The movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has had the greatest impact on my life because it taught me lessons that I carry with me every day. Out of all the Harry Potter movies, this one has always stood out to me the most. It made me think about fear, friendship, and how people are not always who they appear to be. Watching it for the first time was more than just entertainment. It felt like a story that spoke directly to me and shaped the way I look at life. One of the most powerful lessons I learned from this movie is about facing fears. Harry has to learn how to fight off the Dementors, which are creatures that feed on fear and sadness. The way he uses the Patronus charm, which is fueled by happy memories, showed me that even in the darkest moments, there is always light to hold on to. That lesson has stuck with me because it reminded me that I am stronger than I think. Whenever I face something hard in my own life, I try to remember Harry’s courage. It pushes me to believe in myself and to focus on the good instead of being consumed by fear. The movie also made me realize the value of genuine friends. Harry, Ron, and Hermione show what true friendship looks like by always standing together and supporting one another. Even when things are confusing and dangerous, they never give up on each other. This made me realize how much my own friends mean to me. Friendship is not just about having fun. It is about trust, loyalty, and being there when times are hard. Watching their bond inspired me to become a better friend in my own life. Another important lesson from this movie is the importance of not judging people too quickly. At first, everyone thought Sirius Black was a murderer who wanted to harm Harry. By the end, we discover that Sirius was actually one of the people who cared about Harry the most. That twist taught me that appearances can be deceiving and that people often have stories we do not fully understand. It made me want to be more open-minded and patient with others. Overall, The Prisoner of Azkaban is not just a movie to me. It is a story that gave me courage, reminded me of the importance of friendship, and taught me to see people more deeply. It changed how I see the world, and that is why it has had the greatest impact on my life.

Softball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it has shaped me into the person I am today. I first picked up a glove when I was six years old, and from the very beginning, I knew this game was something special. By the time I was eight, I had joined a travel team, and from then on, softball became a constant part of my life. The practices, tournaments, and long drives with my family are more than memories. They are experiences that built my character and gave me lessons I will carry forever. A turning point in my career came when I was eleven and became a catcher. At first, I did not choose the position. I was placed there and was uncertain if I would enjoy it. Now, I cannot imagine playing anywhere else. Being a catcher made me a stronger leader and gave me a unique view of the game. From behind the plate, I guide the defense, encourage teammates, and learn to communicate in a number of ways, both subtly and overtly, based on what the situation on the field calls for. Every pitch requires focus and trust, and those responsibilities taught me how to connect with others on a deeper level. There was also a period that tested me more than anything else. I developed the Yips, a mental block that kept me from throwing the ball back to the pitcher. I could throw to every other base, but this simple throw became impossible. My perfectionist mindset turned fear of mistakes into something that broke me down. I doubted myself and questioned my future in the game I loved. What helped me through was leaning on my faith and trusting the support system around me. My teammates, coaches, family, and friends stood by me, and their encouragement helped me believe in myself again. Overcoming the Yips has caused my outlook on life and the game to drastically change. I am now more positive and encouraging, not only to my teammates but also to myself. The relationships I have made through softball are another reason it means so much to me. My teammates have become like sisters, and my coaches pushed me to be my best while caring about me as a person. Their lessons about discipline, perseverance, and respect are ones I will carry into the future. Looking forward, I am excited to continue my softball journey at Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana, where I plan to dedicate all four years to the game. Playing for Bethel will allow me to grow as an athlete, a leader, and a person. Beyond college, I hope to give back to the game that has given me so much. I want to play at the next level because my love and understanding for the game continue to change and grow. It has been my passion, my teacher, and my safe place. No matter where life takes me, the lessons I learned on the field will always be a part of who I am.