Minecraft has always been a significant part of my life since childhood. I remember coming home in second grade, logging into my mom's computer, and experiencing the game's wonders for as long as I was able to. From playing multiplayer with friends to exploring the dark world of the Nether on my own, Minecraft was always able to put a smile on my face and brighten even the worst of moods throughout my upbringing. Choosing one favorite aspect is nearly impossible, but there is something that comes to mind: creating a family of dogs by taming as many wolves as possible. If there's one thing that I adore, it's dogs. My 13-year-old golden retriever yellow lab mix has been my best friend since kindergarten, and I wouldn't trade her for the world. Whenever I found myself in a new Minecraft world, I would always look for a fluffy wolf to make my companion. If I found a pack, you best believe that every single one of them was coming into my wooden shack with me, no matter how early on I was in the gameplay. Obtaining the bones was always hard for me since I was never a fan of combat or fighting monsters, but if it meant that I could have an adorable furry family in my home, I would 100% risk getting punctured by countless skeleton arrows. There are limitless possibilities throughout Minecraft, and it is truly something I believe that everyone should experience. Minecraft has undoubtedly impacted my life in all the best ways, and I wish that so many other kids around the world could share the joy and experience that the game brings. Actually, I think I'll go log on right now. :)

My username is @leamarielifts :)

This is the story of my little white Butterfly. My name is Lea Winters, and I am a First Generation college student at Virginia Tech. The person who has undoubtedly helped me reach my full potential was my late grandfather, Michael Winters, a.k.a “Boppa.” For the beginning part of my childhood, my parents and I lived with my grandfather because we could not afford a house in Northern Virginia, which was where all of my extended family resided. Boppa welcomed us with open arms and was elated to spend more time with his only granddaughter. Some of my earliest memories include us playing mini-golf, going shopping, and eating at our favorite restaurant, Tippy’s Taco House. My favorite thing about him was that he always encouraged me to be myself and to fight against conformity and societal norms. Whether it was a taco-eating contest or standing up for myself against being bullied about missing my two front teeth, Boppa taught me to love myself and do what makes me happy. Friday, May 27, 2011. My dad received a call in the evening saying that Boppa had passed away from a heart attack. When I was informed of the news, I was struck with immense grief and, for the first time in my life, rage. I remember yelling at the universe while sobbing, asking why they took my Boppa away. Why my favorite person? Why the one person in the world who understood me? I was only a child, so I couldn’t fully grasp the concept of death. A part of me held onto hope that he would come back one day if I wished and prayed enough. Unfortunately, Boppa did not come back, and I had to continue my life without him. In the years following his death, I began to see little white butterflies around me everywhere I went. On the playground at school, in my backyard, on the way to my first job, and even in the parking lot where I took my driving test. I asked my mother about it, wondering if it was some symbol of luck or fortune. She told me that in her culture, white butterflies are viewed as the spirit of a loved one watching over you. Since then, every time I see a white butterfly, I know that Boppa is watching over me and cheering me on from the sidelines. Although he isn’t here physically to experience me growing up and reaching milestones, he’s here in the form of a little white butterfly, appearing at the perfect times, making sure that I continue to love myself and be whatever I want to be.