My faith is the biggest part of my life. I believe the Lord gave each and every one of us specific talents that we can use in order to shine his light around the world and bring people to know him. These core values of mine affect my day-to-day life and my actions. I try to incorporate them into everything I do and my career will be no different. I am a freshman majoring in Business Management and Marketing at Baylor University and I plan to become a corporate business leader. I have always had an anxious nature, however once I discovered singing and performing with my high school's a capella group, I broke out of my shell and discovered my inner confidence. Overcoming this emotional challenge has allowed me to find freedom in not caring what others think of me, and has given me an outlet to creatively express myself without fear of judgment. It has also allowed me to begin exploring careers and begin my college education with confidence in myself and my abilities. I aspire to be successful in the specific career I choose and as a gifted student, have always had an inner drive to be the best at what I do. Eventually, I want to become a CEO and I am planning on working my way up in rank in my company. However, even if I am not a leader by company ranking, I can still be a leader through my actions. This scholarship would help me immensely because it would support my educational journey by allowing me to achieve my life goals, and in doing so indirectly helping others achieve theirs. By getting the education I am striving for I will be able to attain a successful career and have access to countless opportunities that will help me be the person I want to grow up to be. I am driven and empowered to make the corporate world a better place, and to shine the light of Jesus to those in my business. This scholarship will help to offset both in class requirements and living expenses, as well as lessen the financial burden on me and my family, giving me more time to focus on my future career. I also wish to become successful in the business world so that I can give back to others, and this scholarship will help me do that. Given my past record in high school, I am a responsible and hard-working student. I assure you I will use this scholarship as a way to gain a higher education and in turn help others in my community. Thank you for considering me.

Since I was a kid, I have always had an anxious nature. In elementary school, I often had stomach aches and felt nauseous because of the stress and apprehension I felt daily. I struggled to make friends until middle school and early high school, and I had an unrealistic fear of being embarrassed socially. I never liked being in the spotlight. This was difficult for me because I felt inferior to others and has resulted in the need to please people so they will like me. I never thought I would overcome this and be comfortable in my own skin, but luckily God had other plans. I have always loved to sing and as soon as I saw my high school’s a cappella group, Walk the Line, perform I knew I wanted to be a part of it. During the end of my sophomore year was when I was introduced to my first on stage experience: auditions for Walk the Line. My hands were shaking as I summoned all the courage I had to do the song and dance on stage. I was petrified when it was over, and sure I would never do anything like that again. Little did I know that less than a year later I would be performing as part of this amazing group in front of a thousand people in New York City. When I was accepted into Walk the Line, I knew pushing through that feeling of nervousness was all worth it, and I now love performing and finding joy in entertaining others. Overcoming this emotional challenge has allowed me to find freedom in not caring what others think of me, and has given me an outlet to creatively express myself without fear of judgment. Once I discovered my voice, I was able to explore careers where I thought I could excel. I began to look into business and many areas interested me. I am currently pursuing a degree at Baylor University in management and marketing, however I’m looking forward to investigating all areas of business, because now I’ve learned that going outside of my comfort zone can pay off immensely. I am so thankful for everything a capella has given me, but especially for helping me come out of my shell. I am now able to confidently pursue my degree and work with others without fear of being judged. I can talk to others without being nervous, and I am working on my communication skills in professional settings such as business conferences and career opportunities. Knowing that I have overcome similar situations that used to make me nervous allows me to approach anxious circumstances today with calm confidence. I no longer try to make myself small for others and I can confidently say I am happy with the person I have become.

