I recently hit a wall mentally. Thankfully, small simple things such as reading have helped me get out of that place. The last book I read was an interesting one, considering I began recommending it to friends before even finishing it. It's a Coleen Hoover classic, "It Ends With Us". You see, I'd heard all about this book, it was exceedingly popular last summer. So popular that a movie is currently being filmed, based on the book. So I thought why not give it a shot? I'm almost positive I must've set some sort of reading record with how fast I digested this book. I vividly recall starting right before bed, expecting to read a chapter or two before calling it a night. A night turned into a morning and all of a sudden it was five in the afternoon. I took a few breaks, of course, to eat and shower. You know, the essential things. And then it was back to reading. I was obsessed. It was romantic, and then the exact opposite of romantic, yet so real and informal. I think the reason so many people, myself included, fell in love with this book is because of its authenticity. While I couldn't form a correlation between anything mentioned in the novel and my everyday life, I felt seen. It sounds absolutely insane, but speaks to the power held in writing. It broadened my perspective yes, by exposing me to a world I was unfamiliar with. I don't have any history with domestic violence, in fact, the closest I've ever come to witnessing domestic violence is through a television screen. Collen Hoover's novel allowed me to not only see into the mind of a victim. I hurt when the protagonist Lily hurt, cried when she cried, loved when she loved, and celebrated her victories. To briefly summarize this work of art, It Ends With Us is the story of a young woman's struggle to break the generational curse that is abuse, while promising a safe and nourishing life for her and her newborn daughter. It's a beautifully told story, with really ugly moments, that make readers open and feel authentic emotions. It's a story about love and heartbreak, that features the ultimate betrayal. It opened my eyes to a relationship dynamic I have never known, yet feel so much for. In hindsight, it is quite commendable that an author like Colleen Hoover was able to make readers feel such pressing emotions. I reckon the most commendable aspect of the entire novel is the awareness it spread about domestic abuse in relationships. Aside from the novel itself, I have an undeniable appreciation for reading. These days I often find myself saying out loud "I'm having a bad day, I think I need to go read." Yes, I actually read books to cope with my bad days. I believe that statement alone speaks to how beneficial reading has been for my mental health as well as my progression as a human. Reading has challenged me, informed me, comforted me, and the list goes on. There is great value in a good book, this is something that should never be underestimated. I am indefinitely grateful for the ability to read. It may sound silly, but I truly am. I recognize how blessed I truly am to have access to reading and further my education, as well as keep me sane.

Unpopular opinion: being diagnosed with Type One Diabetes was the best thing that ever happened to me. Yes, you did read that correctly. Exactly a year to the date, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with type one diabetes at the riping age of 19 years old. Like anyone "normal" would react, I hated it. I 100% thought my life was over. Here I was, in perfect health all my life, all of a sudden being told I have a chronic disease that would change my life forever. I spent close to 8 days in an intensive care unit, being pricked and poked left and right as doctors scrambled to get my blood sugar down. I was overwhelmed by all of the information I receiving, just to get home and realize I knew nothing. I decided it was time for me to take control. I would be returning to Washington D.C. in the fall to start my sophomore year of undergrad at Howard University, so my mission was to get my life as close to normal as possible. The last thing I wanted was to be that weird girl that couldn't do anything fun, it just didn't fit my personality! I can't tell you what I did, I just did. I started doing things I loved that summer. Working out again, journaling, and attending a lot of therapy sessions. Little did I know, I had so much to learn about myself. Those three months flew by, and before I knew it I was back on my college campus. I was now living in the moments I was so anxious about. Truthfully, that summer I relied heavily on my family to assist me with my new life. From helping me prepare my insulin before meals, to taking me to doctor's appointments, I wasn't doing it completely alone. But now I was. Was I truly ready? Everyone told me I was human to be a bit apprehensive about going back, but that in time things were going to feel the same. Truer words have never been said. Believe me when I say, something happened. I still don't know what it is, but I'm sure it had all to do with the summer I spent praying. Weeks into my fall semester I quite literally (and yes, I understand this can sound alarming), forgot I had diabetes. I was living, laughing, and truly emerged in the "college lifestyle". I managed my sugars fine, it was almost as if I'd been doing it my whole life. It was in those moments that I realized everything was truly going to be okay. Yes, I have diabetes, and some days are going to suck. Yet that just makes me appreciate the good and not-so-bad days even more. I've learned how to be gentle and compassionate with myself. Here I am, doing the job of a human organ because mine decided to take some time off. I've also learned to look at life with a glass half full, because as unlucky as diabetes may seem, I am even more fortunate to be alive today. I am thankful for my diagnosis. Thankful for the strong woman it has pulled out of me. Thankful for the tender woman it has reminded me to be. Thankful for it all. So yes, I have diabetes, and yes I love it. Unpopular? Maybe. But I love this little life of mine, and that's my favorite opinion of all time.

