When I was younger I was a very withdrawn child. I didn't like to push myself out of my comfort zone or do anything that I found ‘scary’. This included many things like public speaking or even more casual things like getting water, asking to go to the bathroom, or trying to start a conversation with someone. When I started high school I found myself compelled to join the cheer leading team and since my freshman year I have been a part of the Stevenson cheer program. Joining cheer leading did not just make me more athletic but it completely changed my perception of myself, the importance of confidence, and the world as a whole. I became more outgoing and I wasn't afraid to stand up and let my voice be heard. Since then I've found myself in many different situations where I realized just how important using your voice is. It can change somebody's entire life. This encouraged me to try and find a way to use my voice and speak out more for those in need, which led me to discovering the field of communications. Communications is a vast field and there are a lot of job opportunities and doors that can be opened. This also encouraged my decision to pursue a communications degree because I like the freedom that comes with it. When I discovered that I could make money and a difference at the same time I knew that it was what I wanted to do. I could change people's lives while also providing myself with a stable career. My passion for this is why I want to pursue this field so aggressively, and getting a good education is a big part of that. I want to complete my bachelors degree in communications at Washington State University, apply for work study jobs and internships, and get a stable degree in the communications field. With financial aid my goals are going to be easier for me to achieve. Overall, I developed confidence through a lot of self reflection and work and now I want to use my voice to speak out and to those who can't or won't speak for themselves.