I believe that Taylor Swift’s most moving performance was her performance of “Ronan” at the Stand Up to Cancer Telethon in 2012. When I first heard this song, I couldn’t help but hold back tears as it is a beautiful portrayal of a mother losing her son. Ronan Thompson was a 3-year-old boy who died of Stage IV neuroblastoma shortly before his fourth birthday. Taylor wrote this song after reading his mother’s blog about his journey, and later released it in her album Red(Taylor’s Version). She has only performed it live twice, and both times left audiences emotional. When she sang Ronan at the Stand Up to Cancer Telethon it was moving because of the emotional topics in the lyrics and how you could tell Swift connected with her song. The performance was a heartfelt tribute to a young cancer victim, and allowed others to reflect and appreciate their loved ones, as well as share and support each other through their respective experiences. This song sheds light onto the ongoing battle that so many face with cancer. Ronan’s mom founded the Ronan Thompson Foundation, which funds innovative research for childhood cancer treatments. Swift donated all proceeds from her released song to the Ronan Foundation as well as other cancer charities. This continues to be on of Taylor’s most emotional and moving songs, and the performance was no different. I believe that even though the song was written from a dark time, it has been able to help many others around the globe dealing with cancer and loss, and that is why I think it is the most memorable performance of Swift’s career.

My faith is the biggest part of my life. I believe the Lord gave each and every one of us specific talents that we can use in order to shine his light around the world and bring people to know him. These core values of mine affect my day-to-day life and my actions. I try to incorporate them into everything I do and my career will be no different. I am majoring in Business Management and Marketing at Baylor University and I plan to incorporate my Christian values as I become a business leader. One of the reasons I chose Baylor University is because of the strong Christian community and their emphasis on just how important faith is in your career. I believe four years in classes with the mindset of fostering a Christlike community will help me become independent and strong with my values so that after leaving Baylor, I will be able to stand firm in my faith when working in what will presumably be a secular business company. Eventually, I want to become a CEO and I am planning on working my way up in rank in my company. However, even if I am not a leader by company ranking, I can still be a leader through my actions. I aspire to have qualities like Jesus. This means I will always treat people with kindness, inclusivity, and compassion. In the business field, this can be being friendly and engaging with my coworkers and bosses, as well as treating everyone the same no matter their position. If I do end up becoming a CEO, I will run my company from a Christian standpoint. There will be no tolerance of belittling others or exclusion. I hope that through my actions both in college and after people will be able to see Jesus through me, and I will be able to help lead others to Christ. Another reason I want to become a CEO so I can reach as many people as possible. I also hope to be financially stable enough to be able to give to others in poverty through Christian centered charities. I’ve already had experience with many of these charities and I believe giving is very important in order to foster a Christlike community. Community service is also near to my heart so I would like to join a business that promotes a tight knit community where helping others is encouraged. Overall, my main goal in my life is to use my talents that God gave me to reach as many people for him as possible. In the business field, I aspire to do just that by treating people as Jesus would and using my values to support a strong community of giving and serving.

As an avid watcher of this season of Love island I’ve learned the challenges include a mixture of mystery, fun, and romance. My love Island challenge would be called Kiss or Slap. The Islanders would line up in a single file line behind a chair that’s facing away from them. They would then take turns sitting in the chair while the islanders behind one by one call out the question “kiss or slap?” The islander in the chair then has to identify the islander that called out the question by only their voice and answer the question. If they choose kiss, the islander who called the question walks in front of the chair and kisses the seated islander. If they choose slap the islander who called out the question then has to stand in front of the seated islander while they get slapped with a tortilla. This challenge would be fun and exciting because islanders would have the chance to kiss people outside of their couple as well as the comedic slapping with tortillas. This challenge would also be interesting because the islanders would have to identify each other only by their voices which could lead to some confusion and funny moments. There could potentially be drama stirred up in the villa depending on who the islanders choose to kiss and this would keep the show entertaining for viewers. Overall, this would be a perfect Love Island challenge, and a highlight to any episode.

