Poetry Writing Prompt. Submitted via file upload.

The Waiting Room I step into the waiting room, the walls as white as bone The stone is rolled before the tomb, enshrining me alone The silence is deafening, my thoughts roar in my head Crying, pacing, questioning, my heart is filled with dread As claustrophobia settles in, my hands begin to shake White knuckles beneath my chin, will He give or will He take Doorknob turning, heart pounding, footsteps on the rug Eyes red, fear mounding, inhibiting like a drug She walks in and walks right past, not even looking twice She stares at me as if through glass, no recognition in her eyes I reach forward to touch her, my fingers pass right through As my eyes begin to blur, I scream until I’m blue But not a sound do I make, the silence just screams back Is this real or is this fake? My mind is under attack Suddenly she rises and paces across the floor Shaking hands wipe her eyes, then she walks out the door There is no lock, there is no key, I am resigned to my doom Forever here, forever I’ll be, in the waiting room

“The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable. Favorable conditions never come.” - C.S. Lewis College. For some it’s a new adventure; for others it’s a chance to finally get away. Some picture a party scene; others see a chance to gain knowledge. To me, college will be one of the most invaluable, formative, critical, and life-changing chapters of my life. I believe that my college years are some of the most formative years of my life. College gives you so much more than people realize, especially a Christ-centered college. My college years will have a ripple effect on my life. It is invaluable to have the privilege of studying alongside likeminded peers, iron sharpening iron. I’m confident that I will form close friendships that will last a lifetime. I wholeheartedly love the idea of a close community of Christians, encouraging and teaching one another in order to further the kingdom of God. In a Christ-centered college I will be strengthened in my walk with Christ and I pray that I’ll be used to encourage others in their walks with Jesus. It’s a great hope of mine that I will have the honor of being a blessing and a light in my peers’ lives at college. I love seeing the beauty of the Gospel in areas where you might not initially think to look, such as school subjects. A Christ-centered education would teach me to see God’s hand in every single aspect of my life. Pursuing and exploring the passions that God has laid on my heart is yet another advantage of attending a Christ-centered college. I know that college will be one of the hardest, yet most rewarding experiences of my life. Those four years will have an immeasurable impact on my life. They will help develop my character and continue to shape me into a godly woman. A Christ-centered education strengthens your head knowledge, yet it also provides growth and maturity for your heart. I believe that an education founded in academic integrity is critical in my life. When I asked my 4-year-old sister why I should go to college she answered, “To finish school and become a grown-up.” As simple as that sounds, she’s right. I know I’m still growing both intellectually and spiritually, and to have the opportunity to do so in an environment of a Christ-centered college is priceless. Personally, I have the desire to finish my education because I believe God deserves nothing less than my best. I want to learn how to best utilize my God-given gifts for His glory so I can give my best at whatever He calls me to do in my future career. In a Christ-centered education I know that I will be continuously encouraged to love God with my heart, soul, and mind. My college years will mature me into an adult and prepare me for being out in the world. No matter where I find myself, I know I’ll carry what I learn in college for the rest of my life. I will walk away with unforgettable experiences, invaluable spiritual growth, and a rock solid education. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Seuss

"Bravery is not the absence of fear. Bravery is feeling the fear, the doubt, the insecurity and deciding that something else is more important." - Marl Mauson. The label of bravery isn't reserved for flashy comic book superheroes or stoic medieval knights. It's even not reserved solely for firefighters, police officers, and our military, although they inarguably deserve that label in every imaginable way. Bravery is doing something, anything despite your fears. In 2020 I lost my grandfather to cancer. When you lose someone close to you for the first time it really breaks you. It took everything in me to get out of bed every morning, put on a smile, and try to live my life. As I look back on that year, I realize that I was exhibiting incredible bravery during that season without even knowing. Despite the crippling pain, heartbreak, and shock, I had to make a decision. I decided that the people I love and my life were more important than the grief and overwhelming urge to curl up and disappear. Bravery, true raw bravery, is love. How beautiful is that? Now that I understand the true meaning of bravery I see it everywhere. I see it once I finally muster the courage to speak up in class, when I show up nervous and naïve on the first day of my new job, and while I speak up for what I believe in, despite what others may think of me. I see bravery when I choose to love over and over knowing I may not receive the same love in return. Every step out of my comfort zone is an act of bravery. So you may not be Captain America or Beowulf, but that doesn’t make you any less brave. Bravery is love. Go love.

