My grandmother's eyes that had once carried the most pure expressions and the most beautiful gaze, had become red with illness. "It's just a side affect of the pills." the doctors said. Until she collapsed on the floor of her bathroom. Seeing her on the hospital bed weak and fragile gave me unimaginable heartbreak. However, as she slowly recovers from her ACG (Angle Closure Glaucoma), I've realized that life is not to be taken for granted. When I had visited her in the hospital, amidst all the sick patients and all of our tragic surroundings, she gave me a subtle reminder. "Remember as long as you study, you can make it mija, just don't give up on yourself either, okay?" I wanted to burst out crying, but instead chose to remain happy for her to uplift her away from the dreary hospital. Then, amongst my flooding memories I recalled the scarf she gave me when I was younger. Woven in with pink and gray yarn, I was fascinated by the scarf she made. So much so that I begun making clothes for my dolls with the materials that I had. Which then expanded into my love for fashion design. Now, I aspire to have my own clothing shop one day, in which I've started slowly by repairing and selling my old clothes on Depop. The sales are small but good enough for me, because everyone starts somewhere. On the contrary, I won't give up on my passions no matter what because I strive to be the example of what can happen when one follows their dream. I'd like to make not only myself proud but my grandmother as well, and even though the process is stagnant as of now, I am certain my efforts will be worth it. Which, I was right. During my years of working in Project Impact, I begun donating the clothes I had repaired and seeing the look on people's faces brought me more joy than I could even handle. It truly healed something within me and from there I knew that I wanted to inspire others to also make a change within their community, whilst following their passion. I aspire to continue being evidence of following ones passion and where it can take you in life.

"So we will have to do a root canal treatment, but while you are under anesthesia we have the opportunity to take out your wisdom teeth meaning that you will not be able to play volleyball for a cool while kiddo but once you're healed you can slowly get back into it." Are you kidding me? I couldn't believe what was being said just TWO MONTHS away from my club's tournament, but better yet I couldn't bear the fact that I had no choice but to stay away from the court. Ever since November, our club had practiced for the tournament that was to be held in June. As a libero, I made it my job to show up to every practice possible throughout the Winter and Spring season even though I stressed about keeping my grades to the standards I wanted them to be. Yet despite how exhausted I felt after having club practice from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., I knew that my team and I were achieving significant progress that was sure to win us that tournament trophy. So hearing those words from my dentist felt like a stab to my heart. I didn't want my progress to go to waste or to stop playing, so I vowed to myself that the minute I felt better, I would get back on the court. "Girl where have you been, oh my god I've missed you so much." Ahh finally. After three weeks of arguing with my mother about going to practice, hearing those words from my teammate felt like absolute bliss. My mother had at least wanted me to wait a good month before going back, yet I couldn't possibly rest at night knowing that the one day everyone was looking forward to was creeping up faster than expected. However, through my following practices, I found that I was reacting slower and getting worn out before practice was officially over. I assumed it was because of post-surgery symptoms along with stress from school but inside I knew it was much more. I knew that it was because I wanted to be beyond amazing for the tournament and being pushed back gave me fear of being less than what I wanted to be. "Jess, are you okay?" I felt myself on the verge of tears and even a metallic taste in my mouth, oh no, blood. "Yeah I'm fine don't worry about it, I'll tell you if I feel nauseous." After that practice, I spit in the sink to find the slightest hue of red present which gave me the reality check I needed. With my condition, I was not allowed to play in the tournament, but instead of seeing it as a loss, I looked past how far I managed to succeed despite everything. Even after putting in literal blood, sweat, and tears, I learned how to find balance so that I am less overwhelmed. In fact, throughout my volleyball experience, I learned how to chase after my ambitions no matter what is thrown my way. I won't ever settle for a life in which I don't accomplish my dreams because even though I couldn't play there will always be other opportunities handed to me, so it is best to be prepared against all odds toward the career I want, so I can succeed despite any obstacles to come.