You’ve heard the familiar phrase “run like a girl” used in a negative context. What I’ve learned however, is this phrase should be used as a compliment, not an insult. Throughout high school I was on the varsity tennis team. I have also played soccer, basketball and ran track. I have always been naturally athletic and very competitive and this fuels my drive for being the best on the field and in the classroom. Balancing school and tennis was no easy task, however, it allowed me to gain discipline and learn how to prioritize and build a healthy schedule. I have gained characteristics such as integrity and responsibility and have learned to be a good teammate and player. In addition to these qualities, I have gained communication skills with coaches and teammates. I have learned that femininity is not a weakness, in fact it is the opposite, and this has led me to embrace being girly with excitement. This mindset was facilitated from my coach, one of the toughest women I know. After losing her husband to cancer, she continues to be a model of strength on and off the court. She embodies what it means to be all in for your team and truly cares about her players. Through these characteristics I’ve gained, I have prepared myself to take on a career set in a male-dominated field. I am currently majoring in business management and marketing at Baylor University and I am excited to be a strong female leader in my field. Considering that there are just as many, if not more products geared to women than men, feminine perspective in the office is a necessity. Being in a both male and female sport has prepared me to offer this perspective because I am able to communicate and stand my ground in times of pressure. I plan on being involved in rigorous classes as part of the accelerated Baylor Business Scholars program where I aspire to complete my undergraduate and MBA in 5 years. This undertaking will require lots of prioritizing and organization, which I am very used to with balancing tennis and my advanced class schedule this year. From my experience conquering the classroom and the court, I am convinced being a female in a male dominated world is not a weakness, but a strength. I am very thankful for everything tennis and my coach have given me, and I’m excited to “run like a girl” towards my goals in college.

I have had the opportunity to participate in many impactful service and extracurricular opportunities in highschool and I plan to continue my love for these in college. My faith is the biggest part of my life. I have gone on two mission trips to Guatemala and serving there opened up a new perspective of gratitude and humility for me. I also enjoy volunteering in my community as a member of Interact; my school’s service project club, and Outlook; a mother-daughter service organization. My passion is singing, so my favorite part of high school has been being a member of my school’s a cappella group, Walk the Line. Last year, Walk the Line was awarded 4th place in the nation! I also enjoy sports and play varsity tennis. Being a part of these groups has allowed me to grow and serve as a leader to those around me. I have had many career aspirations such as business management, merchandising, and social media marketing; however, I am excited to explore all areas of business at Baylor University. I have always had an inner drive to be the best I can be and have been involved in numerous advanced classes in high school. After becoming a National Merit Scholar, scoring a 33 on the ACT, and receiving 5s on my AP exams, I realized I was made for a career that included hard work and dedication. I can use this gift the Lord has given me to continue this level of rigor as a member of the Baylor Business Scholars Program. I thrive off of being a high achiever, and this is one characteristic that has helped shape my goals for my future career. My planned double major of Business Management and Marketing will allow me to explore a broader horizon of opportunities in business and further my high aspirations. As a successful businesswoman, I will be able to expand my ability to participate in philanthropic opportunities both in my community and internationally to help those suffering from poverty, food insecurity, and lack of clean water. After receiving my degree and becoming a business leader in my community, I can promote jobs, empower women, and use my business platform to support local charities to make an impact in meaningful ways. I plan to work in various positions and eventually become CEO of a company. With this kind of influence in my company, I will be able to use my skills and knowledge to meet community needs, as well as incorporating values of equality. By being financially stable enough to support local foundations, I can provide outreach to those struggling in the metroplex. Through these efforts I will be able to strengthen my community. I am excited for my future endeavors in college and beyond, and ready to leave a lasting positive impact on those around me.