What would I do with $1,000 right now? Three words. Pay for college. As boring and stereotypical as that sounds, it’s the God-honest truth. If I opened my eyes and $1,000 was laying in my lap I would sit in shock for a solid 45 seconds, jump up, collect any stray bills that may have fallen to the ground, and immediately take it and use it to pay for my first semester of college. My parents are working their tails off to make sure I never take out any student loans so I can have the privilege of graduating college debt free. As incredible as that is, it also means we have to pay everything out of pocket and on time. And college isn’t cheap. On the contrary, it's quite expensive. I’ve been working full-time all summer to help with tuition, and I also plan to find an on-campus job in the fall. An extra $1,000 would be a huge blessing and help lighten the financial burden on my parents’ shoulders. I plan on attending Union University in the fall and pursuing a degree in English. I hope to have a career in professional writing and possibly do some creative writing on the side! Possible future J.K. Rowling? Who knows! Unfortunately, I don’t have a long, extravagant response of why I should receive this scholarship or what big, grand plans I have for the money. I’m not any more deserving than anyone else, but I truly appreciate your consideration!

“The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable. Favorable conditions never come.” - C.S. Lewis. College. For some it’s a new adventure; for others it’s a chance to finally get away. Some picture a party scene; others see a chance to gain knowledge. To me, college will be one of the most invaluable, formative, critical, and life-changing chapters of my life. I believe that some of the most formative years of my life are my college years and that an essential part of my life is an education founded in academic integrity. College gives you so much more than people realize, especially a Christ-centered college. My college years will have a ripple effect on my life. It is invaluable to have the privilege of studying alongside likeminded peers, iron sharpening iron. I’m confident that I will form close friendships that will last a lifetime. I wholeheartedly love the idea of a close community of Christians, encouraging and teaching one another in order to further the kingdom of God. In a Christ-centered college I will be strengthened in my walk with Christ and I pray that I’ll be used to encourage others in their walks with Jesus. We are blessed so that we may be a blessing to others. It’s a great hope of mine that I will have the honor of being a blessing and a light in my peers’ lives at college. I love seeing the beauty of the Gospel in areas where you might not initially think to look, such as school subjects. A Christ-centered education would teach me to see God’s hand in every single aspect of my life. Pursuing and exploring the passions that God has laid on my heart is yet another advantage of attending a Christ-centered college. I know that college will be one of the hardest, yet most rewarding experiences of my life. Those four years will have an immeasurable impact on my life. They will help develop my character and continue to shape me into a godly woman. When I asked my 4-year-old sister why I should go to college she answered, “To finish school and become a grown-up.” As simple as that sounds, she’s right. Personally, I have the desire to finish my education because I believe God deserves nothing less than my best. I want to learn how to best utilize my God-given gifts for His glory so I can give my best at whatever He calls me to do in my future career. In a Christ-centered education I know that I will be continuously encouraged to love God with my heart, soul, and mind. My college years will mature me into an adult and prepare me for being out in the world. No matter where I find myself, I know I’ll carry what I learn in college for the rest of my life. I will walk away with unforgettable experiences, invaluable spiritual growth, and a rock solid education. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Seuss.

“Rest is a requirement, not a reward.” – Anonymous. I couldn’t have said it any better. With the nonstop chaos of life, it is incredibly vital to take time and rest. In my case, I possess a limited social battery, and once that battery is used up I start running on fumes. I become spaced out, cranky, drained, and frankly miserable. I’ve learned that allowing myself to get to that place mentally is unhealthy and damaging. Thankfully, I’ve found a few ways that help me rest and recharge. Long drives alone with the windows rolled down and my music engulfing me brings me a sense of peace. When I return from one of those drives, I feel refreshed and relaxed. I love nothing more than snuggling up on the couch with my mom, fingers curled around steaming cups of coffee, and giggling at Gilmore Girls for hours. Nights like those fill my heart to the brim and I leave all my stress in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if there’s chocolate, especially dark chocolate. For me, it truly is the little things. Relaxation is watching a breathtaking sunset that words simply can’t do justice. As gold melts into amber, the magnificent beauty of a sunset increases moment by moment. You never see the same colors twice and I simply stare in awe every single time. You can find me outside or my face plastered against the window every evening. Ultimately, spending time alone is usually how I rest. Escaping from the crazy for a bit is a requirement for me daily. Don't reward yourself with rest. Make time every single day to intentionally rest and recharge, your mental health will thank you.

