the workplace has taught me that the residents are human beings, and that if we want to change these stats, we need to start making the difference starting within the facility

Abuse. That's what some residents hear when they are needing to move into a retirement home. It's what they fear. "Our residents don't live in our workplace, instead we work in their home." commented by an unknown author. Approximately 5 million elderly adults face abuse every year in the United States while living in the retirement home. In addition, even experiencing a moment of physical abuse can drastically increase the risk of death by 300% comparing to others who have never expierenced abuse. Since early 2023, I have worked at a assisted living facility, and when I first started there, I began as a PCA, which means personal care assistant, and I enjoyed meeting residents and learning their backgrounds and stories. Later I received my CNA, and I started to notice signs of caregivers avoiding to assist an resident, and for me, this hurt my heart knowing that these residents were looking towards us for help, and that we would just look in the other direction. In October, an message appeared on our facility's group chat about false charting. An definition of false charting for example is saying that you went and did a safety check on an resident but actually didn't and charted it. Before this message had gone out, false charting was something that everyone was reminded of, and in this situation, a coworker had claimed to do a safety check on a resident saying that they saw them, but hours later the resident's daughter went into the kitchen of their home and found the resident dead. This became clear to me that this stats were true because this girl knew exactly what she was doing, and someone died from it. In December, I got my MA license and became an lead, and I made it my top priority to make sure that all the residents were receiving their proper care. After seeing this side of assisted living, I decided to see if an local skilled facility was worse or better when it came to false charting. Short story told, they were way worse, and I saw many residents not being fed because the CNA was on break or didn't like the resident's family. I was there for only 8 months before I left, and upset by the amount of times that I saw resident's struggling, and people turning the other cheek. Both of these expierences taught me exactly what needed to be done, and I believe that by becoming an nurse, my number one priority is always going to be the residents. By making sure the residents are safe, I need to hire trained CNAs and MAs with an great background and expierence. In addition, there will be no false charting and an abuse policy meaning that one strike, and you are out. Seeing abuse in the workplace has taught me that the residents are human beings, and that if we want to change these stats, we need to start making the difference starting within the facility

"I cared not where or how I lived, or what hardships I went through, so I could but gain souls to Christ." spoke David Brainerd. The moment I arrived, the warm tropical air splashed my face as if a sudden wave crashed into me, and the air was humid that it seemed almost painful to breathe. Then, I remembered that I was in Honduras for a missions trip, and that I would be experiencing this country for only an week and a half. As we went through security, the language barrier came crashing over us, and despite the almost two years in Spanish class, I felt overwhelmed. Finally, after the long line trying to get into the country, we were able to finally see the world outside the airport. An bus pulled up and my group entered before we realized that our missions house was almost four hours away, and that as we drove past the countryside that this world was completely different than what we were used to. Later that night, our group also known as YoungLife created an fun event for children in the community to attend where we would serve pizza, play games and talk about Jesus together. During this, we were able to meet the family that we would building the home for, and we were also able to hear their story. For nearly two days, we handcrafted cement to help prepare an foundation for the home while it rained, which caused a bit of an project, where we had to use the family's bowls and cups to try to limit the amount of water going into the foundation. After this, a local farmer supplied us with pounds and pounds of dirt where we would later shovel and add to the foundation and outside of the home to protect it from storms and rain. To say that it was easy was an understatement, and since I am an CNA/MA I was the caregiver when accidents and wounds appeared. On Wednesday evening, we hosted an youth event where we hung up posters around town and would host it at a local church. We decided to target the athletes as we decided to have an volleyball, basketball and dodgeball tournament where the different ethnicities would compete either together or against each other. Over 100 kids and adults came to attend and watch this event occur where we would supply snacks and drinks to those participating. Once the home was completed, our group went to a local orphanage where we hosted another event, and we were able to love on these kids before going home. After this journey, I decided that these children and families were in need of help, specifically my help. Next fall, I will be attending an university in order to get my RN, and upon graduation, I will become travel to lower income countries where I will create my own clinic for families in the community. In addition, I want to combine my clinic with an agreement between an local school where children can receive an education while getting the assistance they need. Once my clinic becomes successful, I want to work alongside an adoption agency for the children that need extra love and care while finding their own success in the world. I want to change the world by going to those who need the most help, and I will be sharing the word of Jesus Christ to each of the kids that come into my clinic and adoption agency for them to find their identity and faith in Him.

"Once upon a time you were a little girl with big dreams that you promised you'd make real one day. Don't disappoint yourself." stated by an unknown author. Many people see dreams through money, luxury, and short lived happiness, but I see it through the countless lives at the retirement home. It all began in 2023 when I saw the job wanted ad appear on my computer, and for a moment, I saw myself in the future checking vitals and assisting residents, and then suddenly, the application was filled. Later on, I started as an PCA, which is an personal care assistant, and I loved it. Months later, I loved what I was doing and got my CNA/MA license, so I could increase my knowledge in the medical field, and this allowed me to meet more independent residents and get to know more about their history. Like I said before, I loved all the hearts within the building, and my job no longer felt like work, but as if I got to hangout with my best friends every day, so I want to tell you about my best friend named Alice. Some people call it a "twin flame," but she was my best friend and my inspiration. Since the beginning, we spent tons of time laughing, joking and smiling together, and she made me so happy and full of joy. Alice was involved in all the groups and was always wanting to meet the new residents and get to know them. Everyone was Alice's friend, and Alice treated everyone with love and kindness. retirement home and see her. However, everything came crashing down in Feburary of 2024, and I felt my heart break. While scrolling through my messages about work, I noticed that someone made an note of Alice not doing well, and immediately, I went to visit her and check up on her. On the 20th, I went to see her, but instead I saw someone pushing an hospital bed into her room, and I stood afraid to go in. The next day, I had to go since I was leaving for an trip, and moments before, I stood outside her door preparing myself mentally. We talked for nearly two hours, before I told her goodbye and to get better, and in response she said that she loved me and was grateful for everything that I've done for her, and that was the last time I saw her. Now two months later, that last moment with Alice was an eye-opener for me as I realized exactly what I wanted to do in college. I wanted to be someone kind. Someone who put others before myself. Someone who was always willing to help. This opportunity allowed me to meet many indivuals and learn their stories, and I wanted to continue to make the same impacts in the future years with an degree in nursing. All the residents without them even knowing showed me that this was an chance to do something for the community. Finally, even in college, I will carry with me the memories and personal relationships that I made here, and because of everything the residents were able to give me, I decided that the only way to repay them is by continuing to do exactly what I already am, which is caring for others. They were my biggest success and opportunity, but they also gave me that in return. Lastly, Alice taught me to chase after my dreams by putting in the work, and I decided that I wanted to follow her advice and be like Alice.

2005. Drug dealer as a mom. Abuse as an dad. A child born seeking for love and companionship. Eventually, I come up empty-handed. Until them. They saved me. They were my heros. "Children are mirrors. They reflect back at us all that we say and do." stated Pam Leo. In 2005, I was born to an mother, who was an avid user of drugs and alcohol, and was only 16, and my birth-father was the biggest drug dealer in Guatemala and didn't care an squat about my mom or me. Before I was born, my father beat my mom so much leaving her almost dead on the road and pregnant with me. That sentence alone tells you what he was like. However, I wasn't my mom only child, but rather, she had my sister at the age of 14, and my dad got custody of her and tons of reports said that my dad's friends had raped my sister at their drug parties. My birth mom only held me twice in her arms, and the two occurrences was when she gave life to me and when she gave me up. Immediately after birth, the adoption agencies took me away to an foster family in a different village. I grew up there and at the age of two, my forever family came and saved me. They were my heros. They still are. Sometimes when I feel alone, I think of my birth mother. The first touch. My first cries. The way her heart longed for me. The way that she would look at me and think that I looked like her. I wonder what hopes she saw for me in the future. Did she dream of what I would accomplish years ahead? Did she try to picture what I would look like? Would she be proud of me now? These thoughts that could cause you pain and loneliness actually allowed me to dig deeper into my own identity and find my own worth. By changing the way that I saw myself and how my mom gave me up because of the endless opportunities and love that she wanted to give me. She gave me the best chance possible when I thought that she might've given up on me. In order to give back the way that my mom gave me, I decided to go back to an place where children also might feel lost and unloved. In the summer of 2023, some friends and I traveled to Honduras for an mission trip, and we built multiple homes for families in need. As we began hand-crafting concrete for flooring, I looked around, and I realized that these dirt floor and broken homes would've been exactly how I might've lived if I hadn't been adopted. Later, we went to an orphanage, and I looked at the children as if they were my own, and I felt my heart swoon at the thought of trying to have all of these children find an forever home. Moreover, I am going to travel across the country to attend an university in pursuit of becoming an nurse, and after graduation, I will become an traveling RN and go to countries of lower income and need. I want to create my first ever clinic where children can come if they need an home and check-ups as well as working with an local school to help them receive an education. As my business grows, I want to create an larger adoption agency to help children find their forever heros, and an place where they can shine bright!

"Once upon a time you were a little girl with big dreams that you promised you'd make real one day. Don't disappoint yourself." stated by an unknown author. Many people see dreams through money, luxury, and short lived happiness, but I see it through the countless lives at the retirement home. It all began in 2023 when I saw the job wanted ad appear on my computer, and for a moment, I saw myself in the future checking vitals and assisting residents, and then suddenly, the application was filled. Later on, I started as an PCA, which is an personal care assistant, and I loved it. Months later, I loved what I was doing and got my CNA/MA license, so I could increase my knowledge in the medical field, and this allowed me to meet more independent residents and get to know more about their history. Like I said before, I loved all the hearts within the building, and my job no longer felt like work, but as if I got to hangout with my best friends every day, so I want to tell you about my best friend named Alice. Some people call it a "twin flame," but she was my best friend and my inspiration. Since the beginning, we spent tons of time laughing, joking and smiling together, and she made me so happy and full of joy. Alice was involved in all the groups and was always wanting to meet the new residents and get to know them. Everyone was Alice's friend, and Alice treated everyone with love and kindness. retirement home and see her. However, everything came crashing down in Feburary of 2024, and I felt my heart break. While scrolling through my messages about work, I noticed that someone made an note of Alice not doing well, and immediately, I went to visit her and check up on her. On the 20th, I went to see her, but instead I saw someone pushing an hospital bed into her room, and I stood afraid to go in. The next day, I had to go since I was leaving for an trip, and moments before, I stood outside her door preparing myself mentally. We talked for nearly two hours, before I told her goodbye and to get better, and in response she said that she loved me and was grateful for everything that I've done for her, and that was the last time I saw her. Now two months later, that last moment with Alice was an eye-opener for me as I realized exactly what I wanted to do in college. I wanted to be someone kind. Someone who put others before myself. Someone who was always willing to help. This opportunity allowed me to meet many indivuals and learn their stories, and I wanted to continue to make the same impacts in the future years with an degree in nursing. All the residents without them even knowing showed me that this was an chance to do something for the community. Finally, even in college, I will carry with me the memories and personal relationships that I made here, and because of everything the residents were able to give me, I decided that the only way to repay them is by continuing to do exactly what I already am, which is caring for others. They were my biggest success and opportunity, but they also gave me that in return. Lastly, Alice taught me to chase after my dreams by putting in the work, and I decided that I wanted to follow her advice and be like Alice.