It was raining softly when I walked in the door, and I was greeted with the sweet smell of flowers and the sight of small, decorative furniture. A young lady led me and my mom to a small room where there were tables and chairs set up. We were working with Outlook, the mother-daughter service group that I have been a member of since seventh grade. As part of one of our many service projects throughout the year, we were getting ready to host bingo at a nearby nursing home in my town. It was almost time to start and I became nervous that no one would show up and even if they did, how we would connect. Soon residents came shuffling in and we started the game, with the adults calling numbers and the kids either playing alongside the guests or handing out prizes. I sat down at a table with three older women and began talking to them. It was so fun to see them get into the bingo game and anxiously await each number call. However, more than playing, I enjoyed getting to know the residents and seeing the smiles on their faces when they won and were able to pick a prize. They reminisced about when they were my age and we exchanged stories about highschool and life in general. As the rain picked up outside we continued playing and having fun. When it became time to leave, we handed out all the leftover prizes. It made me so happy to see all of the participants receive at least five prizes ranging from games and puzzles to candy and sweets. I left the nursing home with a smile on my face, knowing that we were able to add a little sunshine to their rainy day. This experience taught me that a little bit of kindness can go a long way. Something as small as taking an hour out of my day to play bingo can leave a lasting impact on people who often feel overlooked. It filled my heart seeing how much fun the residents had during the game, and allowed me to realize that my act of kindness affected me as much as it did them. It taught me that by giving of ourselves to help others, we develop essential qualities such as empathy and compassion. In a world relying heavily on technology, serving others in the present moment allows us to create friendships and connect on a deeper level. Furthermore, being a part of this event as well as this service oriented group has given me hope for the future. Watching the dedication me and my friends have shown to our community and how we are setting an example for the younger generation on how to put others above themselves gives me hope that our community will be well taken care of when I am gone.

“No one likes a soggy sandwich!” The familiar phrase rings through the cafeteria early on Saturday mornings as the Feed the City leaders remind us to squeeze the mustard in between the meat and cheese and not directly on the bread. Mounds of loaves of bread, lunchmeat, bags of chips and oranges line the wall as volunteers take pride in creating as many lunches as possible for those who need them. The room is abuzz with the community members coming together, talking, laughing and sorting lunches. As my mom and I create an assembly line of turkey, cheese, ham and bread, I am excited to find out how many lunches will be made to provide relief for those suffering from food insecurity. In our society, no one should be wondering where their next meal might come from or deciding to forgo food to pay for other necessities. When we all come together to help others in their time of need, we also strengthen the human spirit and create a closer community that cares for each other. It is through these opportunities of service that we can realize how giving our time and talents can truly change someone’s day, week, or month! Knowing that these families will have meals to eat makes my heart happy! I hope that events like this can decrease food insecurity in rural and impoverished areas as well as encourage those who need the meals that people care about them and want to help them. In my home state of Texas, 23% of children or approximately one in four suffer from food insecurity. This is unacceptable to me and I want to be a part of positive change in this area. In the book of Proverbs , it is written that a woman of noble character “opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy” and this is what I hope to continue to pursue as I go to college and continue into my adult life. This scholarship will help me to be able to attend college and major in the business field so I can one day be a leader who also advocates for those who need assistance. It is important for everyone- young and old- to invest in others and their towns and cities. When we all work together, we can lift others up and truly make a difference in our communities and world.

“No one likes a soggy sandwich!” The familiar phrase rings through the cafeteria early on Saturday mornings as the Feed the City leaders remind us to squeeze the mustard in between the meat and cheese and not directly on the bread. As my mom and I create an assembly line of turkey, cheese, ham and bread, I am excited to find out how many lunches will be made to provide relief for those suffering from food insecurity. Another community event I participate in each year is collecting and distributing Thanksgiving baskets through a local church ministry. Knowing that families will be able to enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal makes my heart happy! In the book of Proverbs , it is written that a woman of noble character “opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy” and this is what I hope to continue to pursue as I go to college and continue into my adult life. Both of these opportunities, as well as many others have given me a deep appreciation for service and have taught me that when we take the focus off of ourselves, we are able to find a deeper joy and purpose. I believe that this is what being a leader truly means, to set an example by humbling yourself and helping the people around you and in doing so displaying the true qualities that are essential for a fulfilled life. A large part of my plan to be a successful businesswoman is to be able to expand my ability to give to charities and participate in philanthropic opportunities both in my community and internationally to help those suffering from poverty, food insecurity, and lack of clean water. When we all work together, we can lift others up and truly make a difference in our communities and world.