According to a recent study done by the San Antonio Current, the state of Texas ranks among "the worst states for gender equality." Growing up a woman of color in Texas, that is no secret to me. Truthfully speaking, what motivates me to confront gender disparity in Texas is my anger with it all. I have experienced firsthand the societal structural boundaries that are placed on women in my home state. I grew up in a family filled with strong, ambitious, and capable women. I was fortunate enough to inhabit that same spirit and apply it to various aspects of my life, the workplace being one. However, as I grew older I was able to see for myself the injustice I often heard of. Understanding that Texas women working full-time earn nearly $12,000 less than men on an annual basis stimulated a passion for change within me. For as long as I can remember, this is something merely talked about. We often condemn this gender disparity with our words, but it is truly up to the oppressed to end the oppression. In order to see change, confronting gender disparity in Texas has to be the first step, not the final. I reckon that that is my motivation. The dire hunger for change and gender equality at home. For me, Texas is and always will be home, which is why I find it so crucial to correct the corrupt injustices that hard-working women face. I recognize that my efforts to contribute to justice are far beyond me, and my lifetime. I desire to make an impact so significant that my children, grandchildren, and generations to come are never subject to such harsh gender disparities that I have witnessed. I am currently a Broadcast Journalism major at Howard University in Washington D.C. For many reasons, I am indefinitely grateful to have the opportunity to attend college and continue my education in the Nation's Capitol. One of those reasons would undoubtedly be the exposure it has offered me. In D.C. I can see women not only working but reeking the benefits of their devotion. I can see how different D.C. is from Texas. I often am reminded that we sometimes have to leave all we've ever known, to truly see how we've been coexisting in corruption. In my moment of realization, I recognized the impactful role I was destined to play. As a broadcast journalist, I aspire to be a voice for the voiceless. Uncovering and exposing injustices, as well as working to seek change. I intend to work tirelessly for the change I wish to see. By earning a degree in journalism, and pursuing opportunities towards advancements in my career, I am fulfilling my duty as more than just a native Texan, but an American citizen. I will work tirelessly to see to it that the harassment and discrimination women face are confronted and corrected. No longer will the successes of women be undermined. I will advocate for myself and all the little girls that look like me, guaranteeing that they will not know by experience the world my mother, grandmother, and so on managed to navigate by grace. Moments like these remind me of the importance of journalism, and how yet again I am working for the good of something much greater than my being, all the more motivation to be as impactful as ever.

My dream version of my future self worked hard and successfully found a cure for type one diabetes, a disease that has taken over too much of my life.