"You're the one I wanted to find, and anyone who tried to deny you must be out of their minds. Because I came here with a load, and it feels so much lighter since I met you." sang Coldplay. This person knew me before I was even born. They prayed for me before I even knew them. They loved and cared for me before I knew their name. How can someone that amazing make the biggest impact on me since before birth to now? It all began in the small city of Bismarck, North Dakota where my parents met as new kids in the fourth grade, and my dad met one of his best friends named Nat-Paul. Eventually, that same best friend married Becky Strutz, who is someone close to my heart, and she led an life of both beauty and disaster. First off, Becky was an wild child, and someone that boys would simply date for an 'good time', and later, her sophomore year of high school, Becky expierenced an moment in her life that would completely transform it. While at an party, Becky had been consistently drinking to the point where she couldn't even walk straight, and because her parents didn't approve of her choices, Becky attempted to drive home completely drunk. As she came to an intersection, Becky swore that there were no cars nearby and pulled out, but an car came fast and furious and swerved to miss her vehicle, and due to Becky's late reactions, her car rolled into the ditch. Even to this day, Becky thought that she was going to die, and that she would die alone in the car on that cold night. Even the paramedics and ambulance were shocked to see that she was completely injury-free, and that she survived the impact. Two years later, Becky tried to decrease her amount of parties, boys, drinks and illegal activities, but not soon enough, because she became pregnant to an guy that she was scared to take home to her parents. That when she had her first son, who was an blessing, but it was also very scary to be an teen mother without the baby's father to support her. As the child grew, Becky's name was smeared in the dirt as many people knew of her reputation and child, and that's when she met Nat. However, they have stood close together since then, and they were the ones that were there with my parents during my entire adoption process. During those years of my adoption, Becky and Nat would hold prayer sessions, Bible studies, and fundraisers for process move faster. My parents were very grateful for the increase opportunities, and chances that the Strutz family was able to provide for us. After two years, I finally came home, and Becky was one of the first people to fly down and hold me. Despite nearly 16 years later, Becky and I are close friends as she is the admissions counselor, speech and debate coach, stuco and key club advisor as well. After, I quit sports to try new activities at my school, Becky pushed me to go out of my comfort zone and try speech in events that she believed that I would thrive at. In addition, she has written countless awards, speeches and scholarships for myself and for possible college options. This has benefited myself in my ability to present, converse, and ask questions in order to gain information. All of these things have shown me that Becky Strutz has become someone that will always be an advisor, close friend, and life-changer.

"A woman is like a tea bag- you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water." stated Eleanor Roosevelt. Years of history containing famous events concerning woman figures such as Sakakawea, Harriot Tubman, Rosa Parks, and more, but have these examples really allowed women in modern times to feel stronger and more empowered because of past historical events? According to Oxford Languages, empowerment is defined as "the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights", and yes all of this is true, but I define empowerment as the belief in yourself and the increase in confidence that allows you to be able to accomplish what you want if you put your mind to it, and especially, if you can come together as an community and believe in one another. In the movie Barbie, America Ferrera had an speech saying "It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don't think you're good enough-I'm so tired of watching myself and every single other women tie herself into knots so that people will like us." Despite this heartwarming and outgoing speech, this movie recieved negative comment and reviews such as what New York Times article " 'Barbie is bad. There, I said it.' " In this article, the author pointed out that they didn't enjoy it for what "it stood for", how the movie was "anti-male," and finally that the women appeared to be smarter and more dominant than the males in the show. Despite the controversy, this movie showed girlhood, positive body image, and how loving yourself and others can change everything. Compared to other movies, this movie showed that love may seem perfect but can fall out, that not every women needs an man, and lastly, that woman don't need someone to define them as what they are supposed to be but rather what their heart and personailty is. This movie has affected my life as I have changed my perspective on how I view myself, my heart, my body, and my relationships. First off, this movie taught me that love doesn't need to just happen just so I can feel better about myself, but rather, take the relationship slow filled with love and grace. Secondly, it taught me how important girlhood and taking the time to go to the beach, watch movies, dance in the rain, sing karaoke off-key, and lift each other up can change how much you value your friends, memories, and the companionship. Finally, this movie taught me more about body image. In Barbie, each of the 'Barbies' are different body shapes, races, sexualities etc. and how despite our differences, that we can come together and boost each others confidence. Recently, I was scrolling on social media and came across an video where over 500 women were gathered and how the public would rate their bodies, and if they didn't believe that they were defined by the public eye as the 'perfect body' they were ushered to leave the competition, and the producers would show the contestants what the world had rated their body compared to others. I watched this film with an heavy heart seeing that some girls lacked confidence in themselves, how easy it was to feel that they weren't perfect, and how their ratings affected them. I believe that empowerment is standing up for those who struggle in confidence and self-love, and that by being an women and doing this, we can change the course of history.

Abuse. That's what some residents hear when they are needing to move into a retirement home. It's what they fear. "Our residents don't live in our workplace, instead we work in their home." commented by an unknown author. Approximately 5 million elderly adults face abuse every year in the United States while living in the retirement home. In addition, even experiencing a moment of physical abuse can drastically increase the risk of death by 300% comparing to others who have never expierenced abuse. Since early 2023, I have worked at a assisted living facility, and when I first started there, I began as a PCA, which means personal care assistant, and I enjoyed meeting residents and learning their backgrounds and stories. Later I received my CNA, and I started to notice signs of caregivers avoiding to assist an resident, and for me, this hurt my heart knowing that these residents were looking towards us for help, and that we would just look in the other direction. In October, an message appeared on our facility's group chat about false charting. An definition of false charting for example is saying that you went and did a safety check on an resident but actually didn't and charted it. Before this message had gone out, false charting was something that everyone was reminded of, and in this situation, a coworker had claimed to do a safety check on a resident saying that they saw them, but hours later the resident's daughter went into the kitchen of their home and found the resident dead. This became clear to me that this stats were true because this girl knew exactly what she was doing, and someone died from it. In December, I got my MA license and became an lead, and I made it my top priority to make sure that all the residents were receiving their proper care. After seeing this side of assisted living, I decided to see if an local skilled facility was worse or better when it came to false charting. Short story told, they were way worse, and I saw many residents not being fed because the CNA was on break or didn't like the resident's family. I was there for only 8 months before I left, and upset by the amount of times that I saw resident's struggling, and people turning the other cheek. Both of these expierences taught me exactly what needed to be done, and I believe that by becoming an nurse, my number one priority is always going to be the residents. By making sure the residents are safe, I need to hire trained CNAs and MAs with an great background and expierence. In addition, there will be no false charting and an abuse policy meaning that one strike, and you are out. Seeing abuse in the workplace has taught me that the residents are human beings, and that if we want to change these stats, we need to start making the difference starting within the facility.

Page by page, my eyes scanned the words searching for an deeper meaning, but after hours and hours of searching, I come up empty and feeling loneliness creeping in. I've read tale and stories seeking the happily ever after that everyone claims and believes in, and yet, I have come emptyhanded until I seeked out I heard about Him. Since childhood, my family and its members have preached and lived out the Word, and despite their encouragement, I needed to pursue the Word myself. At the age of five, I became an Christian and memorized His Word using Bible verses. I joined Sparkies at my church where my friends and I would meet together and praise and love Jesus. However, as I grew up, it became easier to become distracted by worldly things and evil that seeked to tempt your eye away from Jesus. . Finally, I chose to lead an life for Him instead of falling into Satan's traps and evil that only gave temporary joy and satisfaction, and this year I began attending an different church in order to change my weekly attendance, worship participation, and my love for Him. In that same way, my youth group and I began watching the TV series called "The Chosen," and despite seeing some of the previous episodes before, I still was able to learn something new and educational that would allow my faith journey to take an different route. The episode from this series that really spoke to me was when tons of little children explored the woods to find Jesus near an river, and at first, the kids hid away from the strange man watching His every move, but soon, Jesus ushered them closer. During this time, the children sang and showed Jesus their prayer to the Lord that they had recently learned, and that moment, Jesus' love, joy, tears and expression of pure proudness showed as He eyes gleamed. In addition, Jesus taught the children how to turn the other cheek especially when their friends hurt them, and the Son took personal time to learn more about each indivual child and their personailites. Finally, Jesus left without telling the children, but He left an gift behind for the children as entertainment and an reminder of His love. This episode specifically taught me what endless and pure love really was, and how taking the time to get to know someone can change your life and theirs. Jesus took the time to tell the children what their goals and relationship with Christ should appear like, and in this same way, I decided that I want to choose goals and an job that will continue to make positive impact on my community and the world. Often in retirement stages, elderly resident hear about abuse in nursing homes, and in 2023, I expierenced a way that I could change their mindset by showing them actions of love. Later in 2023, I began increasing my knowledge and receiving my CNA/MA licenses in order to continue to increase my ability to assist the residents in any way possible, and in July, I applied to also work at an skilled nursing home to gain more expierence. After both of these opportunities, it has come to my attention that Jesus has called me to love those in the retirement homes seeking for change, love and joy, and this is why I plan to become an nurse to help change countless of lives, minds, hearts, and for me, this is my happily ever after in the tale of my life. {

"Once upon a time you were a little girl with big dreams that you promised you'd make real one day. Don't disappoint yourself." stated by an unknown author. Many people see dreams through money, luxury, and short lived happiness, but I see it through the countless lives at the retirement home. It all began in 2023 when I saw the job wanted ad appear on my computer, and for a moment, I saw myself in the future checking vitals and assisting residents, and then suddenly, the application was filled. Later on, I started as an PCA, which is an personal care assistant, and I loved it. Months later, I loved what I was doing and got my CNA/MA license, so I could increase my knowledge in the medical field, and this allowed me to meet more independent residents and get to know more about their history. Like I said before, I loved all the hearts within the building, and my job no longer felt like work, but as if I got to hangout with my best friends every day, so I want to tell you about my best friend named Alice. Some people call it a "twin flame," but she was my best friend and my inspiration. Since the beginning, we spent tons of time laughing, joking and smiling together, and she made me so happy and full of joy. Alice was involved in all the groups and was always wanting to meet the new residents and get to know them. Everyone was Alice's friend, and Alice treated everyone with love and kindness. retirement home and see her. However, everything came crashing down in Feburary of 2024, and I felt my heart break. While scrolling through my messages about work, I noticed that someone made an note of Alice not doing well, and immediately, I went to visit her and check up on her. On the 20th, I went to see her, but instead I saw someone pushing an hospital bed into her room, and I stood afraid to go in. The next day, I had to go since I was leaving for an trip, and moments before, I stood outside her door preparing myself mentally. We talked for nearly two hours, before I told her goodbye and to get better, and in response she said that she loved me and was grateful for everything that I've done for her, and that was the last time I saw her. Now two months later, that last moment with Alice was an eye-opener for me as I realized exactly what I wanted to do in college. I wanted to be someone kind. Someone who put others before myself. Someone who was always willing to help. This opportunity allowed me to meet many indivuals and learn their stories, and I wanted to continue to make the same impacts in the future years with an degree in nursing. All the residents without them even knowing showed me that this was an chance to do something for the community. Finally, even in college, I will carry with me the memories and personal relationships that I made here, and because of everything the residents were able to give me, I decided that the only way to repay them is by continuing to do exactly what I already am, which is caring for others. They were my biggest success and opportunity, but they also gave me that in return. Lastly, Alice taught me to chase after my dreams by putting in the work, and I decided that I wanted to follow her advice and be like Alice.

"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." stated Aristotle. For a long time, I didn't feel as if I struggled with mental health until one day I thought I was suffocating. To start off, I was born in Antigua, Guatemala to a mother, who was only sixteen, and she dealt with drugs and alcohol problems. Two months before I was born, my mom's boyfriend beat her up horribly to the point when the police found her, they thought she was going to die or lose the baby. This eventually lead to my birth mother putting me up for adoption and sending me to live with an foster family to avoid her boyfriend finding me. Two years, later I got adopted and went to the U.S to live, and I never saw my mother or my foster family again. Once I began growing up, I always thought that I was different, and that I wasn't loved. I believed that everytime I would begin to love someone that they would just leave or give up on me. This truly began to affect my self-esteem and confidence by the way that I perceived myself and the world. In addition, I began struggling with relationships and keeping them close, instead I would just avoid the pain and be the one to leave. When I turned six, my parents decided that it would be best to attend therapy as a family, and I was resistant thinking that if I faced my problems, then everything would change. I would change. My therapist used would say that if I continued to keep up my attitude and behavior that I would end up living in a prison cell looking outside the small window at the world around me. Being six and hearing this, I freaked out thinking that I had to the worst child alive, and it must be so difficult for my parents to have such an burden on their life. Also, this therapist had my family and I begin writing an journal called the "sin book" where I would write if I lied, what happened, the scenario, so I could look back on it and feel freedom, but this is not how I viewed the book rather it was a constant reminder. After about a year at this therapist, I transferred over to someone else, who worked at a local hospital, and I was scared to hear the same results. Instead, I heard that I had grown and flourished as a person, but that there were still lessons that I needed to learn. We spent time digging deep into the root of the issues by light therapy and meditation that ended up showing that I dealt with believing in myself. My self esteem reflected too much on what social media, friends and outside perspectives saw in me vs what I wanted to see in myself. Now after nearly eleven years, I have stuck with the same therapist that continues to believe in myself when I don't. During my middle school years, I dealt with anxiety and friendships while being homeschooled, but I was able to grow through that and become more confident. Now that I am about to head off to college, I still have the fear of failure and loneliness, but I know that if I was able to overcome this in the past that I can take it on in the future. Also, I plan to use my mental health and struggles as a voice on campus with those struggling and needing a light in the tunnel.