“What do you want to be when you’re older?” This is the question that everyone is always asking and for years I have struggled with the answer. Various careers such as an architect, psychologist, and fashion designer have caught my eye but it wasn't until I discovered myself that I could truly realize what I wanted to be. I was always an anxious child and I didn’t like being in the spotlight. However, I knew I loved to sing and as soon as I saw my high school’s a capella group, Walk the Line, perform I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The end of my sophomore year was when I was introduced to my first on stage experience: auditions for Walk the Line. I was petrified when it was over, and sure I would never do anything like that again. Little did I know that less than a year later I would be performing in front of a thousand people in New York City. When I was accepted into Walk the Line, I knew pushing through that feeling of nervousness was all worth it, and I now love performing and finding joy in entertaining others. Overcoming this emotional weakness has allowed me to find freedom in not caring what others think of me, and has allowed me to creatively express myself without fear of judgment. Once I discovered my voice, I was able to explore careers where I thought I could excel. I began to look into business and many areas interested me. I am now looking to pursue a degree in management and marketing, but I’m looking forward to investigating all areas of business, because now I’ve learned that going outside of my comfort zone can pay off immensely.  I aspire to be successful in the specific career I choose and as a gifted student, have always had an inner drive to be the best at what I do. Another reason I am excited to go into the business field is to inspire other young women who are looking to have a career in a predominantly male field. In terms of equality, women own only 28.6% of employer firms in the U.S., and make up only 27% of corporate boards. Coincidentally, gender diverse boards are 27% more likely to outperform single gender boards. Considering that there are just as many, if not more products geared to women than men, feminine perspective in the office is a necessity. I also have a passion for serving others, so a big part of my wish for success is so I can give to causes I strongly believe in, such as funding women’s education and helping global poverty. I especially want to give to water well foundations in areas around Africa, after having the chance at school to raise $5,000 with Water For South Sudan. More than success however, I strive to have an admirable character. I want to continue to learn discipline and the value of hard work, and further my values through leadership positions and community service. One of my favorite quotes is by Maya Angelou; “At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” I believe this encaptures the kinds of person I want to be, and I would far rather be remembered as kind and compassionate than for any title I may hold.

As I entered the Magic Kingdom full of excitement, I was immediately met with bustling crowds, the smell of churros, and a giant castle that seemed unreal. I felt like I had been transported to my own fairytale. Disney World is a land full of magic and dreams. My favorite aspect of Disney is the kid-centered, joyful environment. Through well trained employees and colorful attractions, Disney is able to provide their guests with unforgettable experiences. My family and I have been fortunate to travel to Disneyworld several times . When I return it gives me nostalgia from my early childhood years. Being in this environment means so much to me because it allows me to focus on living in the moment and not having to worry about future plans. I can go back to feeling like a kid again! Disney employees embody the magic and create unforgettable experiences for people of all ages. I will never forget the time my family was picked from the crowd by a smiling employee to be the family of the day for the Lion King show. Not only did we get to watch the incredible performance, we also got a VIP meet and greet with the cast. I was starstruck for the rest of the trip. Unlike many theme parks, there are rarely problems with customer service or crabby guests and employees seem to always have a smile on their face. Through a little bit of acting and by giving some “pixie dust”, these “cast members” deliver extra care and attention throughout the day for all visitors. The most important thing that makes Disney World the multimillion dollar theme park and most sought after vacation is the incredible attractions. With everything from thrilling rollercoasters to theatrical shows, four unique parks, and a myriad of creative rides, the fun never ends. Personally, this is why I keep coming back to Disney and why it holds a special place in my heart. The Avatar Flight Of Passage is especially memorable to me because it was my first ride where I felt like I was immersed in the magic. The amount of creativity, ingenuity and hard work that goes into making these rides is astronomical, but the results have proven worth it. The environment of Disney is like no other. Watching my favorite characters come to life right in front of me is an experience to last a lifetime, and it can only happen at Disney. The combination of quality time with family, caring cast members and incredible rides that make you feel like soaring, Disney World really is the happiest place on earth!