Ever since I could crawl, I’ve had an extremely deep love for books. As I’ve grown older, I discovered that I’ve been blessed with a knack for writing. I’m forever grateful for the solid writing foundation my incredible homeschool curriculum gave me. They taught writing in an encouraging and thought-provoking way. My homeschool group also provided the creative freedom for me to write short stories, poems, and songs. It was there that I discovered my deep passion for creative writing and poetry. Over this past year poetry has become an outlet of sorts for me. I’ve lost too many people close to me and poetry is my way of channeling my overwhelming emotions. Writing is an escape, a secret place I can go to get away from the craziness of my life. It’s no surprise that my love for reading and writing has led me to pursue an English degree next year in college. I sincerely want writing to be intertwined in my future career whether I write creatively for a company, professionally for a non-profit that has my heart, or pursue journalism. I deeply enjoy writing and it would make my heart so happy to use my talents to bring happiness and joy to others. As much as I love writing, my ultimate dream is to be a stay-at-home mom one day and write on the side. I hope that one day I will be blessed enough to cuddle up on the living room couch with my children and fondly read to them as they squirm in my lap. I know being a mom isn't your typical career dream, but it’s mine and I dream that dream proudly.

“No duty is more urgent than giving thanks.” – James Allen. The past two years have really put into perspective for me how temporary life is. We aren’t promised tomorrow, and the loss I've experienced has truly made it real to me. That being said, I believe that I’ve discovered a new outlook and gratitude for life. The excruciating loss and heartbreak I’ve walked through has made me deeply appreciate the people I love and never ever take them for granted. I soak up every single minute with my loved ones and I say “I love you” way too much. I love big and I love hard even when it costs me greatly, because you never really know how much time you have with someone. I’m far from perfect, but I do my best to live my life with gratitude. It makes life so joyful when you don’t focus on what you don’t have but, rather, focus on what you do have. Joy is priceless. Be grateful for the dented, creaky, leaky minivan you drive to school every day. Be grateful for your siblings who drive you utterly insane. Be grateful for your sweet grandmother who squeezes the life out of you and texts you bible verses every day. Be grateful for the long, endless phone calls with your mom. One day you’ll miss all those things. It's not always easy, but you will never regret being grateful, I promise.

Happy. Deep down we all strive to be happy and to find happiness. But what is happiness? What makes me happy? When I think of happiness I think of warmth, safety, and contentment. It’s truly the little things that bring me happiness. Little things like breathtaking sunsets that words just can’t do justice. As gold melts into amber, the magnificent beauty of a sunset increases moment by moment. You never see the same colors twice and I simply stare in awe every single time. You can find me outside or my face plastered against the window every evening. Snuggled up on the couch with my mom, fingers curled around steaming cups of coffee, giggling at Gilmore Girls fills my heart to the brim. Long drives down winding autumn streets with the windows rolled down and my music surrounding me is happiness. Late night talks at 2am about life and spending quality time with the people I love brings me inexpressible joy. Happiness is belly laughing until I can’t breathe and stuffing my face with chocolate. It warms my heart to see my little sister dance around the house in her Elsa dress, laughing and singing without a care in the world. When I sweep her up in my arms after a long day and she wraps her little arms around my neck and calls me ‘Sissy’, I feel content. I absolutely love serving at a local nonprofit in my community that I’m passionate about. Watching countless women and their babies find healing, safety, and peace brings me so much joy. Seeing their faces light up with hope and happiness is incomparable. I love knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives and the fact that I can bring happiness to others is what truly makes me happy.