Abuse. That's what some residents hear when they are needing to move into a retirement home. It's what they fear. "Our residents don't live in our workplace, instead we work in their home." commented by an unknown author. Approximately 5 million elderly adults face abuse every year in the United States while living in the retirement home. In addition, even experiencing a moment of physical abuse can drastically increase the risk of death by 300% comparing to others who have never expierenced abuse. Since early 2023, I have had worked at a assisted living facility, and I first started there, I began as a PCA, which means personal care assistant, and I enjoyed meeting residents and learning their backgrounds and stories. Later I received my CNA, and I started to notice slight signs of an caregiver avoiding to assist an resident, and for me, this hurt my heart knowing that these residents were looking towards us for help, and that we would just look in the other direction. In October of 2023, I saw an message on our facility's group chat about false charting. A simple definition of false charting for example is saying that you went and did a safety check on an resident but actually didn't and charted it. Before this message had gone out, false charting was something that everyone was reminded of, and in this situation, a coworker had claimed to do a safety check on a resident saying that they saw them, but hours later the resident's daughter went into the kitchen of their home and found the resident dead. This became clear to me that this stats were true because this girl knew exactly what she was doing and became too lazy to check, and someone died from it, and who knows if this girl could've done CPR or saved her. Our facility fired this girl to show the consequences of false charting. In December, I got my MA license and became an lead, and I made it my top priority to make sure that all the residents were receiving their proper care, and that my newer coworkers were going through the correct motions instead of picking and choosing. Later on, many of my coworkers ended up being fired for false charting or becoming an frequent no-call and no-show, and this really stood out to me that my nurses were going through the correct motions and having no tolerance for this. After seeing this side of assisted living, I decided to spread my wings and see if an local skilled facility was worse or better when it came to false charting. Short story told, they were way worse, and I saw many residents not being fed because the CNA was on break or didn't like the resident's family. I was there for only 8 months before I left, and upset by the amount of times that I saw resident's struggling, and people turning the other cheek. Both of these expierences taught me exactly what needed to be done, and I believe that by becoming an nurse, my number one priority is always going to be the residents. By making sure the residents are safe, I need to hire trained CNAs and MAs that have an great background and expierence. In addition, there will be a no false charting and abuse policy meaning that one strike, and you are out. Seeing even some abuse has shown and taught me that these are human beings, and that if we want to change these stats, we need to start making the difference starting within the facility.

What was something that someone did for you that left you feeling a bit lighter in your steps? Or do you simply forget it within an moment? "Kindness is making someone smile if only for a moment." stated Raktivist, and for me, there was someone that did this and so much more for me, and her name was Alice. It all began in 2023 when I saw the job wanted ad appear on my computer, and for a moment, I saw myself in the future checking vitals and assisting residents, and then suddenly, the application was filled. Later on, I started as an PCA, which is an personal care assistant, and I loved it. Months later, I loved what I was doing and got my CNA/MA license, so I could increase my knowledge in the medical field, and this allowed me to meet more independent residents and get to know more about their history. Like I said before, I loved all the hearts within the building, and my job no longer felt like work, but as if I got to hangout with my best friends every day. Some people call it a "twin flame," but she was my best friend and my inspiration. Since the beginning, we spent tons of time laughing, joking and smiling together, and she made me so happy and full of joy. Alice was involved in all the groups and was always wanting to meet the new residents and get to know them. Everyone was Alice's friend, and Alice treated everyone with love and kindness. retirement home and see her. However, everything came crashing down in Feburary of 2024, and I felt my heart break. While scrolling through my messages about work, I noticed that someone made an note of Alice not doing well, and immediately, I went to visit her and check up on her. On the 20th, I went to see her, but instead I saw someone pushing an hospital bed into her room, and I stood afraid to go in. The next day, I had to go since I was leaving for an trip, and moments before, I stood outside her door preparing myself mentally. We talked for nearly two hours, before I told her goodbye and to get better, and in response she said that she loved me and was grateful for everything that I've done for her, and that was the last time I saw her. Now two months later, that last moment with Alice was an eye-opener for me as I realized exactly what I wanted to do in college. I wanted to be someone kind. Someone who put others before myself. Someone who was always willing to help. This opportunity allowed me to meet many indivuals and learn their stories, and I wanted to continue to make the same impacts in the future years with an degree in nursing. All the residents without them even knowing showed me that this was an chance to do something for the community. Finally, even in college, I will carry with me the memories and personal relationships that I made here, and because of everything the residents were able to give me, I decided that the only way to repay them is by continuing to do exactly what I already am, which is caring for others. They were my biggest success and opportunity, but they also gave me that in return. Lastly, Alice taught me to chase after my dreams by putting in the work, and I decided that I wanted to follow her advice and be like Alice.

"You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible." stated Jojo Myes. What would you do if someone you loved told you that they wanted to go to a suicide doctor, so they would no longer want to suffer? Would you put up a fight or would you stand by their side holding their hand? In the book "Me Before You" we are introduced to this exact scenario with multiple characters standing against the suicide idea while others support it, and in the end, us as readers try to decide what we would do until the final page. Love makes people do crazy things, and sometimes for only a moment you fall in love with your soulmate before they disappear. "I don't know what to think. All I know is that most of the time, I would rather be with him than anyone else I know." states Louisa Clark when she meets the man, who isn't her type, but she finds herself interested in getting to know him more. This scene shows that it's easy to judge someone especially if they have disabilities, different personal beliefs, or just aren't your person, but if you go past some of their features, can you see the beauty within? In addition, I believe that this scene really allows people to see the positive aspects of exploring people deeper than just what is on the surface especially when it comes to love and relationships. Next off, there are always those relationships that people don't see working out, but when love and commitment comes into play, is that enough to stop you? An quote about perseverance in a relationship really showed when Louisa Clark says "I told him a story of two people. Two people who shouldn't have met, and who didn't like each other much when they did, but who found they were the only two people in the world who could possibly have understood each other." An example of this in the story is when Louisa comes into contact with Will Traynor a man, who used to rush through women, and despite everything in her being, she tries to understand his perspective. Moving on, life and love has a way of softening the heart and allowing you enjoy the world as you once did, and Will talks about that when he comments "Do you know something, Clark? You are pretty much the only that makes me want to get up in the morning." Since Louisa becomes someone who is always around, Will learns that despite how easy she smiles that her family is broken and in need of some extra cash. This quote is said in a later time after he begins to get to know her and what she really is beneath. Finally, the story has to have an plot, and the heartbreaking moment is when Will tells Louisa "I am conscious that knowing me has caused you pain, and grief, and I hope that one day when you are less angry with me and less upset you will see not just that I could only have done the thing that I did, but also that this will help you live a really good life, a better life, than if you hadn't met me." This shows that sometimes relationships go through painful moments, but that beauty can bloom and blossom even in chaos. In conclusion, Me Before You shows all the angles and reality of real relationships. It shows both perspectives, and how two odd people might just find their happily ever after together.

"Once upon a time you were a little girl with big dreams that you promised you'd make real one day. Don't disappoint yourself." stated by an unknown author. Many people see dreams through money, luxury, and short lived happiness, but I see it through the countless lives at the retirement home. It all began in 2023 when I saw the job wanted ad appear on my computer, and for a moment, I saw myself in the future checking vitals and assisting residents, and then suddenly, the application was filled. Later on, I started as an PCA, which is an personal care assistant, and I loved it. Months later, I loved what I was doing and got my CNA/MA license, so I could increase my knowledge in the medical field, and this allowed me to meet more independent residents and get to know more about their history. Like I said before, I loved all the hearts within the building, and my job no longer felt like work, but as if I got to hangout with my best friends every day, so I want to tell you about my best friend named Alice. Some people call it a "twin flame," but she was my best friend and my inspiration. Since the beginning, we spent tons of time laughing, joking and smiling together, and she made me so happy and full of joy. Alice was involved in all the groups and was always wanting to meet the new residents and get to know them. Everyone was Alice's friend, and Alice treated everyone with love and kindness. retirement home and see her. However, everything came crashing down in Feburary of 2024, and I felt my heart break. While scrolling through my messages about work, I noticed that someone made an note of Alice not doing well, and immediately, I went to visit her and check up on her. On the 20th, I went to see her, but instead I saw someone pushing an hospital bed into her room, and I stood afraid to go in. The next day, I had to go since I was leaving for an trip, and moments before, I stood outside her door preparing myself mentally. We talked for nearly two hours, before I told her goodbye and to get better, and in response she said that she loved me and was grateful for everything that I've done for her, and that was the last time I saw her. Now two months later, that last moment with Alice was an eye-opener for me as I realized exactly what I wanted to do in college. I wanted to be someone kind. Someone who put others before myself. Someone who was always willing to help. This opportunity allowed me to meet many indivuals and learn their stories, and I wanted to continue to make the same impacts in the future years with an degree in nursing. All the residents without them even knowing showed me that this was an chance to do something for the community. Finally, even in college, I will carry with me the memories and personal relationships that I made here, and because of everything the residents were able to give me, I decided that the only way to repay them is by continuing to do exactly what I already am, which is caring for others. They were my biggest success and opportunity, but they also gave me that in return. Lastly, Alice taught me to chase after my dreams by putting in the work, and I decided that I wanted to follow her advice and be like Alice.

"Once upon a time you were a little girl with big dreams that you promised you'd make real one day. Don't disappoint yourself." stated by an unknown author. When I was a young girl, I dreamt of living in an castle, marrying a prince, and living happily ever after. The end. But this wasn't my story. In all the fairytales, the girl sought after her dreams and found her happily ever after along the way, and now, it's time for me to follow my dreams. Many people see success through money, luxury, and short lived happiness, but I see success through the countless lives that I helped at the retirement home. It all began in 2023 when I saw the job wanted ad appear on my computer, and for a moment, I saw myself in the future checking vitals and assisting residents, and then suddenly, the application was filled. Later on, I started the job as an PCA, which is an personal care assistant, and I loved it. Months later, I loved what I was doing and got my CNA/MA license, so I could increase my knowledge in the medical field and this allowed me to meet more independent living residents and get to know more about their history. Like I said before, I loved all the hearts within the building, and my job no longer felt like work, but as if I got to hangout with my best friends every day, so I want to tell you about my best friend named Alice, who changed my world. As mentioned before, in January of 2023, I met her, and she was my first resident ever that I assisted. Some people call it a "twin flame," but she was my best friend and my inspiration. Yes, we lived completely different lifetimes, but somehow, I felt that if I had lived when she was young that we would've been very close. Since the beginning, we spent tons of time laughing, joking and smiling together, and she made me so happy and full of joy. Alice was involved in all the groups and was always wanting to meet the new residents and get to know them. Everyone was Alice's friend, and Alice treated everyone with love and kindness. Secondly, Alice was proud of her family and would tell you story after story about each of her children and grandkids, and I felt that I personally knew them because of it. To this day, I hope that I look as happy and proud when I talk and laugh with my family as Alice looked and smiled. Due to school, I wasn't always able to work due to my busy schedule, but during my lunch break and free periods I would head to the retirement home and see her. However, everything came crashing down in Feburary of 2024, and I felt my heart break. While scrolling through my messages about work, I noticed that someone made an note of Alice not doing well, and immediately, I went to visit her and check up on her. On the 20th, I went to Edgewood to see her, but instead I saw someone pushing an hospital bed into her room, and I stood afraid to go in. The next day, I had to go since I was leaving for an trip on the 21st, and even moments before, I stood outside her door preparing myself mentally. We talked for nearly two hours, before I told her goodbye and to get better, and in response she said that she loved me and was grateful for everything that I've done for her, and that was the last time I saw her. Now two months later, that last moment with Alice was an eye-opener for me as I realized exactly what I wanted to do in college. I wanted to be someone kind. Someone who put others before myself. Someone who was always willing to help. This opportunity allowed me to meet many indivuals and learn their stories, and I knew that I wanted to nursing and do this for the rest of my life. All the residents without them even knowing showed me that this was an chance to do something for the community. Finally, even in college, I will carry with me the memories and personal relationships that I made here, and because of everything the residents were able to give me, I decided that the only way to repay them is by continuing to do exactly what I already am, which is caring for others. They were my biggest success and opportunity, but they also gave me that in return. Lastly, Alice taught me to chase after my dreams by putting in the work, and I decided that I wanted to follow her advice and be like Alice.

