How have you demonstrated resilience to inspire someone else? As I approached my 17th birthday, I began to notice a small and steady change in me. I have always been shy, and independent. I would do anything to keep attention from myself. I have learned over the last year that being independent, shy, and peace-loving can hinder the resilience I need in life. There have been several situations that have caused me to relook my life and what it will take for me to become resilient and succeed. Firstly, as a young child, I participated in different activities, including drama, ballet, and cheerleading. In cheerleading, we won a National Championship and I had to perform on a national stage. This still, however, did nothing to help my shyness. When it was time to receive my award, I was the only one who was too shy to go to the stage to get the award. Knowing this, as embarrassing as it was, ignited something in me to try to get over this shyness. I continued in cheerleading and participated in church activities (as plays, liturgical dancing, and speaking). My shyness was a little less noticeable or obvious to me, but I continued to talk to myself and tell myself that I could do it. I always resisted vehemently when asked to do something that required attention to be drawn to me. After some coaxing and me talking to myself, I eventually could perform each task assigned with renewed vigor. Fast forward to my senior year in high school. I had two very serious cheerleading mishaps. First, I had a concussion from a fall during cheer practice and had to miss practices and performances. It was during this time that I began to really give some thought to my future as a cheerleader. I knew how much this meant to me and wondered if it was worth it to continue. I asked myself many questions, such as, could it possibly be worse the next time? Then I remembered Martin Luther King who endured so much adversity in his life, yet he was resilient enough to continue his assignment. I asked myself, what would I do if I had received death threats as he had received? Then, my second cheerleading accident occurred. I sprained my ankle and required crutches. They were uncomfortable and everyone was looking at me. This incident really became a time of reckoning for me as I thought, Beyonce. She uses an alter ego which helps her overcome her shyness. It works for her and she has proven to be very resilient. I now recognize that my shyness does not have to be a drawback to my resilience. My mother has exhibited extreme resilience. A divorced mother of two; in ill health; she works very hard and always bounces back whenever bad things happen. She requires a wheelchair when shopping for groceries and often must rest after work. Most importantly, too, is that I see that not only does my brother mimic me as I do the things that must be done to keep the house running, but he also studies hard to keep his grades up as he sees me do. Then lastly, my niece who is ten years younger than me is following in my footsteps in cheerleading and remaining on the honor roll. Fulfilling all these goals during rough busy times enforces the importance of resilience in life. Resilience is like a willow tree, flexible. It will bow down to the ground and bounce back up. I choose to be a willow. Kennedy Simpson