Ever since I could crawl, I’ve had an extremely deep love for books. As I’ve grown older, I discovered that I’ve been blessed with a knack for writing. I’m forever grateful for the solid writing foundation my incredible homeschool curriculum gave me. They taught writing in an encouraging and thought-provoking way. My homeschool group also provided the creative freedom for me to write short stories, poems, and songs. It was there that I discovered my deep passion for creative writing and poetry. Over this past year poetry has become an outlet of sorts for me. I’ve lost too many people close to me and poetry is my way of channeling my overwhelming emotions. Writing is an escape, a secret place I can go to get away from the craziness of my life. It’s no surprise that my love for reading and writing has led me to pursue an English degree next year in college. I sincerely want writing to be intertwined in my future career whether I write creatively for a company, professionally for a non-profit that has my heart, or pursue journalism. I deeply enjoy writing and it would make my heart so happy to use my talents to bring happiness and joy to others. I would love nothing more than writing short stories, poetry, speeches, plays, etc. for a living. As much as I love writing, my ultimate dream is to be a stay-at-home mom one day and write on the side. I hope that one day I will be blessed enough to cuddle up on the living room couch with my children and read to them Dr. Seuss’ ABC’s as they squirm in my lap. I know that’s not a typical career dream, but it’s mine and I dream that dream proudly.

As the oldest child, I had the luxury of my parents’ full attention plus the privilege of being the guinea pig, but that’s another story. Dr. Seuss’ ABC’s was one of my favorite books and my mom read it to me so many times that we both have it memorized. I’m blessed to have parents who’ve always supported me. They’ve always told me how proud of me they are and that they truly want me to live my life for Jesus and thrive in college. Growing up in a Christian household has been a huge part of my life. I made the decision to follow Jesus at an early age and I have grown closer to Him through the years. Last year was the hardest year of my life and I walked through grief and heartbreak. I’ve grown so close to God during this season and I’ve learned not to lean on my own plans and to put my full trust in Him. My homeschool curriculum has engrained in me how to effectively argue my beliefs. I’m extremely thankful for the solid writing foundation that I was given. It was there that I discovered my deep passion for creative writing and poetry. Over this past year poetry has become an outlet for me. Writing is an escape, a secret place I can go to get away from the craziness of my life. It’s no surprise that my love for reading and writing has led me to pursue an English degree in college. I sincerely want writing to be intertwined in my future career whether I write creatively or professionally. I hope that one day I’ll be blessed enough to cuddle up on the couch with my children and read to them Dr. Seuss’ ABC’s as they squirm in my lap.

“No duty is more urgent than giving thanks.” – James Allen. The past two years have really put into perspective for me how temporary life is. We aren’t promised tomorrow, and the loss I have experienced truly made that real to me. That being said, I believe that I’ve discovered a new outlook and gratitude for life. The excruciating loss and heartbreak I’ve walked through has made me deeply appreciate the people I love and never ever take them for granted. I soak up every single minute with my loved ones and I say “I love you” way too much. I love big and I love hard even when it costs me greatly, because you never really know how much time you have with someone. I’m far from perfect, but I do my best to live my life with gratitude. It just makes life so joyful when you don’t focus on what you don’t have, but rather focus on what you do have. And joy is priceless. Be grateful for the dented, creaky minivan you drive to school every day. Be grateful for your siblings who drive you completely insane. Be grateful for your sweet grandmother who squeezes the life out of you and texts you bible verses. Be grateful for your least favorite meal that your mom put on the table. One day you’ll miss all those things. It's not always easy, but you will never regret being grateful, I promise.

