DUIs can derail people’s lives. The driver is at risk of hurting themselves, getting their license taken away, there are serious legal implications that driving under the influence can cause. But it isn’t only the driver that is hurt. There are husbands and wives across the globe that lost their loved one. Children who have to grow up and navigate the world with only one parent. There are communities that have to go on without strong leaders. There are even children and teens, who’s lives are cut too short, because of the irresponsible actions of other people.

I was in a relationship through most of high school. Being in that position at a young age, when I thought I was ready, almost stunted who I am today. During high school I didn’t allow myself to change and grow, in fear I wouldn’t be wanted anymore. And while I see that as an unhealthy way to think now, there’s no changing the actions of my past self. Over this past year, I’ve spent my time learning about myself. Who I am, what I like to do, what makes me feel happy, etc. I learned that I like meditation, and journaling, going to farmers markets, skincare, etc. A year ago I was a shell of myself, almost like a desaturated version, I just wanted to get through the day. But now, I love myself and who I’ve become, I wake up with positivity and excitement to see what my day holds. And while self-discovery isn’t linear, and I know I will always have growing to do, I am happy with who I am now.

When I was a freshman in high school, my dad fell down 3 flights of stairs while on a business trip across the country. We found out he had a slight brain bleed, and all I wanted to do was be there with him. Though I couldn’t, because I was too young to fly by myself and my stepmom was 8months pregnant at the time. While grasping the idea that I couldn’t be there to support my dad was hard, I still had to persevere and continue on. Later that week I got off the phone with him, and I realized I should be strong for my younger sisters and stepmom. So I helped out around the house more. I did cleaning, and I helped cook dinners to take the stress off my stepmom. When my sisters needed help with math homework I was there the solve their problems.

I plan to pursue a career in computer science. I love the modern aspect to it, and every day our society has a need for computer science that will only grow. The thought that I can animate, impact, and help our society with different coding languages inspires me every day.

I am pursuing a career in the computer tech industry as a software engineer. The tech industry is a very male-dominated industry, only 18% of software developers are women. I plan to help diversify the tech industry, and teach young girls that they can make an impact as well.

Use google calendar to block out your time! Bonus points for color-coordinating with different calendars to separate school, extracurriculars, and work! You can even create tasks, and essentially have a virtual planner on every device you own! @kimberlymageary