Picture open skies, smiling faces. My dream life is a life where I am not only happy, but with friends and family. To many people, a dream life may be one where they are immensely rich, or famous. Personally, I would like to be financially stable, but money and materialistic things do not have as much importance to me as genuinely being happy. Being in a state of happiness means that one has purpose, meaning, and is positive. That matters more to me than possessions or being well known. My dream life also consists of travel. I want to be able to see the world, especially since now I have not been out of the United States before. I wish to be at the place in my life where i can travel, and see the world. Overall, my dream life consists of simply enjoying my life, being able to travel, and spend my time with family and friends.

A legacy is what a person is known for, it relays not only their life story, but what they most contributed to in society and what drove them while they were alive. I wish to be known as someone who was hardworking. I do not feel the need to be known as someone who cured cancer, or was known worldwide. To me, it is more important to live life one day at a time, trying to do my best at any project or opportunity. In general, when people, specifically those my age, high school students, strive to do whichever activities might make them the most money, or look good on paper. When one lives their life participating in things that they are not passionate about, but they want others to hear and pass on. My goal in life is to do what interests me, and work myself as hard as I can to achieve my goals. I highly prefer that my legacy be true to myself, and not a facade presented to others to sound important.

In an age where everyone is busy with work or educational activities, it can be hard to find time to relax and partake in any hobbies. However, when I can find the time, I like to do things like read, watch the television, or play the piano. I became interested in reading when I was ten years old. I had picked up a Harry Potter book at the library inside of my elementary school. At the end of about three weeks, I had finished the entire seven book series. Recently, I have not had as much time to read because of school and extracurriculars. I have slowly been getting back into reading. It is important to prioritize the little things that make you happy. At the end of my day, I also watch a bit of TV or practice piano (which I have been playing since I was 11, so 5 years). This is my time to relax before going to sleep. Hobbies are great activities meant to soothe the soul, and be calming.

One way a person can have a positive impact on the world is to be their best selves. Doing the best you can with the resources you have in itself can have a great impact on the world. Just being kind to others is one way to have a good impact. Even if I help someone with their homework, or wave to a friend in public, it is still having a positive impact. Just being myself can help others.

Elderly people, especially those put in retirement homes, can be lonely. One way to cure this loneliness is writing letters. Sending heart warming letters to elders in my community, which I have done previously, always warms people's hearts. Not only is this a simple way of connecting with others, but is also meaningful to the writer and reader.

Financial advice is important for everyone to know. The most helpful piece of financial advice I have received is to make a budget. Planning out a budget is needed to track things like spending, and a person's goals. The first step to planning a budget is noting income and tracking spending. Knowing how much you earn and the amount of money you typically spend, it is easier to set a plan. Setting a plan is great for a person's financial needs. It's the best advice I have ever received, and advice everyone needs to hear.

To be independent means to support yourself, have their own opinions, and are able to think on their own. Personally, I think everyone should be able to do things for themselves when needed. At an age where everything in my life feels as if it is being decided by someone else. As a teenager, it is important to be able to follow what you would like to do. The impact of being independent is great. Not only do I feel a sense of accomplishment, but I also feel that it helps me grow into my own person. For example, when I am able to go and volunteer, separate from my school or my family, I am doing something that helps me to become a better person as well as serving in my community. All people should be independent in some aspect of their life, and at some point in their life.

A book can be your greatest friend. They never leave you. A book can transport you to a completely different place, even though you may be reading it from the comfort of your room. I have read too many books to count. My favorite book, however is The Hunger Games. The author of the book is Suzanne Collins. The Hunger Games is part of a three book trilogy. It's one of the most fast-paced and exciting books I have ever read. A common theme between books in the scientific fiction genre; a peak into what our society could become in the future, dystopian. The books, specifically the first one, is a critique of society in the West. There is an extreme divide between the rich and the poor. The poor are forced to compete in games in which the rich watch for fun. The book teaches us that it is important to be selfless in a harsh world where people typically fend for themselves. Katniss sacrificed her future to prevent her sister from competing in the games. She had no idea what was going to happen to her, and only thought about her family in that moment. She is also selfless when it comes to Rue, another competitor in the games. Her and Rue work together for a time. When Rue died, she stayed there, and gave her respects to Rue, disregarding the fact that she could have been found at any moment. The book demonstrated to me the importance of selflessness and kindness. It also warns us against what society can become if we are not careful and considerate.

One personal finance lesson I find important is that one should create goals. Setting goals on what I would like to accomplish is required for success. When I make any of my decisions, such as investing in stocks, I look into the value of the company, and have a goal or multiple goals as to why I wish to invest into said company, and where I wish to put that money accumulated.

To be influential, it is important to take a stand for things that matter to you. For me, I would stand for women's rights. All around the world, women's rights are constantly being infringed. I would speak out against the fact that there are not enough women in powerful positions, such as the senate, and offer opportunities for those in school to learn about all the benefits they have available to themselves. Since I would be an influential figure, people would be more likely to listen to what I have to say. Therefore, I would publish educational books, and start programs to shape the leaders of the future.

One way I try to stay true to myself daily is that I always strive to remain authentic. Those who know me will say that I rarely lie. Even if it may be against my personal interests, I tell the truth. I also do not bother others when I know it will bring me stress. Authenticity is extremely important to me.