“Rest is a requirement, not a reward.” – Anonymous. I couldn’t have said it any better. With the nonstop chaos of life, it is incredibly vital to take time and rest. In my case, I possess a limited social battery, and once that battery is used up I start running on fumes. I become spaced out, cranky, drained, and frankly miserable. I’ve learned that allowing myself to get to that place mentally is unhealthy and damaging. Thankfully, I’ve found a few ways that help me rest and recharge. Long drives alone with the windows rolled down and my music engulfing me brings me a sense of peace. When I return from one of those drives, I feel refreshed and relaxed. I love nothing more than snuggling up on the couch with my mom, fingers curled around steaming cups of coffee, and giggling at Gilmore Girls for hours. Nights like those fill my heart to the brim and I leave all my stress in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if there’s chocolate, especially dark chocolate. For me, it truly is the little things. Relaxation is watching a breathtaking sunset that words simply can’t do justice. As gold melts into amber, the magnificent beauty of a sunset increases moment by moment. You never see the same colors twice and I simply stare in awe every single time. You can find me outside or my face plastered against the window every evening. Ultimately, spending time alone is usually how I rest. Escaping from the crazy for a bit is a requirement for me daily. Don't reward yourself with rest. Make time every single day to intentionally rest and recharge, your mental health will thank you.

Am I bookworm? Don’t even get me started. I have loved books since before I could crawl. My parents would read to me All. The. Time. Dr. Seuss’ ABC’s was one of my all-time favorite books and my mom read it to me so many times that both her and I have it memorized, “Big A, little a, what begins with A?” An unimaginable love for reading that my parents unknowingly sparked. “McKenzie please put the book away.” My mom would gently say as I unsuccessfully tried to hide my well-loved copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban under the dinner table. I knew that I would finish it later that night, but I couldn’t bare waiting. Everywhere I go, so does a book. I remember fighting for Narnia in the Costco parking lot, cheering on Katniss at Johnson Park, and crying with Jo in my bedroom. Reading is an escape, a secret place I can go to get away from the craziness of my life. For an hour or two I can run off to a fictional world with fictional characters who have fictional problems. Life happens and suddenly I have pesky things such as school, work, and a social life (ugh people). I find myself not reading as much and I haven’t been to the library in months. I’m working hard to pick myself out of this “reading slump” as I like to call it, but I know when I’m ready my books are there waiting for me to escape to. I hope that one day I will be blessed enough to cuddle up on the couch with my children and read to them Dr. Seuss’ ABC’s as they squirm in my lap.

Am I bookworm? Don’t even get me started. I have loved books since before I could crawl. My parents would read to me All. The. Time. Dr. Seuss’ ABC’s was one of my all-time favorite books and my mom read it to me so many times that both her and I have it memorized, “Big A, little a, what begins with A?” An unimaginable love for reading that my parents unknowingly sparked. My grandparents also significantly contributed to my love for reading. Snuggled in Nana’s lap reading Corduroy, Papa recounting the birth of Jesus every Christmas, Gran re-reading The Beginner’s Bible for the tenth time that day, and sitting in Grandad’s lap practicing my writing at his desk are some of my fondest memories where my book-loving was nurtured. “McKenzie please put the book away.” My mom would gently say as I unsuccessfully tried to hide my well-loved copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban under the dinner table. I knew that I would finish it later that night, but I couldn’t bare waiting. Everywhere I go, so does a book. I remember fighting for Narnia in the Costco parking lot, cheering on Katniss at Johnson Park, and crying with Jo in my bedroom. “Wait. You already finished ALL of those books?!” The looks of shock and disbelief on my peer’s faces simply fuel my love for books. I’m lovingly referred to as “The Nerd” in my homeschool group. That explains a lot. The library is my happy place, and when I was younger, I would BEG my mom to take me every week. The library kindled my love for reading and provided a safe space to pursue my book obsession. I’m blessed to have parents who’ve always supported my love for reading and never discouraged me. Reading is an escape, a secret place I can go to get away from the craziness of my life. For an hour or two I can run off to a fictional world with fictional characters who have fictional problems. Life happens and suddenly I have pesky things such as school, work, and a social life (ugh people). I find myself not reading as much and I haven’t been to the library in months. Various seasons of life bring different challenges. I’m working hard to pick myself out of this “reading slump” as I like to call it, but I know when I’m ready my books are there waiting for me to escape to. Without my books I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I hope that one day I will be blessed enough to cuddle up on the living room couch with my children and fondly read to them Dr. Seuss’ ABC’s as they squirm in my lap. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” (Dr. Seuss)