"There are many forms of love as there are moments in time." wrote Jane Austen. This author has wrote six novels, and almost 23 movies have been produced since then. Her books consist of love, lessons and tales that have caused readers across the world to learn from and feel inspired. However, if I were to only select one story tranformed into a movie, I would choose the classic, Pride and Prejuidice, but specifically the eight hour version. My love for reading began when I was a child, and I was required to reach an certain amount of reading points in order to attend an pizza party, and since then, reading is my favorite hobby. Every year, I probably read at least 100 books whether it be classics, romance, adventure or mystery, and somehow I still end up rereading them. My parents were the first people to introduce me to the movie Pride and Prejuidice, while watching Keira Knightley create an place where girls could see the real truth about relationships, instead of just believing Hallmark. From then on, I became obsessed and wanted to read the classic story, and while flipping and turning each page, I felt the story become alive and allow myself to create an imaginary world. This book allowed me to use my imagination to create made-up characters, scenarios, and scenes that I wish might've been in the book. Secondly, I watched the 2005 movie over and over again realizing that this story wasn't simple about love, but rather, allowing yourself to let down your guard and let someone else see your flaws. In this movie, there are two couples struggling to be with each other, and letting someone not just see your beauty but also the scars underneath. Soon after I discovered this, I found other modern versions of this story that were similar in the storyline, but the message seemed a bit different with other characters. Upon this discover, my cousins showed me Austenland where a simple girl could pay money to have an Jane Austen expierence while playing her favorite character with other actors, and it got me thinking that perhaps I could do exactly what this movie character did, but after extensive research, an expierence like this wasn't realistic. A year later, I found the movie. It was a combination of Pride and Prejuidice as well as enjoying this fairytale world for more than simply two hours. Allow me to introduce you to, Pride and Prejuidice the eight hour version. This movie is defined as a series, but that is only because there is a intermission between the two scenes. Despite it being filmed in 1995, there are many popular celebrities playing in this film, and since Pride and Prejuidice is based off in England, their accents made it more realistic. This movie is a bit more difficult in language, but this is only because the director wanted it to be authentic from when the book was based. In addition, this movie a bit slower, but they follow it exactly as the book describes. These differences don't allow my perspective of this high quality movie to be tinted, but rather, it shows how slowly the relationships forms and blooms. In conclusion, the popular 2005 film may be shortened, the 1995 movie is much more accurate showing exactly how long it takes an relationship to form as well as showing both positive and negative sides of realtionships. Finally, even though the 1995 film is my favorite, I advise you to simply watch Pride and Prejuidice to see how love blossoms and grows.

Abuse. That's what some residents hear when they are needing to move into a retirement home. It's what they fear. "Our residents don't live in our workplace, instead we work in their home." commented by an unknown author. Approximately 5 million elderly adults face abuse every year in the United States while living in the retirement home. In addition, even experiencing a moment of physical abuse can drastically increase the risk of death by 300% comparing to others who have never expierenced abuse. Since early 2023, I have had worked at a assisted living facility, and I first started there, I began as a PCA, which means personal care assistant, and I enjoyed meeting residents and learning their backgrounds and stories. Later I received my CNA, and I started to notice slight signs of an caregiver avoiding to assist an resident, and for me, this hurt my heart knowing that these residents were looking towards us for help, and that we would just look in the other direction. In October of 2023, I saw an message on our facility's group chat about false charting. A simple definition of false charting for example is saying that you went and did a safety check on an resident but actually didn't and charted it. Before this message had gone out, false charting was something that everyone was reminded of, and in this situation, a coworker had claimed to do a safety check on a resident saying that they saw them, but hours later the resident's daughter went into the kitchen of their home and found the resident dead. This became clear to me that this stats were true because this girl knew exactly what she was doing and became too lazy to check, and someone died from it, and who knows if this girl could've done CPR or saved her. Our facility fired this girl to show the consequences of false charting. In December, I got my MA license and became an lead, and I made it my top priority to make sure that all the residents were receiving their proper care, and that my newer coworkers were going through the correct motions instead of picking and choosing. Later on, many of my coworkers ended up being fired for false charting or becoming an frequent no-call and no-show, and this really stood out to me that my nurses were going through the correct motions and having no tolerance for this. After seeing this side of assisted living, I decided to spread my wings and see if an local skilled facility was worse or better when it came to false charting. Short story told, they were way worse, and I saw many residents not being fed because the CNA was on break or didn't like the resident's family. I was there for only 8 months before I left, and upset by the amount of times that I saw resident's struggling, and people turning the other cheek. Both of these expierences taught me exactly what needed to be done, and I believe that by becoming an nurse, my number one priority is always going to be the residents. By making sure the residents are safe, I need to hire trained CNAs and MAs that have an great background and expierence. In addition, there will be a no false charting and abuse policy meaning that one strike, and you are out. Seeing even some abuse has shown and taught me that these are human beings also, and that if we want to change these stats, we need to start making the difference starting within the facility.

"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephermal, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." claimed Shonda Rhimes. First off, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jaida Blotske, and I am an senior in Bismarck, North Dakota. Yes, the flatest place and coldest place on earth, and also yes, people do actually live here. In all seriousness, I love my small state, and all it has to offer, but recently this year, I decided that I wanted to expand my horizons and explore new places. That's where South Carolina came in. Ever since 2020, I have had three jobs, which is a lot of stress especially being an high school student, but the reality was that I had to pay for my own college. My mother is a teacher at my small high school while my dad fixes appliances, and since they were paying for my tuition at my school, they weren't financially able to help me out at all during college. So I decided that I needed to grow up and get a job, which ended up being three, and I have been working my butt off since then. Two of the three jobs are working as an CNA/MA/Lead in an assisted living facility and skilled nursing where I was given the chance to jobshadow hospice nurses, therapists, RN's, speech pathology to truly get an idea of what the daily routine would look like if I went into the medical field. Finally, my last job is working at my aunt's boutique where I design and create beautiful decor for people's homes. From the summer of 2020, I have over $10,000 saved for college, but in reality, going to out of state univiersities are expensive, and I couldn't afford even one year, so I began to look deeper into scholarship opportunities. Back to South Carolina, I became very invested in Anderson University, which is an private school, near Greenville, and I applied for as many scholarships as possible hoping that it would be enough. I decided that because of my expierence in the medical field that I would chase after my dreams of becoming an nurse. In Feburary 2023, I was given the chance to head down to the university for an leadership competition where I would have an full day of activities and then the interview process. My family decided that my birthday gift would be flying down there, and I was able to get a better perspective of the school while walking around campus. During the interview process, I explained my situation and how I was risking it all to go here, and nearly a month later, I received my results. As you already know, it wasn't enough, but I did get an small amount that could go towards my tution, and I realized that I needed to try everything in my ability to go to this school. Even if I go to this school, I cannot afford the luxury of just throwing my money around, but instead, I will need to have smart spending. This may be difficult especially if I bring my car down there, and I will have to pay for my own gas as well as if I have any car problems. Many of my friends have their parents paying for their tuition, but for me, I believe that since I am paying for it myself that I won't do spontaneous things while still enjoying my university expierence.

"There's a hidden, inner strength that you cannot find unless you push yourself through adversity." claimed Phil Stutz. My biggest challenge in life really truly tested the amount of hard work that I would put forth in order to accomplish my dreams, and this is the story of how it all occured. During sophomore year, I struggled with keeping friendships and my self esteem, and I thought that it would be easy to just pretend to have everything together, but it wasn't. Social media was telling me to be skinner, prettier, funnier, and to have more followers, while others where telling me I was too skinny, or that I had an weird laugh, and these things pushed and pulled at my confidence. The storm just kept building until l thought that I saw an light in the tunnel, and it was him. He was an senior at the time, and he wasn't exactly someone that you wanted to introduce to your parents. Everyone needed some secrets, and well, he was mine. Everyone warned me about him, and told me that he was the definition of a bad boy, and since I didn't have much expierence in the dating field, I thought I could change him. All the teenage romance movies told me that there had to be an moment where the bad boy no longer wanted to be bad, but I thought that I would be that moment for him. A few weeks later, he introduced me to his friends, and they were just an interested in illegal things as he was. In addition, he offered my his vape and told me that the high was something unbelievable, and that I should try it. Looking back, this was a massive red flag, but I knew that in that moment, I thought this was love. Three months passed since then, and we never became official since he didn't want to put a title on it, and I thought this was normal. Eventually my brother figured it out and told my parents, and they tried to explain all the signs that he wasn't the right guy, but I told them that this was my choice, and they allowed me to do what I wanted to do, but they had no idea about the vaping. Later on, he asked me to do harder illegal things, which I refused, and he ended up kissing my best friend. Now years later, I look back and regret my entire life choices, but during this time, I just wanted to be seen as beautiful and interesting to boys, which ended up me becoming addicted, and that the after effects were more damaging than before. Some ways that I have overcome this challenge is by unfollowing the people that I didn't feel the need to see their life and expierence jealousy or feeling self-confident. Another thing that I did was that I stopped following celebrities that I saw as perfect, and I started to follow people that were brutally honest about things that they felt self-confident about and how to love yourself authentically. Lastly, I stopped allowing boys to have their power over me and to change what I enjoyed, instead I let the boys that like me for me to stick around. All of these have really shown me that I want to be an RN and work with kids about addiction as well as confidence. Through my time at the university, I want to post on social media showing the best and worst of everything, and I want to allow myself to grow as a person.

"Everyone has a story to tell. It's our job to pull up a chair and listen to the older generations." stated by an unknown author. It's been almost three months, and my diary is filled with the tears and pain of losing her, so I thought that writing the memories down might help drown the pain. Everyone needs that special person that you have the instant connection with, and that you feel that you've known them all your life. Alice was and is my person. In 2023, I met Alice as she was one of the residents that I had the privilege of working directly with, and right away, she had me dying laughing. When I first met Alice, she was nearly 95 years old, and I was only 17, so yes, we had lived completely different lifetimes, but I felt that she could've been my best friend anyways. Some people call it "twin flame," but in a unique way, I knew that Alice was exactly how I wished to be when I was older. One thing about Alice that you just noticed all the time was the constant smile, and I realized that smiling really allowed you to have an better attitude. Furthermore, she was involved in every activity and group where she was able to meet and gain friends, and everyone knew her name. I swear she would be down the hall, and I could hear her cracking up jokes and laughing with her friends. Everyone was Alice's friend, and she treated everyone as her friend. Just writing this down really reminds me to treat everyone with kindness, and just smile even if you aren't in the mood or don't feel like it. Secondly, Alice loved her family, and she was proud of each and every one of them. During the summer of 2023, she had an family renuion where people had flown and traveled states to come join together, and Alice's smile was the biggest that I had ever seen. Even though I wasn't related, I felt as if I had been adopted by the way that Alice introduced them and spoke so highly of them. Alice would stroll down the hallway just proud of her family and tell you about them then later invite you to have cake with them that evening. Even though I never attended, I felt honored to be invited and thought of, and Alice was very good about including everyone. Finally, this expierence really showed me that even your crazy, goofy family is something to be proud of, and that I hope that I look just as proud of my family to the outside world as Alice was. On Feburary 18th, 2023, I went to work thinking that it would be another normal day, but this was the day that my world shattered. My dear Alice was going on hospice and actively dying. I tried to postpone the pain for a few days before I realized that I was leaving for South Carolina on the 21st. Finally, on that Wednesday before I left, I saw her. We discussed the trip, but I told her goodbye and to get better, and she told me that she loved me and was grateful for me, and I never saw her again. Even in the end, she thought of those she was leaving behind, and those words that she spoke to me where exactly how I will always think of her. Lastly, be like Alice, and enjoy every day with the biggest heart and smile that the world has ever seen and love endlessly.

