The most inspiring word I can think of is "ambition." Ambition is the motor for adventure and the steering wheel to turn dreams into reality! To keep track of all my aspirations, experiences, and goals I regularly update my bucket list. Last summer I was able to cross off white water rafting from my bucket list. Experiencing the fresh Tennessee mountain river and all of its fierce personality felt invigorating! I didn't quite know what was around the riverbend, and that was okay with me. I loved the crisp cool water, the pinewood aroma, the towering presence of Tennessee's mountains, and its uncertainties. The white water splash surprises were a memory I will never forget! My next adventure will be paddleboarding! I live in the Tampa Bay region...perfect for water hobbies like this one. Whenever I drive across long stretches of a bridge in my city, the water's stillness almost looks like glass. I cannot wait to learn more about the aspects of paddleboarding and visit the tiny islands seasoned across the bay. Many have said "life is what you make it," I intend to fill mine with one bucket list adventure at a time!

From a naive teenage girl's perspective, confidence may seem like an unattainable drop-dead gorgeous allusion of themselves. However, I've come to realize that confidence is not an image, rather it is a state of mind. Appearances, at first glance, can only get people so far. I believe confidence means being secure in your own personality, interests, and beliefs. Personally speaking, the most secure foundation for confidence is a relationship with God. When you are confident in God you are confident in His creation, and that is a beautiful thing. When I began letting go of silly insecurities and focused on His direction in my life, I became more sure of the decisions I was making. To grow my confidence, I keep a daily spiritual routine. Meditating on examples found in the Bible of courage, faith, and boldness helps grow my personal convictions. Essentially, I believe God-confidence will take me further than self-confidence ever could.

As we turned the corner, my giddy nerves started to escalate. I rolled down the window and basked in the sound of steel guitars, flashy neon signs, and pops of pink cowgirl hats- I couldn't believe I was in Music Row, Nashville! Country music has always been the sound, feeling, and inspiration that resonates with my heart. Being in Music City for the first time felt like where I belonged.

Imagine this- the year is 1917, you're a 16-year-old girl independently cultivating 40 acres of Montana prairie-side in 10 months. An unfamiliar territory, lack of support from family, severe blizzards, prowling predators, and scheming businessmen are not enough to drain your tenacious pioneer spirit. These experiences are the captivating narrative of one of my favorite books, "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson. Ever since I read chapter one in 7th grade, Hattie Brooks' fearless charm drew my attention. I have always been an "old soul" kind of girl. From antique shopping to binging Turner Classic Movies and studying American history textbooks, I am in my element. Specifically, I admire the ambition and bravery of those who blazed through the Oregon Trail during Manifest Destiny. Many have said, 'pioneers struggle, but settlers prosper.' This observation speaks the truth; the most challenging part of accomplishing a goal is firing the inertia. It takes courage and endurance to pave a foreign path. Despite the period in the book being a few decades removed, Hattie's bold and determined spirit is a replica of the early pioneers. Before arriving on her new claim, she had struggled with a sense of identity as she was shuttled from orphan homes and distant relatives. When she received a letter in the mail informing her of her new possession of her late uncle's homestead, she saw an opportunity and took it with grit! She did not view her circumstances as a crutch holding her back, which is a good reminder that life is what you make it. This kind of book inspires me to take life by the reins, work hard, and be bold!

A wise investor once said, 'Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.' From these insightful words, many know him to be Warren Buffett. This advice shows me the importance of timing and patience in the world of investments. Our imperfect nature tends to want things at the drop of a hat; therefore, patience is an attribute not inherited but cultivated. Buffet's advice will help me ride the market's wave, investing my money in real estate at the right time. Of course, Buffet's words touch on the well-known attributes of supply and demand. When the economy is stable, others are greedy, causing high demand. The prices will boil over, leading to overpaying for assets. Doing so will diminish returns, which can lead to breaking even or possibly a net loss. I will be 'greedy when others are fearful' by spotting an opportunity and taking it! Avoiding the masses' timing and riding the economy's wave will save me from a high risk of debt. For instance, the US economy experienced a recession around 2008 due to the subprime mortgage crisis coupled with a plummeting stock market. This economic turmoil caused most to tighten the reins on their investments, creating a low demand for real estate. However, as we know, low demand causes a decrease in prices, which makes an optimum time to buy property. Hence, Buffet's advice will help me enter real estate investments at the ideal time. In the spirit of Warren Buffet, timing, timing, and timing are vital in reaping the rewards of investments!

I am committed to maintaining pure happiness, genuine love, and a determination that is not easily broken. In my dream life, I will cultivate a balance of my career, travel opportunities, and spirituality. I continue to remind myself, each college advising appointment, scholarship application, and study session gets me a step closer to earning my bachelor's degree in accounting. After earning my degree, I will build my professional experience in the accounting field, possibly starting at an entry-level bookkeeping position. With a healthy amount of time and work experience, I look forward to becoming a Certified Management Account. With this career goal, I will aid in the conclusion of crucial financial decisions. One aspect that I appreciate about my chosen career is the structure it provides in my daily life, without overclouding my occasional wanderlust spirit. The "granola girl" side of me is currently planning weeks-long trips to all the national parks out west. Just picturing waking up in a warm Navajo blanket, to the golden sun peeping through lodgepole pines, and the smell of brewed coffee makes my hippy heart happy. Each day would be an adventure, exploring a new part of the country in a Volkswagon van bus, with Ophelia by the Lumineers cranked up high. Lastly, the most important part of my life will be my relationship with God. I will consciously look toward Him for guidance and direction. Personally, if God is not in my life, all the other pursuits are meaningless. Each day I will read, meditate, and apply scriptural principles that better my development and character. I will engage in Bible volunteering and help others to become friends with the most loving creator in the universe. This is my dream life, and I can't wait to put the effort in to achieve it!

Imagine this- the year is 1917, you're a 16-year-old girl independently cultivating 40 acres of Montana prairie-side in 10 months. An unfamiliar territory, lack of support from family, severe blizzards, prowling predators, and scheming businessmen are not enough to drain your tenacious pioneer spirit. These experiences are the captivating narrative of one of my favorite books, "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson. Ever since I read chapter one in 7th grade, Hattie Brooks' fearless charm drew my attention. I have always been an "old soul" kind of girl. From antique shopping to binging Turner Classic Movies and studying American history textbooks, I am in my element. Specifically, I admire the ambition and bravery of those who blazed through the Oregon Trail during Manifest Destiny. Many have said, 'pioneers struggle, but settlers prosper.' This observation speaks the truth; the most challenging part of accomplishing a goal is firing the inertia. It takes courage and endurance to pave a foreign path. Despite the period in the book being a few decades removed, Hattie's bold and determined spirit is a replica of the early pioneers. Before arriving on her new claim, she had struggled with a sense of identity as she was shuttled from orphan homes and distant relatives. When she received a letter in the mail informing her of her new possession of her late uncle's homestead, she saw an opportunity and took it with grit! She did not view her circumstances as a crutch holding her back, which is a good reminder that life is what you make it. This kind of book inspires me to take life by the reins, work hard, and be bold!