The past two years brought me indescribable pain, heartbreak, and grief. Although I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on my worst enemy, 2020 and 2021 grew me in massive ways. I’ve always known that I was a pretty loyal person, but those trials showed me that my loyalty is fiercer than I could even begin to fathom. I love big and I love hard even when it costs me greatly, but I never ever regret it. I pour my whole heart into everything I do, and I’d give my last breath to keep my loved ones safe. I discovered that I’m a fighter. I fight for what I believe in and I’m passionate about what I love. Grief has a way of making you want to give up. To be honest, I was pretty close. But in those dark hours, sobbing in my room, I found hope. Hope is what keeps me fighting. The hope I found is stronger than the darkness. So, I fight. I fight for the people I fiercely love, I fight for the lives of the unborn, and I fight to become the best version of myself. If I go down, I go down swinging. I've discovered that my determination, dedication, and hardworking spirit runs deeper than I ever thought. I’m committed, genuine, and true. I’m full of passion, courage, and strength thanks to the past two years. What they showed me inside myself is invaluable. Here’s to 2022.

Joy. Deep down we all strive to have joy and to be joyful. But what is joy? What makes me joyful? When I think of joy I think of warmth, safety, and contentment. It’s truly the little things that bring me the most joy. Little things like breathtaking sunsets that words just can’t do justice. As gold melts into amber, the magnificent beauty of a sunset increases moment by moment. You never see the same colors twice and I simply stare in awe every single time. You can find me outside or my face plastered against the window every evening. Snuggled up on the couch with my mom, fingers curled around steaming cups of coffee, giggling at Gilmore Girls fills my heart to the brim. Long drives down winding autumn streets with the windows rolled down and my music surrounding me is joy. Late night talks at 2am about life and spending quality time with the people I love brings me inexpressible joy. Joy is belly laughing until I can’t breathe and stuffing my face with chocolate. It warms my heart to see my little sister dance around the house in her Elsa dress, laughing and singing without a care in the world. When I sweep her up in my arms after a long day and she wraps her little arms around my neck and calls me ‘Sissy’, I feel content. I absolutely love serving at a local nonprofit in my community that I’m passionate about. Watching countless women and their babies find healing, safety, and peace brings me immeasurable joy. Seeing their faces light up with hope and happiness is incomparable. I love knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives, and the fact that I can bring joy to others is what truly brings me joy.

Since I could crawl, I’ve had an extremely deep love for books. As I’ve grown older, I discovered that I’ve been blessed with a knack for writing. I’m forever grateful for the solid writing foundation my incredible homeschool curriculum gave me. They taught writing in an encouraging and thought-provoking way. My homeschool group also provided the creative freedom for me to write short stories, poems, and songs. It was there that I discovered my deep passion for creative writing and poetry. Over this past year poetry has become an outlet of sorts for me. I’ve lost too many people close to me and poetry is my way of channeling my overwhelming emotions. Writing is an escape, a secret place I can go to get away from the craziness of my life. For an hour or two I can run off to a fictional world with fictional characters who have fictional problems. I’ve recently accepted the fact that there is no such thing as ‘perfect writing.’ I’m a perfectionist and anything less than perfect is unacceptable. This realization lifted a massive weight off my shoulders. I spend hours making sure my history essay is grammatically perfect, fits exactly in the provided outline, and addresses the main points of the prompt. There’s nothing wrong with any of that, but I’m so focused on perfection that I’m falling short on simply enjoying the writing process. However, I will never reach a point where I’ve finally written the “perfect” paper. I will never be a “perfect” writer. Gut punch. Should I still strive for perfection? Absolutely. If I work hard and give my best, I should be very proud of my writing and never ever stop working towards improvement.

Happy. Deep down we all strive to be happy and to find happiness. But what is happiness? What makes me happy? When I think of happiness I think of warmth, safety, and contentment. It’s truly the little things that bring me happiness. Little things like breathtaking sunsets that words just can’t do justice. As gold melts into amber, the magnificent beauty of a sunset increases moment by moment. You never see the same colors twice and I simply stare in awe every single time. You can find me outside or my face plastered against the window every evening. Snuggled up on the couch with my mom, fingers curled around steaming cups of coffee, giggling at Gilmore Girls fills my heart to the brim. Long drives down winding autumn streets with the windows rolled down and my music surrounding me is happiness. Late night talks at 2am about life and spending quality time with the people I love brings me inexpressible joy. It warms my heart to see my little sister dance around the house in her Elsa dress, laughing and singing without a care in the world. When I sweep her up in my arms after a long day and she wraps her little arms around my neck and calls me ‘Sissy’, I feel content. I absolutely love serving at a local nonprofit in my community that I’m passionate about. Watching countless women and their babies find healing, safety, and peace brings me so much joy. I love knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives and the fact that I can bring happiness to others is what truly makes me happy.