To the pond and back—to the pond and back—nearly a full day of walking altogether. This was Nya’s daily routine seven months of the year.” (Taken from the book, A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park) That quote and the true accounts from A Long Walk to Water has been most inspirational to me. I read this novel in 7th grade as an English assignment and what began as a school task, quickly grew into something much more. As I read about the lives of a few children in South Sudan and the struggle it was for them to get water, a simple necessity, I began to think about a way I could help. With assistance from my teacher and classmates, I initiated an Iron Giraffe Challenge Water Well Fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the foundation started by the main character in the book. We rallied the school together and ended up raising over $5,000 to help build a water well for families in South Sudan. If I had never read that novel, I would have never been able to be a part of such a momentous experience. It’s amazing how one book and one person can inspire us to do great things. Since that time in middle school, I have looked for ways I can help others in my community and have found there are many serving opportunities! I am part of a mother-daughter service organization that volunteers at the nursing home, collects shoes for children, creates blankets for kids in the hospital, and puts together shoeboxes filled with toys for kids who otherwise wouldn’t get anything for Christmas. I also am a member of student council where we hold food drives, make hygiene bags, and volunteer making lunches for the homeless. I also enjoy going on mission trips with my church - I’ve gone to different cities and helped with vacation bible schools, painting and cleaning , and passing out food boxes. I am excited to be going to Guatemala this summer to work with an orphanage. My family and I also take opportunities to help those in our community and around the world. We enjoy shopping for kids for Christmas- it is so fun to pick out toys and clothes for others! We have also helped with making water purifiers that will give clean water to families for years to come. We have made toiletry bags for the homeless so they can have essentials. I am so grateful for all I have. Like Michael, I realize that life is more than just school and if we can all take the time to give to others we will be making the world a better place.

Imagine if every time you had a problem, you could immediately solve it and find the right answer. This would make life substantially easier and we could experience some stability and order in our lives. With math, this is possible! If we didn’t have math we wouldn’t have anything. Think about it; math is all around us. It allows for growth throughout cities and is hidden within every system, structure, and economy. I love math because it makes the world go round. With every problem there is a set solution, and the only thing that determines if you get to that solution is the process. I enjoy starting a problem and implementing the math processes to reach a solution. Similar to life, whenever you have a math problem you must go through a procedure. Every math problem is different, just like every problem in real life is different. There are specific processes for solving each type of problem. The only difference is, with math, you are guaranteed to find the answer as long as the steps are completed correctly. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just plug in our x’s and y’s of life to find a solution anytime we need an answer to a challenging life circumstance? I find it fascinating that humans have invented math and used it to build the world we live in today. Most people don’t realize how prevalent math is and how it’s all around us. People have spent decades calculating how to communicate, travel, and learn through different forms of math. From the inventions of the Greeks and Romans to the incredible international discoveries of today, math has been essential to it all. For example, the road maps throughout the world are extremely complex. Through math, we are able to figure out the framework for highways, length of timed stop lights, and even invent apps that tell us how to get where we want to go. It’s incredible that math is behind it all. From small town roads to NYC skyscrapers, math is the key to unlocking the future of engineering and efficient living. Almost every occupation uses math in some way to better their workforce, company, products and professionals. As mathematicians continue to figure out new ways to create a myriad of solutions in our ever changing and growing society, we are able to invent new technologies and develop ideas that can build a better world for tomorrow, today.