Suppression is easier than disclosure, or at least it’s always appeared that way. Growing up I unintentionally lived by this poisonous idea. I often associated my insecurities with my potential and settled for comfortability. In hindsight, I've realized a lack of self-identity and assurance fuels this psyche. I can recount times where I allowed what I perceived societal norms to be, overshadow who I was. Today, I'm frustrated with that girl. The girl that never spoke up in fear that her words weren't valuable or it just simply "wasn't her place." Maybe I'd allowed myself to believe that I lacked certitude or experience in certain areas, so instead of engaging in conversation that could potentially lead to confrontation, I remained silent. I'd created a presence of normality around the idea that certain discussions would just simply make me apprehensive. Various attributes invigorated this false identity I'd become comfortable in. And that's exactly what it was, a false identity, an inaccurate aim at security. In retrospect, I've come to the consensus that it was an apparent immaturity that enabled my behavior. I now recognize and take into account the events of my past. I'm able to acknowledge why I'd subconsciously given into the fear of approval, and willfully muzzled the voice that God granted me as an elaborate and unwavering aptitude. Thankfully, I can attest to the beneficial value established in maturity. I've seen myself completely transform, to the point where the girl I once was has become unrecognizable. I am perpetually going more in-depth with the process of self-discovery, but it's important that I acknowledge the progress I've maintained. To say that I "found" my voice would be a grave misconception since although I didn't always value it, I've always been familiar with my voice. There's always been an inevitable presence of it there in my mind, but now I've learned its value. I've escaped from the stronghold fear had on me that kept me quiet for so long. In order to attain this mindset, I had to grow up. At a young age, it's assured to be impressionable, but there came a time where I had to begin making decisions on my own, exempting any outside influences. It was critical for me to discern my intelligence and credence independently, solely because words of affirmation mean very little if your conscience is the very thing fighting against you. Recognizing the worth in my opinions has transfigured me into a young woman who stands firm in moments of adversity. I am confident, yet my confidence doesn't derive from fleeting feelings. What I would've once seen as uncomfortable conversations, I now perceive to be nourishment for the mind. Never would I have imagined that vexed conversations would evoke such a great passion in me. Likewise, the more I participated in these particular exchanges, the more I began to take in how essential they are. Even so, the meaning established from my testimony would mean nothing if I didn't fully execute the mindset I've overcome and all that I have learned. I'm certainly apologetic to my past self for the number of times I chose to believe I didn't have what it took, however, a sincere appreciation overshadows any regret. This new identity of mine holds fundamental significance and essentially is what I hope to be a stand-out attribute of mine. Leaving my comfort zone has been a momentous accomplishment, and has enabled me to break any boundaries I may have subliminally created. I've discovered not only who I am, but who I strive to be.

Suppression is easier than disclosure, or at least it’s always appeared that way. Growing up I unintentionally lived by this poisonous idea. I often associated my insecurities with my potential and settled for comfortability. In hindsight, I've realized a lack of self-identity and assurance fuels this psyche. I can recount times where I allowed what I perceived societal norms to be, overshadow who I was. Today, I am frustrated with that girl. The girl that never spoke up in fear that her words weren't valuable or it just simply "wasn't her place." Maybe I'd allowed myself to believe that I lacked certitude or experience in certain areas, so instead of engaging in conversation that could potentially lead to confrontation, I remained silent. I'd created a presence of normality around the idea that certain discussions would just simply make me apprehensive. This specific reasoning is layered. Various attributes invigorated this false identity I'd become comfortable in. And that's exactly what it was, a false identity, an inaccurate aim at security. In retrospect, I've come to the consensus that it was an apparent immaturity that enabled my behavior. I can now recognize and take into account the events of my past. I'm able to acknowledge why I'd subconsciously given into the fear of approval, and willfully muzzled the voice that God granted me as an elaborate and unwavering aptitude. Thankfully, I can attest to the beneficial value established in maturity. I've seen myself completely transform, to the point where the girl I once was has become unrecognizable. I am perpetually going more in-depth with the process of self-discovery, but it's important that I acknowledge the progress I've maintained. To say that I "found" my voice would be a grave misconception since although I didn't always value it, I've always been familiar with my voice. There's always been an inevitable presence of it there in my mind, but now I've learned its value. I've escaped from the stronghold fear had on me that kept me quiet for so long. In order to attain this mindset, I had to grow up. At a young age, it's assured to be impressionable, but there came a time where I had to begin making decisions on my own, exempting any outside influences. It was critical for me to discern my intelligence and credence independently, solely because words of affirmation mean very little if your conscience is the very thing fighting against you. Recognizing the worth in my opinions has transfigured me into a young woman who stands firm in moments of adversity. I am confident, yet my confidence does not derive from what I feel, for feelings are fleeting. I seek confidence in what I now know myself to be, the me I've discovered and learned to appreciate. What I would have once seen as uncomfortable conversations, I now perceive to be nourishment for the mind. Never would I have imagined that vexed conversations would evoke such a great passion in me. Likewise, the more I participated in these particular exchanges, the more I began to take in how essential it is for them to be had. Even so, the meaning established from my testimony would mean nothing if I didn't fully execute the mindset I've overcome and all that I have learned. My future influences my present just as much as my past. I'm certainly apologetic to my past self for the number of times I chose to believe I didn't have what it took, however, a sincere appreciation overshadows any regret. This new identity of mine holds fundamental significance and essentially is what I hope to be a stand-out attribute of mine. Leaving my comfort zone has been a momentous accomplishment, and has enabled me to break any boundaries I may have subliminally created. I've discovered not only who I am, but who I strive to be.