Am I a nerd? Heck yeah. Geek? You bet. Bookworm? Don’t even get me started. I wear all those titles with pride. Hi, I'm McKenzie! I'm 18, which I guess makes me a legal adult. Yikes. I’m also a homeschooled senior in high school. Everywhere I go, so does a book. I’m lovingly referred to as “The Nerd” in my homeschool group. I’m fiercely loyal, determined, driven, and a hopeless romantic. I love big and I love hard. As an introvert I prefer hiding in my room, but I also love spending time with my people. May the force be with you always.

“I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.” – Ronald Reagan. The greatest cultural tragedy of our nation occurred on January 22, 1973. This was the day that the direct, intentional killing of an innocent human being became legal across our nation. This Supreme Court decision gave total license to someone to kill someone else. Roe v. Wade was the most tragic and detrimental Supreme Court decision in U.S. history. Our country is deeply divided on this moral issue. Abortion is the ending of a life. The murder of an innocent human being is wrong even if that human isn’t born yet. Babies feel excruciating, unimaginable pain during the abortion process. Bernard N. Nathanson, a late abortion doctor converted to a pro-life activist, stated that when an abortion is preformed on a 12-week old or younger baby, “We see in an ultrasound image the child’s mouth open in a silent scream…This is the silent scream of a child threated with extinction.” In the unimaginable event in which an innocent woman is a victim of rape, abortion punishes the unborn child who had no voice in the matter. Abortion can result in mental and physical damage to the terrified young woman. The Scandinavian Journal of Public Health found that “Young women who undergo an abortion are at increased risk for depression and suicide.” A report in Cancer Causes and Control unearthed that abortion “is significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer” and “the risk of breast cancer grows as the number of abortions increase.” On the home front, there are ministries such as LifeChoices provide a non-judgmental and Christ-like environment for women who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy. I have been involved in this ministry since the age of 12. I have participated in their annual fundraiser, the LifeWalk, the past 6 years and God has allowed me to raise almost $15,000 for life! I bake and sell chocolate chip cookies to raise money and I speak at my church, homeschool group, and youth group. I’m very passionate about this ministry and I plan to continue volunteering and advocating during college. LifeChoices strives to educate and empower women to choose and cherish life. They offer free medical diagnoses, pregnancy confirmation, ultrasounds, and STI testing, diagnosis, and treatment. They also inform the young women about abortion, the abortion pill & reversal, and sexual health. LifeChoices also provides pregnancy and post-abortion counseling, and they recently began a program and counseling for men. They also give the option for adoption if the mother can’t care for her baby, giving him/her to a loving family and a chance for a better life. With over 2 million American families wanting to adopt a child, there is no such thing as an unwanted baby. LifeChoices also raises money to appear on Google searches for Planned Parenthood, it would be groundbreaking if other ministries followed suit. LifeChoices also tries to get ahead of the game and goes into schools and educates teenagers about sex and teen pregnancy. I believe that ministries should target the same schools in the poor, minority neighborhoods that Planned Parenthood is targeting. They’re trying to oppress them; we’re trying to help them. I believe that if more people were made aware of ministries such as LifeChoices, and those ministries across the nation all offered the services I just listed, abortion would quickly disappear from our country. We’re called to defend the unalienable rights of all people, the first among them being the right to life. It is the most basic of human rights. We must walk alongside these scared, wounded girls and love them through it. Babies should have a chance for life and young women should never have to deal with the pain and mental disorders that come from abortions. Thank you. “If you’re pronounced dead when your heart stops beating then shouldn’t you be pronounced alive when your heart starts beating?” – Anonymous.