"An good education can change anyone. A good teacher changes everything." author unknown. Throughout my four years at my school, I have had many assignments, tests, quizzes and lessons taught to me, but the greatest of lessons that I have been shown are through my teacher, Mrs. Schwantes. There aren't enough words to describe how she has impacted me, but there are scenarios that even though it's been years, I still remember. During my freshman year, she scared me, and because my class was a bit too overconfident, we needed a wake-up call. Some things that she taught us as freshman was preparing for an test and to study beyond what was simply on the study guide. There was one time that my class was being a mean, and we had no idea that she had three tests made beforehand all in different levels of difficulty, amount of questions, and how much it was worth. That same week, I expierenced my first completely essay test, and the first one where almost 85% of my class failed it. Later on, our school was going through some transformations such as new administrators, and my class' favorite teacher was leaving, and Mrs. Schwantes walked us through how in life there will come a day where you will feel your calling fulfilled, and that's when it's your time to either retire or look for another job. From that moment on, I generally believed that someone was paying her extra to say that, but now after I finally quit my job, I understand what she meant. Now, she might not recall this, but I do. First, I will need to explain that my class wasn't the most trustworthy and innocent, so it was really hard for teachers to trust us and enjoy having us, but then our junior year, she stood up for us. It was the horrid day of the pre-ACT where all of us students were crammed in a small stuffy band room, and afterwards, our principal at the time told us that we could leave campus, since we were done and just to check into our class for attendance before leaving. Luckily, some teachers were standing nearby when he told us. However, the minute we told our homeroom teachers that we were leaving, Mrs. Schwantes was confused as the principal told the teachers that we couldn't leave, and she went and talked to him. The principal claimed that we had all lied, but Mrs. Schwantes knew that we were telling the truth despite his statement. This was the moment that I knew that I could trust her. Finally, it's my senior year, and Mrs. Schwantes announced that it's time for her to do something else. Despite that I am leaving, I know that my school just won't be the same without her, and that all the underclassmen were missing out. Every day, I will spend some time during lunch with her talking about events in the world or my family, and Mrs. Schwantes isn't just a teacher to me, but she is also just an great listener when I need to be heard. In addition, I will spend 7th/8th period with her just ranting or simply talking, and Mrs. Schwantes just encourages me when I feel down. When I need a therapist, she is my free therapy, but more than that, she has become someone that has impacted me. Even though she is leaving, I will miss her more than I will admit, but the talks we had, nothing else will compare to those shared moments between us.

"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephermal, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." claimed Shonda Rhimes. I hear my alarm ringing. "Beep. Beep." the metal device screams in my ear until I slam to turn it off. Then I wake up. The dream was about my dream school in South Carolina. It was perfect. It felt so real that I had almost forgot that the scholarship wasn't enough. First off, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jaida Blotske, and I am an senior in Bismarck, North Dakota. Yes, the flatest place and coldest place on earth, and also yes, people do actually live here. In all seriousness, I love my small state, and all it has to offer, but recently this year, I decided that I wanted to expand my horizons and explore new places. That's where South Carolina came in. In 2022, I decided that I would want to be better prepared and make an impact in my community, so I applied for an PCA position at an assisted living facility in my city. All the impacts that I expierenced here are also the same impacts that I plan and want to have in the future. During the first week, I expierenced my first patient dying, and I realized how fragile life really was. Nearly six months in, I received my CNA, and in December of 2024, I got my MA license and became an lead. During my time there, I felt myself grow and become more responsible since I was taking care of human beings that were struggling with health or needing assistance. Eventually, I expanded my expierence while also working in a skilled nursing facility where I jobshadowed RNs, nurse practitioners, and hospice that truly directed my mindset to what degree I planned to receive in college. "Nurses are there when the last breath is taken, and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it is more enjoyable to celebrate the birth, it is just as important to comfort in death." stated by Christine Bell. When I started, my first resident I ever met was super kind, funny and encouraging, and I truly believe that they are exactly what I hoped to be when I was older. This resident was like another grandparent to me, and I would spend my breaks and free time during school hours to get to know them more. In Feburary of 2024, I got the opportunity to head to South Carolina for an competition, but days before I left, this resident began to fall ill. The day before I left, I visited them with an heavy heart knowing that in less than 24 hours I would be across the country and far away from them. I said goodbye and to get better, while they said that they loved me, and I never saw them again. My personal goals are quite simply as I plan to receive my bachelor in nursing, and after graduation, I will become an traveling RN. I plan to work in assisted/skilled facilities to meet new indivuals and the impact that they gave me is the one I plan to give in return. Despite the heartbreak that I expierenced whenever I lost an resident, I decided that they were the ones that pushed me forward to do nursing, and that even though they were gone on this earth, that I would carry their laughter and memories forever.

Overcoming challenges isn't just an simple task, but rather, it takes everything to overcome it. One major challenge that I have dealt with is my vaping addiction that began my sophomore year when I met a boy that also did this. In order to fit in and find my place, I began smoking at an young age hoping to fill fulfilled but rather finding darkness in my life. During this time, I lost my real friends, and nobody, who actually cared about me, knew. After my parents finally discovered this, it had already been almost four months, and luckily, the boy had already left me, and so they took my nicotine devices and destroyed them. That's when the itch and craving of nicotine hit me, and I felt my world crumbling, so I reached out to my friend's dealer hoping that they could help me out, but my parents discovered this before the transaction could occur. Now here I am, almost 3 and a half years later, completely sober and thankful that its hold on me isn't there anymore. By removing this addiction, I was able to find healthy relationships as well as finding my own self esteem through things that I loved about myself. In the year 2020, I realized that graduation may be far away, but that time had its way of creeping up fast, and so I started my first job. My mother is an private school teacher at our small school while my dad fixes appliances, and because they wanted me to have a good schooling, they won't be able to assist me at all in my college tuition. Since I realized this, I now have three jobs in order to try to chase after my dreams within my budget, and I have raised over $10,000 for college. However, my dream school is in South Carolina, and I am currently around $8,000 away from being able to attend and go for my nursing degree. I have filled out all their scholarships and gone to their competitions to try to earn some extra assistance, but right now, it's not working out, and I know that not all dreams come true, but I want to make sure that I cross off all possibilities before giving up. Therefore, I plan to fill out every scholarship until housing begins, and I will be working full time and over time during the summer in order to chase my nursing dreams. After graduation, I plan to become an traveling RN in order to give back to my community and other facilities nearby, and once I have become fulfilled, I will return to my hometown of Antigua, Guatemala to start an orphange/clinic for children in the sex trafficing system to help them find an forever home and feel loved, valued, and important as well as giving them an proper education, so that they can become proud of themselves and let go of their past mistakes.

“Do not allow yourselves to be shaped by the passions of your old ignorance, but as obedient children, be yourselves holy in all your activity..." 1 Peter 14-15 Everyone talks about their love story. Some believe in love at first sight, while others believe that they will never find their "soulmate." For myself, I used to search out boys trying to find my identity in them, while the greatest of Loves stood right beside me and saw me. Since the beginning, my family has always been chasing after God, and I always just did the motions until I felt as if I was drowning. During my sophomore year, social media and friends began really changing how I saw and valued myself thinking that I had to be skinner, prettier, and play the part of an perfect girl. I would wake up thinking that I was not good enough, and that the world would see me as chaos instead of an masterpiece. Drowning in my own confusion, it didn't help that he was there either. The boy that everyone warned me about, and that my own brother told me to avoid. He was on the football team, and he was the bad boy that all the teenage romance movies told me that I could change him. While homecoming occured, I wore his jersey, and it felt as if I had found my value seeing the other 'popular' girls get upset that they didn't get a jersey. Eventually trying to change him changed me, and I knew that he vaped, so the only way to keep him close was to be invested in the things that he liked. Everytime I smoked, I just felt so empty and lonely despite this boy sitting right next to me telling me that I was the best thing that happened to him, but all the people that actually cared about me didn't know. Then the boy ended up wanting me to do more illegal things to help me feel "fullfilled", and I feared what was actually happening to me, so I refused, and he got bored and ended up kissing my best friend. It's crazy that I thought the boy, who made me feel important, ended up not even liking me, but rather, he enjoyed the fact that I did my best to do things that he enjoy plus he felt better knowing that he wasn't vaping alone. The moment I figured out he kissed my best friend, my world shattered, my identity lost, everything empty. Some of my friends said that I was "blinded" by love while others said that I tried to hard to fit in, and then one day, I wanted change My life has been changing after I finally went through the withdrawal of my addiction, and I did relapse before remembering that I wanted to be free of this suffering. My family stood by side and tried to assist me when they saw me struggling, and now, I live my life trying to live an better tomorrow. I plan to implement this through nursing especially addictions for younger ages struggling with their own self esteem. I used to be scared to tell my story, but I realize that when people feel the need to change themself to try to impress people. Social media has created an false sense of body image as well as sex trafficking, so I create an orphange/clinic in my hometown Antigua, Guatemala for children, who become involved in sex trafficking, to find their identity and purpose and give them an education to become proud of themselves.

" “Do not allow yourselves to be shaped by the passions of your old ignorance, but as obedient children, be yourselves holy in all your activity..." 1 Peter 14-15 Everyone talks about their love story. Some believe in love at first sight, while others believe that they will never find their "soulmate." For myself, I used to search out boys trying to find my identity in them, while the greatest of Loves stood right beside me and saw me. Since the beginning, my family has always been chasing after God, and I always just did the motions until I felt as if I was drowning. During my sophomore year, social media and friends began really changing how I saw and valued myself thinking that I had to be skinner, prettier, and play the part of an perfect girl. I would wake up thinking that I was not good enough, and that the world would see me as chaos instead of an masterpiece. Drowning in my own confusion, it didn't help that he was there either. The boy that everyone warned me about, and that my own brother told me to avoid. He was on the football team, and he was the bad boy that all the teenage romance movies told me that I could change him. While homecoming occured, I wore his jersey, and it felt as if I had found my value seeing the other 'popular' girls get upset that they didn't get a jersey. Eventually trying to change him changed me, and I knew that he vaped, so the only way to keep him close was to be invested in the things that he liked. Everytime I smoked, I just felt so empty and lonely despite this boy sitting right next to me telling me that I was the best thing that happened to him, but all the people that actually cared about me didn't know. Then the boy ended up wanting me to do more illegal things to help me feel "fullfilled", and I feared what was actually happening to me, so I refused, and he got bored and ended up kissing my best friend. It's crazy that I thought the boy, who made me feel important, ended up not even liking me, but rather, he enjoyed the fact that I did my best to do things that he enjoy plus he felt better knowing that he wasn't vaping alone. The moment I figured out he kissed my best friend, my world shattered, my identity lost, everything empty. Some of my friends said that I was "blinded" by love while others said that I tried to hard to fit in, and then one day, I saw my Bible and felt called to read it. Now years later, I realized that the greatest of Loves saw me and chose me for me. Jesus Christ doesn't want me to change anything about myself, and that He formed and shaped me while I was still in the womb knowing that I was His masterpiece. I plan to implement this in my faith through nursing especially addictions for younger ages struggling with their own self esteem. I used to be scared to tell my story, but I realize that when people feel the need to change themself to try to impress people that's Satan telling them that they aren't good enough. I will do Bible groups/studies at my university, and I want create an orphange/clinic in my hometown Antigua, Guatemala for children, who become involved in sex trafficking, to find their identity and purpose through Him and give them an education.