Suppression is easier than disclosure, or at least it’s always appeared that way. Growing up I unintentionally lived by this poisonous idea. I often associated my insecurities with my potential and settled for comfortability. In hindsight, I've realized a lack of self-identity and assurance fuels this psyche. I can recount times where I allowed what I perceived societal norms to be, overshadow who I was. Today, I am frustrated with that girl. The girl that never spoke up in fear that her words weren't valuable or it just simply "wasn't her place." Maybe I'd allowed myself to believe that I lacked certitude or experience in certain areas, so instead of engaging in conversation that could potentially lead to confrontation, I remained silent. I'd created a presence of normality around the idea that certain discussions would just simply make me apprehensive. This specific reasoning is layered. Various attributes invigorated this false identity I'd become comfortable in. And that's exactly what it was, a false identity, an inaccurate aim at security. In retrospect, I've come to the consensus that it was an apparent immaturity that enabled my behavior. I can now recognize and take into account the events of my past. I'm able to acknowledge why I'd subconsciously given into the fear of approval, and willfully muzzled the voice that God granted me as an elaborate and unwavering aptitude. Thankfully, I can attest to the beneficial value established in maturity. I've seen myself completely transform, to the point where the girl I once was has become unrecognizable. I am perpetually going more in-depth with the process of self-discovery, but it's important that I acknowledge the progress I've maintained. To say that I "found" my voice would be a grave misconception since although I didn't always value it, I've always been familiar with my voice. There's always been an inevitable presence of it there in my mind, but now I've learned its value. I've escaped from the stronghold fear had on me that kept me quiet for so long. In order to attain this mindset, I had to grow up. At a young age, it's assured to be impressionable, but there came a time where I had to begin making decisions on my own, exempting any outside influences. It was critical for me to discern my intelligence and credence independently, solely because words of affirmation mean very little if your conscience is the very thing fighting against you. Recognizing the worth in my opinions has transfigured me into a young woman who stands firm in moments of adversity. I am confident, yet my confidence does not derive from what I feel, for feelings are fleeting. I seek confidence in what I now know myself to be, the me I've discovered and learned to appreciate. What I would have once seen as uncomfortable conversations, I now perceive to be nourishment for the mind. Never would I have imagined that vexed conversations would evoke such a great passion in me. Leaving my comfort zone has been a momentous accomplishment, and has enabled me to break any boundaries I may have subliminally created. I've discovered not only who I am, but who I strive to be. Frequently as children, we are asked the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" There is so much power and opportunity held in this simple inquiry. Personally, my answer has always varied depending on the day. Is it possible to not be certain of what you want to do, but know exactly who you want to be? Or maybe it's even more feasible to know both, but just have a clouded judgment as to what is practical and what is not. Presuming it is, I was the epitome of this conflict. Despite this uncertainty, my love of writing has always been a treasured attribute and time has amplified my desire to branch out and attain more. Now I am older, smarter, and sure that I'd like to make communications my academic focus to ensure my ability to the truth through my pen. Although I spent the majority of my childhood unsure of the notorious question, the value of communication has been a reoccurring theme in my life. Every career that has ever sparked any interest in me inevitably leads back to this specific study. I've learned that there is distinct importance in the art of communication and various different careers that fall underneath it. It was vital for me to carefully consider these factors while still remaining attentive to what interested me when coming to a consensus in determining my academic focus. Upon doing this, the choice for communications was clear. Ultimately, media has been a determining influence in my decision. This past year I've has the chance to witness how essential media presence is and the control it holds on our society. Throughout the pandemonium that has taken place this year, media has remained an inherent source of information. Mass media affects human life on a large scale by obtaining the potential to educate and inform its audiences. I personally find this potential intriguing. Foregoing, I have always had an idea of who I wanted to be. While my preferred careers have sometimes been fleeting, this has remained a constant. I've always wanted to be a person of great influence. Moving forward, I desire to solely expand this influence. By declaring myself as an influential student and individual, I willfully place a responsibility on myself that I prioritize continuing to uphold. In the future, I plan on using this influence to bring candor and nonpartisanship back to news media; while also restoring a sense of credibility and genuine concern in the process. My goal is to create a life I don't need a vacation from. A life that enables me to continuously grow and become a better person. I look forward to all the learning and living that my future holds.