Imagine if every time you had a problem, you could immediately solve it and find the right answer. This would make life substantially easier and we could experience some stability and order in our lives. With math, this is possible! If we didn’t have math we wouldn’t have anything. Think about it; math is all around us. It allows for growth throughout cities and is hidden within every system, structure, and economy. I love math because it makes the world go round. With every problem there is a set solution, and the only thing that determines if you get to that solution is the process. Similar to life, whenever you have a math problem you must go through a procedure. Every math problem is different, just like every problem in real life is different. There are specific processes for solving each type of problem. The only difference is, with math, you are guaranteed to find the answer as long as the steps are completed correctly. I find it fascinating that humans have invented math and used it to build the world we live in today. Most people don’t realize how prevalent math is and how it’s all around us. People have spent decades calculating how to communicate, travel, and learn through different forms of math. For example, the road maps throughout the world are extremely complex. Through math, we are able to figure out the framework for highways, length of timed stop lights, and even invent apps that tell us how to get where we want to go. It’s incredible that math is behind it all. From small town roads to NYC skyscrapers, math is the key to unlocking the future of engineering and efficient living. As mathematicians continue to figure out new ways to create solutions, we are able to invent new technologies and develop ideas that can build a better world for tomorrow, today.

“Wandering into the night Wanting a place to hide….. He picked me up, turned me around. Set my feet on solid ground….” Those words and the rest of the lyrics by Maverick City Music in the song “ I Thank God” resonates the important message that I can rely on God to carry me and sustain me through life’s ups and downs. I can be uplifted by these words of encouragement. The drumbeat of this inspiring melody pulses through my body as the lyrics “ I thank God” resound in my head and heart. Feelings of joy and waves of thankfulness help me to have a positive outlook on the day’s events. Music and songs is an incredible way to share a message or feeling that can’t be expressed adequately in words alone. I thank God for music and the talented artists that write, play and produce bold and inspiring messages.

“Where there is love, there is life.” -Mahatma Ghandhi A simple quote, but a true one. Life exists in love. Joy, giving, and hope all come from love. Without it, the world would just be a dark land of madness and misery. It feels wonderful to be loved, and I try to love my friends, family and even strangers in every way I can. I make my family feel loved through simple acts of kindness like spending time with my little sister even when I’m tired. I know that one day when I’m in college, I’ll wish I had spent every free moment with her - laughing on the trampoline, running outside, or playing board games in my room. I show my mom I care by helping out around the house without being asked, and I play games with my dad because I want to spend quality time with him. To show my friends love, I compliment them and invite them over to my house. I let them choose what activities we do and I share my possessions with them. I show others love in a variety of ways like smiling at strangers to add a little sweetness to their day or through volunteering at a local mission with my youth group or collecting food with student council to help those less fortunate. Love is what everyone needs! After all, isn’t it said that love makes the world go round? So as the earth keeps turning, I choose to keep loving and making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

“ We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give”. -Winston Churchill The joy of giving is possibly more rewarding than the gift itself. I enjoy giving to others locally by helping my church organize Thanksgiving baskets, working with my basketball team to clean an elderly woman’s yard, and volunteering with my youth group at a local mission. One of my favorite holiday activities is giving to children in other countries by making Christmas shoeboxes. I have also organized a water well fundraiser where we raised over $5,000 for clean water for villagers in South Sudan. These are meaningful experiences for me because I truly feel like I have made a positive impact in the world. Giving is special for the giver and receiver and without it the world would be a darker place. Everyone should experience giving back because it provides a new perspective on what you have and what is important in life.

“To the pond and back—to the pond and back—nearly a full day of walking altogether. This was Nya’s daily routine seven months of the year.” (Taken from the book, A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park) That quote and the true accounts from A Long Walk to Water has been most inspirational to me. I read this novel in 7th grade as an English assignment and what began as a school task, quickly grew into something much more. As I read about the lives of a few children in South Sudan and the struggle it was for them to get water, a simple necessity, I began to think about a way I could help. With assistance from my teacher and classmates, I initiated an Iron Giraffe Challenge Water Well Fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the foundation started by the main character in the book. We rallied the school together and ended up raising over $5,000 to help build a water well for families in South Sudan. If I had never read that novel, I would have never been able to be a part of such a momentous experience. Now each year my family and I continue to donate to water well charities. It’s amazing how one book and one person can inspire us to do great things!