"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephermal, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." claimed Shonda Rhimes. I hear my alarm ringing. "Beep. Beep." the metal device screams in my ear until I slam to turn it off. Then I wake up. The dream was about my dream school in South Carolina. It was perfect. It felt so real that I had almost forgot that the scholarship wasn't enough. First off, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jaida Blotske, and I am an senior in Bismarck, North Dakota. Yes, the flatest place and coldest place on earth, and also yes, people do actually live here. In all seriousness, I love my small state, and all it has to offer, but recently this year, I decided that I wanted to expand my horizons and explore new places. That's where South Carolina came in. Ever since 2020, I have had three jobs, which is a lot of stress especially being an high school student, but the reality was that I had to pay for my own college. My mother is a teacher at my small high school while my dad fixes appliances, and since they were paying for my tuition at my school, they weren't financially able to help me out at all during college. So I decided that I needed to grow up and get a job, which ended up being three, and I have been working my butt off since then. Two of the three jobs are working as an CNA/MA/Lead in an assisted living facility and skilled nursing where I was given the chance to jobshadow hospice nurses, therapists, RN's, speech pathology to truly get an idea of what the daily routine would look like if I went into the medical field. Finally, my last job is working at my aunt's boutique where I design and create beautiful decor for people's homes. From the summer of 2020, I have over $10,000 saved for college, but in reality, going to out of state univiersities are expensive, and I couldn't afford even one year, so I began to look deeper into scholarship opportunities. Back to South Carolina, I became very invested in Anderson University, which is an private school, near Greenville, and I applied for as many scholarships as possible hoping that it would be enough. I decided that because of my expierence in the medical field that I would chase after my dreams of becoming an nurse. In Feburary 2023, I was given the chance to head down to the university for an leadership competition where I would have an full day of activities and then the interview process. My family decided that my birthday gift would be flying down there, and I was able to get a better perspective of the school while walking around campus. Nearly a month later, I received my results. As you already know, it wasn't enough, but I did get an small amount, and I realized that I needed to try everything in my ability to go to this school. It's been almost two months since then, and this dream is everything to me, and I know that not all dreams come true, but I want to make sure that I have done everything humanly possible to convince myself that I didn't just give up. For me, I plan to create an better environment for the older generation and creating an positive enviroment where they feel loved, valued and at home.

"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephermal, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." claimed Shonda Rhimes. I hear my alarm ringing. "Beep. Beep." the metal device screams in my ear until I slam to turn it off. Then I wake up. The dream was about my dream school in South Carolina. It was perfect. It felt so real that I had almost forgot that the scholarship wasn't enough. First off, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jaida Blotske, and I am an senior in Bismarck, North Dakota. Yes, the flatest place and coldest place on earth, and also yes, people do actually live here. In all seriousness, I love my small state, and all it has to offer, but recently this year, I decided that I wanted to expand my horizons and explore new places. That's where South Carolina came in. Ever since 2020, I have had three jobs, which is a lot of stress especially being an high school student, but the reality was that I had to pay for my own college. My mother is a teacher at my small high school while my dad fixes appliances, and since they were paying for my tuition at my school, they weren't financially able to help me out at all during college. So I decided that I needed to grow up and get a job, which ended up being three, and I have been working my butt off since then. Two of the three jobs are working as an CNA/MA/Lead in an assisted living facility and skilled nursing where I was given the chance to jobshadow hospice nurses, therapists, RN's, speech pathology to truly get an idea of what the daily routine would look like if I went into the medical field. Finally, my last job is working at my aunt's boutique where I design and create beautiful decor for people's homes. From the summer of 2020, I have over $10,000 saved for college, but in reality, going to out of state univiersities are expensive, and I couldn't afford even one year, so I began to look deeper into scholarship opportunities. Back to South Carolina, I became very invested in Anderson University, which is an private school, near Greenville, and I applied for as many scholarships as possible hoping that it would be enough. I decided that because of my expierence in the medical field that I would chase after my dreams of becoming an nurse. In Feburary 2023, I was given the chance to head down to the university for an leadership competition where I would have an full day of activities and then the interview process. My family decided that my birthday gift would be flying down there, and I was able to get a better perspective of the school while walking around campus. During the interview process, I explained my situation and how I was risking it all to go here, and nearly a month later, I received my results. As you already know, it wasn't enough, but I did get an small amount that could go towards my tution, and I realized that I needed to try everything in my ability to go to this school. It's been almost two months since then, and this dream is everything to me, and I know that not all dreams come true, but I want to make sure that I have done everything humanly possible to convince myself that I didn't just give up.

"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephermal, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." claimed Shonda Rhimes. I hear my alarm ringing. "Beep. Beep." the metal device screams in my ear until I slam to turn it off. Then I wake up. As I get out of my comfy bed, it's the time of the day to choose whether to make it a good day or just another day. Positivity comes in many forms whether it be a good mindset, doing something for someone else, having the best day ever, you can choose to make it the greatest day ever. In the real world, my perfect day and the way that I would make an impact is exactly what I am doing currently. It's the thing that I have loved for almost two years, and something that I plan to do more in the future. Allow me to walk you through exactly how I plan to make a difference. First I am waking up a little later than the school schedule, and then I go to my second home, the nursing home. As I twist my key into the cold metal door, the smell of home overwhelms me as I walk down the long hallway saying "Hello!" or "Hi!" to the residents sitting on the benchs or in the dining room. My shift would consist of me passing medications and talking to the residents, and since I've doing this job for almost two years, I love knowing their likes and dislikes. Everytime I go into their room, I ask about their family and friends, and how they have been, and I always feel full of positivity knowing that they are like my built in best friends. Perhaps on this special day, I will be training another employee showing them the do's and the don't's, and then introducing them to the residents, so then they can feel the same interaction as I do. On the other hand, not every day is perfect, so perhaps I am trying to encourage an resident's family as we are putting them on hospice and giving them the tough talk or we just lost an resident that everyone loved, you need to always be an role model and someone that people trust. If we lose a resident, I always try to hold the memories that I have of them close to my heart. Since I've been working at this facility, I realize what my duties are, and I have taken every chance to grow in my knowledge of the medical field as well as the needs that the residents have. I always go into work with the mindset that I want to make someone's day better than how it was, and I also want to make sure that my other coworkers know that they are valued. Furthermore, I plan to enforce this same policy when I attend an university, and because of how I love my job, I decided to go into nursing. After graduation, I plan to become an traveling RN and focus on assisted/skilled nursing homes where I can assist them and meet new residents. With all the resident's that I've met, they are the ones that have had the biggest impact on my life, and so, I plan make the same impact by taking all the memories and knowledge of those that I will miss and always love to create an better future for all the residents I meet and assist.

"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephermal, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." claimed Shonda Rhimes. I hear my alarm ringing. "Beep. Beep." the metal device screams in my ear until I slam to turn it off. Then I wake up. The dream was about my dream school in South Carolina. It was perfect. It felt so real that I had almost forgot that the scholarship wasn't enough. First off, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jaida Blotske, and I am an senior in Bismarck, North Dakota. Yes, the flatest place and coldest place on earth, and also yes, people do actually live here. In all seriousness, I love my small state, and all it has to offer, but recently this year, I decided that I wanted to expand my horizons and explore new places. That's where South Carolina came in. Ever since 2020, I have had three jobs, which is a lot of stress especially being an high school student, but the reality was that I had to pay for my own college. My mother is a teacher at my small high school while my dad fixes appliances, and since they were paying for my tuition at my school, they weren't financially able to help me out at all during college. So I decided that I needed to grow up and get a job, which ended up being three, and I have been working my butt off since then. Two of the three jobs are working as an CNA/MA/Lead in an assisted living facility and skilled nursing where I was given the chance to jobshadow hospice nurses, therapists, RN's, speech pathology to truly get an idea of what the daily routine would look like if I went into the medical field. Finally, my last job is working at my aunt's boutique where I design and create beautiful decor for people's homes. From the summer of 2020, I have over $10,000 saved for college, but in reality, going to out of state univiersities are expensive, and I couldn't afford even one year, so I began to look deeper into scholarship opportunities. Back to South Carolina, I became very invested in Anderson University, which is an private school, near Greenville, and I applied for as many scholarships as possible hoping that it would be enough. I decided that because of my expierence in the medical field that I would chase after my dreams of becoming an nurse. In Feburary 2023, I was given the chance to head down to the university for an leadership competition where I would have an full day of activities and then the interview process. My family decided that my birthday gift would be flying down there, and I was able to get a better perspective of the school while walking around campus. During the interview process, I explained my situation and how I was risking it all to go here, and nearly a month later, I received my results. As you already know, it wasn't enough, but I did get an small amount that could go towards my tution, and I realized that I needed to try everything in my ability to go to this school. It's been almost two months since then, and this dream is everything to me, and I know that not all dreams come true, but I want to make sure that I have done everything humanly possible to convince myself that I didn't just give up.

"I cared not where or how I lived, or what hardships I went through, so I could but gain souls to Christ." spoke David Brainerd. The moment I arrived, the warm tropical air splashed my face as if a sudden wave crashed into me, and the air was humid that it seemed almost painful to breathe. Then, I remembered that I was in Honduras for a missions trip, and that I would be experiencing this country for only an week and a half. As we went through security, the language barrier came crashing over us, and despite the almost two years in Spanish class, I felt overwhelmed. Finally, after the long line trying to get into the country, we were able to finally see the world outside the airport. An bus pulled up and my group entered before we realized that our missions house was almost four hours away, and that as we drove past the countryside that this world was completely different than what we were used to. Later that night, our group also known as YoungLife created an fun event for children in the community to attend where we would serve pizza, play games and talk about Jesus together. During this, we were able to meet the family that we would building the home for, and we were also able to hear their story. This family consisted of 6 members, and the mother would wash clothes while the father worked at a local concrete place. Next, their oldest was almost 16, and their youngest was only two. This family lived in a two bedroom home with only a small kitchen, and very soon their little home would expand. For nearly two days, we handcrafted cement to help prepare an foundation for the home while it rained, which caused a bit of an project, where we had to use the family's bowls and cups to try to limit the amount of water going into the foundation. After this, a local farmer supplied us with pounds and pounds of dirt where we would later shovel and add to the foundation and outside of the home to protect it from storms and rain. To say that it was easy was an understatement, and since I am an CNA/MA I was the caregiver when accidents and wounds appeared. On Wednesday evening, we hosted an youth event where we hung up posters around town and would host it at a local church. We decided to target the athletes as we decided to have an volleyball, basketball and dodgeball tournament where the different ethnicities would compete either together or against each other. Over 100 kids and adults came to attend and watch this event occur where we would supply snacks and drinks to those participating. The night felt as though it would never end as laughter and joy filled the air of the small gymnasium. About a week later, the house was finally complete, and we were able to paint it the unique colors that the mother had chosen. This activity took about two days to make sure that the paint wouldn't crack or chip easily if weather hit the home. Later that night, we picked out the perfect furniture and house essentials to complete the home, and then the architects, builders, painters and our group prayed for the family and the home. Once the home was completed, our group went to a local orphanage where we hosted another event, and we were able to love on these kids before going home. These memories were always be my favorite and be special to me.

"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephermal, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." claimed Shonda Rhimes. I hear my alarm ringing. "Beep. Beep." the metal device screams in my ear until I slam to turn it off. Then I wake up. The dream was about my dream school in South Carolina. It was perfect. It felt so real that I had almost forgot that the scholarship wasn't enough. First off, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jaida Blotske, and I am an senior in Bismarck, North Dakota. Yes, the flatest place and coldest place on earth, and also yes, people do actually live here. In all seriousness, I love my small state, and all it has to offer, but recently this year, I decided that I wanted to expand my horizons and explore new places. That's where South Carolina came in. Ever since 2020, I have had three jobs, which is a lot of stress especially being an high school student, but the reality was that I had to pay for my own college. My mother is a teacher at my small high school while my dad fixes appliances, and since they were paying for my tuition at my school, they weren't financially able to help me out at all during college. So I decided that I needed to grow up and get a job, which ended up being three, and I have been working my butt off since then. Two of the three jobs are working as an CNA/MA/Lead in an assisted living facility and skilled nursing where I was given the chance to jobshadow hospice nurses, therapists, RN's, speech pathology to truly get an idea of what the daily routine would look like if I went into the medical field. Finally, my last job is working at my aunt's boutique where I design and create beautiful decor for people's homes. From the summer of 2020, I have over $10,000 saved for college, but in reality, going to out of state univiersities are expensive, and I couldn't afford even one year, so I began to look deeper into scholarship opportunities. Back to South Carolina, I became very invested in Anderson University, which is an private school, near Greenville, and I applied for as many scholarships as possible hoping that it would be enough. I decided that because of my expierence in the medical field that I would chase after my dreams of becoming an nurse. In Feburary 2023, I was given the chance to head down to the university for an leadership competition where I would have an full day of activities and then the interview process. My family decided that my birthday gift would be flying down there, and I was able to get a better perspective of the school while walking around campus. During the interview process, I explained my situation and how I was risking it all to go here, and nearly a month later, I received my results. As you already know, it wasn't enough, but I did get an small amount that could go towards my tution, and I realized that I needed to try everything in my ability to go to this school. It's been almost two months since then, and this dream is everything to me, and I know that not all dreams come true, but I want to make sure that I have done everything humanly possible to convince myself that I didn't just give up.

"Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier." claimed Mother Teresa. My caregiving expierence began in 2020, which for some was a year of pain while for others a year of growth, and I saw both of these in my world. It all started when my great-grandmother, who lived in an assisted living facility, began having more procedures that meant she needed someone to entertain, assist, and watch her during the day, and since I was homeschooled while this happened, I was the perfect match. Since I had an flexible schedule, I would head over to her home at around 7 AM and stay till 6 PM when one of her daughters could come check on her for the night. However, I didn't mind since I could get to know about their life while assisting her and pushing her to get better. Two months passed, my grandmother's lungs filled with fluid while having Covid 19, and eventually, she gave up on herself. For me, I had lost my first great grandmother, and I felt that because I hadn't been there more to help her that I would do my best to help my community. In 2022, I decided that if anything where to happen to one of my grandparents again that I would want to be better prepared, so I applied for an PCA position at an assisted living facility in my city. During the first week, I expierenced my first patient dying, and I realized how fragile life really was. Nearly six months in, I received my CNA, and in December of 2024, I got my MA license and became an lead. During my time there, I felt myself grow and become more responsible since I was taking care of human beings that were struggling with health or needing assistance. Eventually, I expanded my expierence while also working in a skilled nursing facility where I jobshadowed RNs, nurse practitioners, and hospice that truly directed my mindset to what degree I planned to receive in college. "Nurses are there when the last breath is taken, and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it is more enjoyable to celebrate the birth, it is just as important to comfort in death." stated by Christine Bell. When I started, my first resident I ever met was super kind, funny and encouraging, and I truly believe that they are exactly what I hoped to be when I was older. This resident was like another grandparent to me, and I would spend my breaks and free time during school hours to get to know them more. In Feburary of 2024, I got the opportunity to head to South Carolina for an competition, but days before I left, this resident began to fall ill. The day before I left, I visited them with an heavy heart knowing that in less than 24 hours I would be across the country and far away from them. I said goodbye and to get better, while they said that they loved me, and I never saw them again. My personal goals are quite simply as I plan to receive my bachelor in nursing, and after graduation, I will become an traveling RN. I plan to work in nursing homes and skilled facilities to meet new indivuals and leave an impact on their life. Despite the heartbreak of losing an resident, I decided that they were the ones that pushed me forward to do nursing, and that even though they were gone on this earth, that I would carry their laughter and memories forever.

"Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier." claimed Mother Teresa. My caregiving expierence began in 2020, which for some was a year of pain while for others a year of growth, and I saw both of these in my world. It all started when my great-grandmother, who lived in an assisted living facility, began having more procedures that meant she needed someone to entertain, assist, and watch her during the day, and since I was homeschooled while this happened, I was the perfect match. Since I had an flexible schedule, I would head over to her home at around 7 AM and stay till 6 PM when one of her daughters could come check on her for the night. However, I didn't mind since I could get to know about their life while assisting her and pushing her to get better. Two months passed, my grandmother's lungs filled with fluid while having Covid 19, and eventually, she gave up on herself. For me, I had lost my first great grandmother, and I felt that if I had been involved in the medical field I could've tried to postpone this. In 2022, I decided that if anything where to happen to one of my grandparents again that I would want to be better prepared, so I applied for an PCA position at an assisted living facility in my city. During the first week, I expierenced my first patient dying, and I realized how fragile life really was. Nearly six months in, I received my CNA, and in December of 2024, I got my MA license and became an lead. During my time there, I felt myself grow and become more responsible since I was taking care of human beings that were struggling with health or needing assistance. Eventually, I expanded my expierence while also working in a skilled nursing facility where I jobshadowed RNs, nurse practitioners, and hospice that truly directed my mindset to what degree I planned to receive in college. "Nurses are there when the last breath is taken, and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it is more enjoyable to celebrate the birth, it is just as important to comfort in death." stated by Christine Bell. When I started, my first resident I ever met was super kind, funny and encouraging, and I truly believe that they are exactly what I hoped to be when I was older. This resident was like another grandparent to me, and I would spend my breaks and free time during school hours to get to know them more. In Feburary of 2024, I got the opportunity to head to South Carolina for an competition, but days before I left, this resident began to fall ill. The day before I left, I visited them with an heavy heart knowing that in less than 24 hours I would be across the country and far away from them. I said goodbye and to get better, while they said that they loved me, and I never saw them again. My personal goals are quite simply as I plan to receive my bachelor in nursing, and after graduation, I will become an traveling RN. I plan to work in nursing homes and skilled facilities to meet new indivuals and leave an impact on their life. Despite the heartbreak that I expierenced whenever I lost an resident, I decided that they were the ones that pushed me forward to do nursing, and that even though they were gone on this earth, that I would carry their laughter and memories forever.

"Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier." claimed Mother Teresa. My caregiving expierence began in 2020, which for some was a year of pain while for others a year of growth, and I saw both of these in my world. It all started when my great-grandmother, who lived in an assisted living facility, began having more procedures that meant she needed someone to entertain, assist, and watch her during the day, and since I was homeschooled while this happened, I was the perfect match. Since I had an flexible schedule, I would head over to her home at around 7 AM and stay till 6 PM when one of her daughters could come check on her for the night. However, I didn't mind since I could get to know about their life while assisting her and pushing her to get better. Two months passed, my grandmother's lungs filled with fluid while having Covid 19, and eventually, she gave up on herself. For me, I had lost my first great grandmother, and I felt that because I hadn't been there more to help her that I had ultimately failed her. In 2022, I decided that if anything where to happen to one of my grandparents again that I would want to be better prepared, so I applied for an PCA position at an assisted living facility in my city. During the first week, I expierenced my first patient dying, and I realized how fragile life really was. Nearly six months in, I received my CNA, and in December of 2024, I got my MA license and became an lead. During my time there, I felt myself grow and become more responsible since I was taking care of human beings that were struggling with health or needing assistance. Eventually, I expanded my expierence while also working in a skilled nursing facility where I jobshadowed RNs, nurse practitioners, and hospice that truly directed my mindset to what degree I planned to receive in college. "Nurses are there when the last breath is taken, and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it is more enjoyable to celebrate the birth, it is just as important to comfort in death." stated by Christine Bell. When I started, my first resident I ever met was super kind, funny and encouraging, and I truly believe that they are exactly what I hoped to be when I was older. This resident was like another grandparent to me, and I would spend my breaks and free time during school hours to get to know them more. In Feburary of 2024, I got the opportunity to head to South Carolina for an competition, but days before I left, this resident began to fall ill. The day before I left, I visited them with an heavy heart knowing that in less than 24 hours I would be across the country and far away from them. I said goodbye and to get better, while they said that they loved me, and I never saw them again. My personal goals are quite simply as I plan to receive my bachelor in nursing, and after graduation, I will become an traveling RN. I plan to work in nursing homes and skilled facilities to meet new indivuals and leave an impact on their life. Despite the heartbreak that I expierenced whenever I lost an resident, I decided that they were the ones that pushed me forward to do nursing, and that even though they were gone on this earth, that I would carry their laughter and memories forever.

"Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephermal, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." claimed Shonda Rhimes. I hear my alarm ringing. "Beep. Beep." the metal device screams in my ear until I slam to turn it off. Then I wake up. The dream was about my dream school in South Carolina. It was perfect. It felt so real that I had almost forgot that the scholarship wasn't enough. First off, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jaida Blotske, and I am an senior in Bismarck, North Dakota. Yes, the flatest place and coldest place on earth, and also yes, people do actually live here. In all seriousness, I love my small state, and all it has to offer, but recently this year, I decided that I wanted to expand my horizons and explore new places. That's where South Carolina came in. Ever since 2020, I have had three jobs, which is a lot of stress especially being an high school student, but the reality was that I had to pay for my own college. My mother is a teacher at my small high school while my dad fixes appliances, and since they were paying for my tuition at my school, they weren't financially able to help me out at all during college. So I decided that I needed to grow up and get a job, which ended up being three, and I have been working my butt off since then. Two of the three jobs are working as an CNA/MA/Lead in an assisted living facility and skilled nursing where I was given the chance to jobshadow hospice nurses, therapists, RN's, speech pathology to truly get an idea of what the daily routine would look like if I went into the medical field. Finally, my last job is working at my aunt's boutique where I design and create beautiful decor for people's homes. From the summer of 2020, I have over $10,000 saved for college, but in reality, going to out of state univiersities are expensive, and I couldn't afford even one year, so I began to look deeper into scholarship opportunities. Back to South Carolina, I became very invested in Anderson University, which is an private school, near Greenville, and I applied for as many scholarships as possible hoping that it would be enough. I decided that because of my expierence in the medical field that I would chase after my dreams of becoming an nurse. In Feburary 2023, I was given the chance to head down to the university for an leadership competition where I would have an full day of activities and then the interview process. My family decided that my birthday gift would be flying down there, and I was able to get a better perspective of the school while walking around campus. During the interview process, I explained my situation and how I was risking it all to go here, and nearly a month later, I received my results. As you already know, it wasn't enough, but I did get an small amount that could go towards my tution, and I realized that I needed to try everything in my ability to go to this school. It's been almost two months since then, and this dream is everything to me, and I know that not all dreams come true, but I want to make sure that I have done everything humanly possible to convince myself that I didn't just give up.

"Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier." claimed Mother Teresa. My caregiving expierence began in 2020, which for some was a year of pain while for others a year of growth, and I saw both of these in my world. It all started when my great-grandmother, who lived in an assisted living facility, began having more procedures that meant she needed someone to entertain, assist, and watch her during the day, and since I was homeschooled while this happened, I was the perfect match. Since I had an flexible schedule, I would head over to her home at around 7 AM and stay till 6 PM when one of her daughters could come check on her for the night. However, I didn't mind since I could get to know about their life while assisting her and pushing her to get better. Two months passed, my grandmother's lungs filled with fluid while having Covid 19, and eventually, she gave up on herself. For me, I had lost my first great grandmother, and I felt that because I wasn't knowledgeable in the medical field and nursing, that I had failed her. In 2022, I decided that if anything where to happen to one of my grandparents again that I would want to be better prepared, so I applied for an PCA position at an assisted living facility in my city. During the first week, I expierenced my first patient dying, and I realized how fragile life really was. Nearly six months in, I received my CNA, and in December of 2024, I got my MA license and became an lead. During my time there, I felt myself grow and become more responsible since I was taking care of human beings that were struggling with health or needing assistance. Eventually, I expanded my expierence while also working in a skilled nursing facility where I jobshadowed RNs, nurse practitioners, and hospice that truly directed my mindset to what degree I planned to receive in college. "Nurses are there when the last breath is taken, and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it is more enjoyable to celebrate the birth, it is just as important to comfort in death." stated by Christine Bell. When I started, my first resident I ever met was super kind, funny and encouraging, and I truly believe that they are exactly what I hoped to be when I was older. This resident was like another grandparent to me, and I would spend my breaks and free time during school hours to get to know them more. In Feburary of 2024, I got the opportunity to head to South Carolina for an competition, but days before I left, this resident began to fall ill. The day before I left, I visited them with an heavy heart knowing that in less than 24 hours I would be across the country and far away from them. I said goodbye and to get better, while they said that they loved me, and I never saw them again. My personal goals are quite simply as I plan to receive my bachelor in nursing, and after graduation, I will become an traveling RN. I plan to work in nursing homes and skilled facilities to meet new indivuals and leave an impact on their life. Despite the heartbreak that I expierenced whenever I lost an resident, I decided that they were the ones that pushed me forward to do nursing, and that even though they were gone on this earth, that I would carry their laughter and memories forever.

"Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier." claimed Mother Teresa. My expierence began in 2020, which for some was a year of pain while for others a year of growth, and I saw both of these in my world. It all started when my great-grandmother, who lived in an assisted living facility, began having more procedures that meant she needed someone to entertain, assist, and watch her during the day, and since I was homeschooled while this happened, I was the perfect match. Since I had an flexible schedule, I would head over to her home at around 7 AM and stay till 6 PM when one of her daughters could come check on her for the night. However, I didn't mind since I could get to know about their life while assisting her and pushing her to get better. Two months passed, my grandmother's lungs filled with fluid while having Covid 19, and eventually, she gave up on herself. For me, I had lost my first great grandmother, and I felt that because I wasn't expierenced, I wanted to become more involved in the community within the medical field. In 2022, I decided that if anything where to happen to my grandparents again that I would want to be better prepared, so I applied for an PCA position at an assisted living facility in my city. During the first week, I expierenced my first patient dying, and I realized how fragile life really was. Nearly six months in, I received my CNA, and in December of 2024, I got my MA license and became an lead. During my time there, I felt myself grow and become more responsible since I was taking care of human beings that were struggling with health or needing assistance. Eventually, I expanded my expierence while also working in a skilled nursing facility where I jobshadowed RNs, nurse practitioners, and hospice that truly directed my mindset to what degree I planned to receive in college. "Nurses are there when the last breath is taken, and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it is more enjoyable to celebrate the birth, it is just as important to comfort in death." stated by Christine Bell. When I started, my first resident I ever met was super kind, funny and encouraging, and I truly believe that they are exactly what I hoped to be when I was older. This resident was like another grandparent to me, and I would spend my breaks and free time during school hours to get to know them more. In Feburary of 2024, I got the opportunity to head to South Carolina for an competition, but days before I left, this resident began to fall ill. The day before I left, I visited them with an heavy heart knowing that in less than 24 hours I would be across the country and far away from them. I said goodbye and to get better, while they said that they loved me, and I never saw them again. My personal goals are quite simply as I plan to receive my bachelor in nursing, and after graduation, I will become an traveling RN. I plan to work in nursing homes and skilled facilities to meet new indivuals and leave an impact on their life. Despite the heartbreak that I expierenced whenever I lost an resident, I decided that they were the ones that pushed me forward to do nursing, and that even though they were gone on this earth, that I would carry their laughter and memories forever.

"Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier." claimed Mother Teresa. My caregiving expierence began in 2020, which for some was a year of pain while for others a year of growth, and I saw both of these in my world. It all started when my great-grandmother, who lived in an assisted living facility, began having more procedures that meant she needed someone to entertain, assist, and watch her during the day, and since I was homeschooled while this happened, I was the perfect match. Since I had an flexible schedule, I would head over to her home at around 7 AM and stay till 6 PM when one of her daughters could come check on her for the night. However, I didn't mind since I could get to know about their life while assisting her and pushing her to get better. Two months passed, my grandmother's lungs filled with fluid while having Covid 19, and eventually, she gave up on herself. For me, I had lost my first great grandmother, and I felt that because I hadn't been there more to help her that I had ultimately failed her. In 2022, I decided that if anything where to happen to one of my grandparents again that I would want to be better prepared, so I applied for an PCA position at an assisted living facility in my city. During the first week, I expierenced my first patient dying, and I realized how fragile life really was. Nearly six months in, I received my CNA, and in December of 2024, I got my MA license and became an lead. During my time there, I felt myself grow and become more responsible since I was taking care of human beings that were struggling with health or needing assistance. Eventually, I expanded my expierence while also working in a skilled nursing facility where I jobshadowed RNs, nurse practitioners, and hospice that truly directed my mindset to what degree I planned to receive in college. "Nurses are there when the last breath is taken, and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it is more enjoyable to celebrate the birth, it is just as important to comfort in death." stated by Christine Bell. When I started, my first resident I ever met was super kind, funny and encouraging, and I truly believe that they are exactly what I hoped to be when I was older. This resident was like another grandparent to me, and I would spend my breaks and free time during school hours to get to know them more. In Feburary of 2024, I got the opportunity to head to South Carolina for an competition, but days before I left, this resident began to fall ill. The day before I left, I visited them with an heavy heart knowing that in less than 24 hours I would be across the country and far away from them. I said goodbye and to get better, while they said that they loved me, and I never saw them again. My personal goals are quite simply as I plan to receive my bachelor in nursing, and after graduation, I will become an traveling RN. I plan to work in nursing homes and skilled facilities to meet new indivuals and leave an impact on their life. Despite the heartbreak that I expierenced whenever I lost an resident, I decided that they were the ones that pushed me forward to do nursing, and that even though they were gone on this earth, that I would carry their laughter and memories forever.

"The Netflix brand of TV shows is really all about binge-watching. The ability to get hooked and watch episode after episode" commented Reed Hastings. On Netflix, there are so many options whether it's comedy, drama, supernatural, romance, or sci-fi they are all bound to get you hooked. I have spent endless hours either searching for a new series or looking for my past favorite shows to rewatch. However, one of my favorite genres is suspense or mystery, specifically, serial killers. Today, I will be explaining why Criminal Minds is a show to keep you on your toes, and also, how important it is in your life. First off, Criminal Minds is a show based on the Behavior Analyst Unit investigating crimes and using the info they gain to help solve the suspect. Each and every episode is different with a different case, so it doesn't feel like you are rewatching the same thing over and over. The cases can vary from rapists, serial killers, druggies, or stalkers. The episodes often feel real as you watch the situation play out from seeing how the suspect is sneaking into the house or stalking someone, and how often most of these people are twisted in the mind, but they are smart. Secondly, the signs are very important. These situations aren't made up, and every single day one of these "made-up" scenarios from the show is actually happening in the real word. The show is very detailed and accurate showing how these criminals think. By watching this show, you are more aware of your surroundings. For example, there is one episode in which someone kidnaps a girl, and she wakes up tied up in the back of a car. Immediately, she freaks out, but then she realizes that she needs to escape. Using her remaining strength, she kicks out the car light, and since her kidnapper was a painter, she began pouring paint out of the headlight. At the end of the episode, one of the main characters remarks about how so often when we are driving we are just paying attention to the road instead of the small details such as this scenario. Ever since seeing that episode, I always think while I'm driving "How many cars have I passed, and what are the odds there's someone trapped in the back, and I just simply haven't noticed?" Lastly, this show is graphic. I won't lie. However, often too many of these crimes show are falsified based on the audience and how they might react. As I said, these episodes happen to real people every, single day, and too often we are scared to see it. We think that these things just won't happen to us, or that it simply isn't true. Furthermore, after watching people get tortured or raped, it becomes real. People of all ages are getting murdered, raped, drugged for their sex, race, religion, and we need to do something to stop it. We see the FBI or the BAU (Behavior Analyst Unit) as heroes, and in the world now, we often see the police as the bad guys. We don't fully appreciate what they do, and we also underestimate them as well. After seeing this show, I have begun to appreciate what they do while seen in public and also what isn't seen. In conclusion, this show shows people to dig deeper into others' identities instead of just assuming that everyone is a good guy. There are many lessons throughout the show that have changed my life and others. Criminal Minds is a show that will always be a lesson.

"It's the most important to teach the young players to enjoy the game, to play with passion." ~Vladimir Grbic. Throughout my high school career, I have always felt somewhat of an outsider within the class. I never felt pretty enough to hang out with the popular girls, I never felt athletic enough to be with the super athletic kids, and I never felt smart enough to hang out with the smart kids. I felt lost for a long time, but then something caught my eye. Volleyball has always been a sport that I have been involved in since a young age. Something that was the sunshine on my dark day. There are a variety of lessons that I have learned due to this physical activity, but the one that is most important to me is passion. Having a passion for something encourages you to strive for higher achievement and to develop your talent even further. When I first began volleyball in elementary school, I was horrible and had no coordination at all. I began to go to more volleyball camps to help me discover things such as bumping, spiking, and my position, etc. However, about two years later, I was diagnosed with a Ganglion Cyst on my right hand, which was my dominant hand. It may not be a big deal, but after, my form became sloppy due to not fully being able to bend my wrist. I lost my position on the volleyball team, and I became a bench warmer. I felt a lack of confidence as my 'friends' began dumping me due to not starting, I officially became an outsider of the volleyball team, and I became an outsider to my class. During this dark phase of my life, I tried to distract myself by trying new activities such as Fine Art, but due to the passion that I felt for volleyball, it was hard to move on completely. I enjoyed all the games, the tournaments, and the team bonding, so it was hard to feel like I had been dismissed. After years of having the Ganglion Cyst, I decided to go have surgery and have it removed. Therefore, I had to wait a month at least for the stitches to be removed, and then I needed to do physical therapy for at least three months to regain strength in my hand and wrist. During this time, I took a break from volleyball and began to work on my individual confidence. Each day, I would write in a personal journal to remind me of my daily gratitude, and I also began to go to a therapist to try to rediscover myself. After some time, I began my volleyball career with more confidence and built my relationships with my team members even further than before. My next step in my journey of life is to become a therapist. I want to help those, who felt like me, that are in need of being seen and desired, or those who also have the tendency to break people down to help increase their confidence. For either of these scenarios, I want each individual to feel encouraged and loved by their family, their classmates, their school, and themselves. In conclusion, due to being an active volleyball player, I learned from both the good and bad of the situations that I was put in. I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to learn and grow. At the end of the day, my goal for my future and present is to generally make people happy. Happy in life and in themselves.

"Maybe that was how it was with all first loves. They own a little piece of your heart always." Jenny Han, author of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Everyone is searching for love and human connection with a special individual. The Summer I Turned Pretty series, it's a rollercoaster of emotions, and this has often created a debate between Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah. In this essay, I will be explaining scenarios in both the book and the movie that has ultimately made me become Team Jeremiah. First off, Belly has always had a crush on Conrad. She explains how she has always liked him even as a child. This is explained in both the book and the TV series. When Belly returns to the summer house, she is officially seen as pretty. As the two boys hug her, Jeremiah sees her as the same girl that he's grown up with vs Conrad who is now just seeing that she has finally become "pretty". This is a big sign showing that Jeremiah has always had a crush on her even when she wasn't always pretty, but Conrad is now just seeing that she finally grew up into a girl that he would date. Secondly, throughout scenes in the book and the TV series, Jeremiah is often seen as both a protector and a patient guy. One huge scene that is important is when Belly tells Jeremiah that she and Conrad kissed. As Jeremiah watches Belly and Conrad's relationship develop, he continues to wait patiently for the moment that it might be his turn. Jeremiah tries to continue his life knowing that Belly is in love with his brother. When Conrad asks Jeremiah for his blessing, Jeremiah knows that if this is truly going to make Belly happy, then why would he be the one person to stop her from that? Lastly, every single date that Conrad and Belly go on is in the dark. For me, it seems that Conrad only loves her in the dark. He is afraid of others judging, making fun, and crushing his ego when seen with Belly. On the other hand, Jeremiah took her to Finch to show her the options of college, he took her to the ball when she had no date, and he sang "Summer Nights" from Grease to Belly. Jeremiah is willing to be silly, protective, honest, and brave for Belly. He doesn't shy away when hard scenarios approach such as when Susannah announces that she is dying. Jeremiah was willing to date her knowing that the darkest part of his life is approaching. In conclusion, Jeremiah has always been seen as the 'best friend', but there are so many more layers to him. He continues to seek Belly out, to help her when she needs it, to be a hand to hold when she is broken and to love a girl even after she chose his brother. "Love is not blind. It sees you in the dark and chooses to be your light." Sneha Pal. Jeremiah is what we often call in the series a "golden retriever." When picking between these two boys, we must think of what we personally would want to experience in our romance and chemistry with an individual. Belly and Jeremiah's chemistry is what we want to see in the movies. We want to fall in love with our best friend, and someone that we can be silly with. For all the following reasons, this is why Team Jeremiah is superior in both the books and TV series of The Summer I Turned Pretty.