Suppression is easier than disclosure, or at least it’s always appeared that way. Growing up I unintentionally lived by this poisonous idea. I often associated my insecurities with my potential and settled for comfortability. In hindsight, I've realized a lack of self-identity and assurance fuels this psyche. I can recount times where I allowed what I perceived societal norms to be, overshadow who I was. Today, I am frustrated with that girl. The girl that never spoke up in fear that her words weren't valuable or it just simply "wasn't her place." Maybe I'd allowed myself to believe that I lacked certitude or experience in certain areas, so instead of engaging in conversation that could potentially lead to confrontation, I remained silent. I'd created a presence of normality around the idea that certain discussions would just simply make me apprehensive. This specific reasoning is layered. Various attributes invigorated this false identity I'd become comfortable in. And that's exactly what it was, a false identity, an inaccurate aim at security. In retrospect, I've come to the consensus that it was an apparent immaturity that enabled my behavior. I can now recognize and take into account the events of my past. I'm able to acknowledge why I'd subconsciously given into the fear of approval, and willfully muzzled the voice that God granted me as an elaborate and unwavering aptitude. Thankfully, I can attest to the beneficial value established in maturity. I've seen myself completely transform, to the point where the girl I once was has become unrecognizable. I am perpetually going more in-depth with the process of self-discovery, but it's important that I acknowledge the progress I've maintained. To say that I "found" my voice would be a grave misconception since although I didn't always value it, I've always been familiar with my voice. There's always been an inevitable presence of it there in my mind, but now I've learned its value. I've escaped from the stronghold fear had on me that kept me quiet for so long. In order to attain this mindset, I had to grow up. At a young age, it's assured to be impressionable, but there came a time where I had to begin making decisions on my own, exempting any outside influences. It was critical for me to discern my intelligence and credence independently, solely because words of affirmation mean very little if your conscience is the very thing fighting against you. Recognizing the worth in my opinions has transfigured me into a young woman who stands firm in moments of adversity. I am confident, yet my confidence does not derive from what I feel, for feelings are fleeting. I seek confidence in what I now know myself to be, the me I've discovered and learned to appreciate. What I would have once seen as uncomfortable conversations, I now perceive to be nourishment for the mind. Never would I have imagined that vexed conversations would evoke such a great passion in me. Leaving my comfort zone has been a momentous accomplishment, and has enabled me to break any boundaries I may have subliminally created. I've discovered not only who I am, but who I strive to be. Frequently as children, we are asked the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" There is so much power and opportunity held in this simple inquiry. Personally, my answer has always varied depending on the day. Is it possible to not be certain of what you want to do, but know exactly who you want to be? Or maybe it's even more feasible to know both, but just have a clouded judgment as to what is practical and what is not. Presuming it is, I was the epitome of this conflict. Despite this uncertainty, my love of writing has always been a treasured attribute and time has amplified my desire to branch out and attain more. Now I am older, smarter, and sure that I'd like to make communications my academic focus to ensure my ability to the truth through my pen. Although I spent the majority of my childhood unsure of the notorious question, the value of communication has been a reoccurring theme in my life. Every career that has ever sparked any interest in me inevitably leads back to this specific study. I've learned that there is distinct importance in the art of communication and various different careers that fall underneath it. It was vital for me to carefully consider these factors while still remaining attentive to what interested me when coming to a consensus in determining my academic focus. Upon doing this, the choice for communications was clear. Ultimately, media has been a determining influence in my decision. This past year I've has the chance to witness how essential media presence is and the control it holds on our society. Throughout the pandemonium that has taken place this year, media has remained an inherent source of information. Mass media affects human life on a large scale by obtaining the potential to educate and inform its audiences. I personally find this potential intriguing. Foregoing, I have always had an idea of who I wanted to be. While my preferred careers have sometimes been fleeting, this has remained a constant. I've always wanted to be a person of great influence. Moving forward, I desire to solely expand this influence. By declaring myself as an influential student and individual, I willfully place a responsibility on myself that I prioritize continuing to uphold. In the future, I plan on using this influence to bring candor and nonpartisanship back to news media; while also restoring a sense of credibility and genuine concern in the process. My goal is to create a life I don't need a vacation from. A life that enables me to continuously grow and become a better person. I look forward to all the learning and living that my future holds.

Suppression is easier than disclosure, or at least it’s always appeared that way. Growing up I unintentionally lived by this poisonous idea. I often associated my insecurities with my potential and settled for comfortability. In hindsight, I've realized a lack of self-identity and assurance fuels this psyche. I can recount times where I allowed what I perceived societal norms to be, overshadow who I was. Today, I am frustrated with that girl. The girl that never spoke up in fear that her words weren't valuable or it just simply "wasn't her place." Maybe I'd allowed myself to believe that I lacked certitude or experience in certain areas, so instead of engaging in conversation that could potentially lead to confrontation, I remained silent. I'd created a presence of normality around the idea that certain discussions would just simply make me apprehensive. This specific reasoning is layered. Various attributes invigorated this false identity I'd become comfortable in. And that's exactly what it was, a false identity, an inaccurate aim at security. In retrospect, I've come to the consensus that it was an apparent immaturity that enabled my behavior. I can now recognize and take into account the events of my past. I'm able to acknowledge why I'd subconsciously given into the fear of approval, and willfully muzzled the voice that God granted me as an elaborate and unwavering aptitude. Thankfully, I can attest to the beneficial value established in maturity. I've seen myself completely transform, to the point where the girl I once was has become unrecognizable. I am perpetually going more in-depth with the process of self-discovery, but it's important that I acknowledge the progress I've maintained. To say that I "found" my voice would be a grave misconception since although I didn't always value it, I've always been familiar with my voice. There's always been an inevitable presence of it there in my mind, but now I've learned its value. I've escaped from the stronghold fear had on me that kept me quiet for so long. In order to attain this mindset, I had to grow up. At a young age, it's assured to be impressionable, but there came a time where I had to begin making decisions on my own, exempting any outside influences. It was critical for me to discern my intelligence and credence independently, solely because words of affirmation mean very little if your conscience is the very thing fighting against you. Recognizing the worth in my opinions has transfigured me into a young woman who stands firm in moments of adversity. I am confident, yet my confidence does not derive from what I feel, for feelings are fleeting. I seek confidence in what I now know myself to be, the me I've discovered and learned to appreciate. What I would have once seen as uncomfortable conversations, I now perceive to be nourishment for the mind. Never would I have imagined that vexed conversations would evoke such a great passion in me. Leaving my comfort zone has been a momentous accomplishment, and has enabled me to break any boundaries I may have subliminally created. I've discovered not only who I am, but who I strive to be. Frequently as children, we are asked the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" There is so much power and opportunity held in this simple inquiry. Personally, my answer has always varied depending on the day. Is it possible to not be certain of what you want to do, but know exactly who you want to be? Or maybe it's even more feasible to know both, but just have a clouded judgment as to what is practical and what is not. Presuming it is, I was the epitome of this conflict. Despite this uncertainty, my love of writing has always been a treasured attribute and time has amplified my desire to branch out and attain more. Now I am older, smarter, and sure that I'd like to make communications my academic focus to ensure my ability to the truth through my pen. Although I spent the majority of my childhood unsure of the notorious question, the value of communication has been a reoccurring theme in my life. Every career that has ever sparked any interest in me inevitably leads back to this specific study. I've learned that there is distinct importance in the art of communication and various different careers that fall underneath it. It was vital for me to carefully consider these factors while still remaining attentive to what interested me when coming to a consensus in determining my academic focus. Upon doing this, the choice for communications was clear. Ultimately, media has been a determining influence in my decision. This past year I've has the chance to witness how essential media presence is and the control it holds on our society. Throughout the pandemonium that has taken place this year, media has remained an inherent source of information. Mass media affects human life on a large scale by obtaining the potential to educate and inform its audiences. I personally find this potential intriguing. Foregoing, I have always had an idea of who I wanted to be. While my preferred careers have sometimes been fleeting, this has remained a constant. I've always wanted to be a person of great influence. Moving forward, I desire to solely expand this influence. By declaring myself as an influential student and individual, I willfully place a responsibility on myself that I prioritize continuing to uphold. In the future, I plan on using this influence to bring candor and nonpartisanship back to news media; while also restoring a sense of credibility and genuine concern in the process. My goal is to create a life I don't need a vacation from. A life that enables me to continuously grow and become a better person. I look forward to all the learning and living that my future holds.

Suppression is easier than disclosure, or at least it’s always appeared that way. Growing up I unintentionally lived by this poisonous idea. I often associated my insecurities with my potential and settled for comfortability. In hindsight, I've realized a lack of self-identity and assurance fuels this psyche. I can recount times where I allowed what I perceived societal norms to be, overshadow who I was. Today, I am frustrated with that girl. The girl that never spoke up in fear that her words weren't valuable or it just simply "wasn't her place." Maybe I'd allowed myself to believe that I lacked certitude or experience in certain areas, so instead of engaging in conversation that could potentially lead to confrontation, I remained silent. I'd created a presence of normality around the idea that certain discussions would just simply make me apprehensive. This specific reasoning is layered. Various attributes invigorated this false identity I'd become comfortable in. And that's exactly what it was, a false identity, an inaccurate aim at security. In retrospect, I've come to the consensus that it was an apparent immaturity that enabled my behavior. I can now recognize and take into account the events of my past. I'm able to acknowledge why I'd subconsciously given into the fear of approval, and willfully muzzled the voice that God granted me as an elaborate and unwavering aptitude. Thankfully, I can attest to the beneficial value established in maturity. I've seen myself completely transform, to the point where the girl I once was has become unrecognizable. I am perpetually going more in-depth with the process of self-discovery, but it's important that I acknowledge the progress I've maintained. To say that I "found" my voice would be a grave misconception since although I didn't always value it, I've always been familiar with my voice. Recognizing the worth in my opinions has transfigured me into a young woman who stands firm in moments of adversity. I am confident, yet my confidence does not derive from what I feel, for feelings are fleeting. I seek confidence in what I now know myself to be, the me I've discovered and learned to appreciate. Leaving my comfort zone has been a momentous accomplishment, and has enabled me to break any boundaries I may have subliminally created. I've discovered not only who I am, but who I strive to be. Thanks to my critical self-discovery, I have trained myself to dream big. I believe that as long as my aspirations remain limitless, the future is mine. I actively apply this idea to my life by deliberately freeing myself from any self-set boundaries that block me from reaching my goals. I dream big in my life by dreaming infinitely, by dreaming bold dreams fearlessly. My specific career goals include analyzing politics and television journalism. Such large aspirations do not scare me, however, I know to achieve them I will need to take small steps. Therefore it is crucial for me to strategize my large ambitions, to take the necessary miniature steps to walk into my visions. I am stepping into my goals. At this moment in my life, I am making critical decisions that will help shape the future I desire, walking into the rest of my life. More importantly, I dream big by dreaming inclusively. Often times in society we are fed this idea that in order to be great you have to put yourself first, and sometimes that gets misconstrued with being selfish. However, in my life, when I picture myself actually dreaming big, it’s inclusive to those around me. That is what makes the dream large. The saying "it takes a village" comes to mind because of the great value of being surrounded by like-minded individuals. This creates a healthy environment to sustain an ideal support system. I recognize that I am the sum of who I surround myself with. My future does not only include me, my future does not only impact, or affect me. Hence why I continuously strive towards better for not only myself but for those around me as well. All things considered, I make a continuous effort to be a light. Now more than ever social media and society in general, has the biggest say in our lives, specifically my generation. So I find it of the utmost importance to consistently do my best to encourage those around me. I lead by example in my determination to become the best version of myself. From the classroom, extracurricular activities, to simply maneuvering through my everyday life, I always put my best foot forward. I practice living in a positive mindset, so that I project positivity onto those I come in contact with. By implementing these healthy habits I am intentionally creating a better living environment for myself and those around me. My goal is to create a life I don't need a vacation from. A life that enables me to continuously grow and become a better person. I look forward to all the learning and living that my future holds.