I was taught virtually throughout my entire 13-year education, this includes kindergarten. I was allowed to see the world outside of a typical classroom view. This fueled a love for the world around me and learning as well. I never had in-person school experience, but I have experience in the world. This learning experience allowed for many opportunities that would typically be unavailable if I had attended a regular school. I love to learn, and I know how I learn which is very important. I plan to do a lot of that in the future. I want to finish my associate's degree in criminal justice by the end of this year. After that, I hope to transfer to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs to hopefully get my bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice concurrently. I want to do that within the next year and a half. Not because I'm in a rush but because I have come to realize that I need to learn like people need to breathe. I also plan on attending law school after I get my other degrees. I am a resourceful, dedicated, strong-willed, young woman. I am strong in who I am, part of being schooled online. I am not as easily swayed as others, I know who I am in this moment. With help, I could be my hero in ten years. Matthew McConaughey said it best " So you see every day, every week, every month, and every year of my life, my hero's always 10 years away. I'm never gonna be my hero. I'm not gonna attain that. I know I'm not, and that's just fine with me because that keeps me with somebody to keep on chasing." I want to chase who I want to be, I know that I will never attain that. Why push, if you know you will never achieve something why do it? Why not? I want to do all I can to be the best I can be. Not just for me. I am a very family-oriented individual I want my future kids to say my mom always pushed to go beyond where she thought she could go. Why? Because she could. I want to teach my future children to love to learn like I do. I was able to fall in love with learning because of my online educational experiences. I learned so much about what I could do. I continually surpass my high expectations of myself. Due to my learning experiences, I know that learning should never feel like a chore. No matter what age you are you are always learning. Learning doesn't just take place in a classroom. It can take place in the Rocky Mountains, the King Soopers down the street.

Friday night, roughly 10 o'clock. A dark room, you could feel the intent in the room. The intent for an older sister to finally win a race in 1st place instead of second. Sure, the first 32 attempts out of 48 didn't go our way but it's fine one race, I can win one race. Never mind, that's another failure in Lugi's mansion on the Nintendo Switch playing Mario Kart 8. The first race started great, I was tailing my sister. I could see her warming up during the first race gearing up for the other 47 we somehow committed to. Then I passed her, but wait did she just. No, she didn't. She just got one of the bullet power-ups with the finish line in sight. In another close race, my plans of winning were foiled by a power-up. The second race repeats. Third same outcome. Has she been practicing I wonder to myself during the fifth race while I sit 0 to 5. No bother, I still have 43 races. Oh, how I lie to myself. Maybe it's the kart specs? I could change those next time. I think as I am still tailing in second place, in the shadow of my sister's glory. Is this hard mode? I honestly don't know anymore. Am I letting her win, okay yeah nope, no I am not. Race number 42 the pressure is one I will not lose every race to my little sister. That's another fail, back to the drawing board. How does she get all the good power-ups? Is the game rigged? Race number 45, still no win but I have improved, it was the power-up again. Why oh why? Is one race too much to ask? I've done it, I knew I was a procrastinator but this is ridiculous. I won the last race in the very last second which was a very close call. In all seriousness, it was a very fun night that was full of laughter and teasing, followed by the occasional accusation of cheating and how the game was rigged. It was most definitely a core memory that was made. I still cannot beat her in Mario Kart, but I guess that's okay somewhere, in another universe far, far away.

I am not trying to turn you into me. I'm trying to turn you into you." - Master Shifu, Kung Fu Panda 3 Online schooling has been a transformative experience for me. It has not only provided me with the knowledge I need, but it has also allowed me to discover more about myself. It has given me the opportunity to develop into the person I am today, with significantly less peer pressure to conform to someone I'm not. Being in an online environment has made it easier for me to see how peers can influence us. In my view, helping others be their best means aiding them in finding their true selves, as Master Shifu suggests. Everyone is unique, so helping can take many forms. You don't have to volunteer in traditional ways to help people. I aspire to be a prosecutor, a different form of helping that involves seeking justice for injustices, offering support to affected families and individuals, and bringing the truth to light. You can help people in your day-to-day life, through your regular 9 to 5 job. Helping people doesn't just have to happen when you are volunteering. The way a prosecutor helps people is evidence of this truth. One of my core values is treating people how I want to be treated. I believe that helping others not only benefits them but also helps us learn about ourselves. In a world full of unattainable social standards, helping others not only benefits them but also ourselves. Martial arts has taught me to be humble, to embody integrity, to be courteous, confident, and much more. Volunteering at my church has instilled the same values in me and has given me morals that I wish more people had. Volunteering is a way to share yourself and your morals while teaching others about themselves. All of this contributes to my career aspirations because they are values and qualities that I believe everyone needs to have. Humbleness would put the focus on the family, the win for them, not your career. Integrity means not cheating to win because that would be cheating the family. Courteousness ties into integrity because one interpretation of being courteous is doing the right thing when no one is looking. Confidence is something that everyone needs. Respect is also crucial. Having a desire to help people also helps shape me into what I believe would be a great individual working in the justice system.

The friendly neighborhood Spider-Man has had many faces over the years. Who is your favorite Spider-Man? This is a pretty common question when people hear that you like Spider-Man. It's a difficult question to answer. Each Spider-Man has brought something that is uniquely them to the table. They all have varying successes, struggles, and character-defining moments. A couple of examples are losing Gwen Stacy for Andrew's Spider-Man vs. losing Aunt May for Tom's Spider-Man. Different yet still contributes to their character in the future. Choosing a favorite is a daunting and challenging task. In this modern age of Spider-Man, I think that Toby Maguire kicked off Spider-Man. Andrew Garfield offered a different approach to Spider-Man, the same thing with Tom Holland. They all seem to struggle with something different. That's what not only makes these heroes entertaining but also human. While no one can climb on walls like Spider-Man, I'm sure we've all struggled with our identity like Toby's Spider-Man. did. I'm sure we all embody some tenacity and quick-wittedness like Andrew's Spider-Man. I'm sure we are all evolving people like Tom's Spider-Man. The thing about Spiderman is he's relatable, especially to younger individuals. Depending on what you think about it, Toby was the better Spiderman. Before all the Tom Holland and Andrew Garfield fans come after me. Toby was the first Spiderman of the 21st century, his first move was made in 2002 then 2004, and 2007. That was a while ago, he was the one who gave Andrew and Tom something to base their Spidermen on in a way. That's why Toby is my favorite Spiderman. He reminds me of the older sibling that sets the tone. While it is still the same idea, nothing could be similar to Toby because like siblings they are all different. The way that they played Spider-Man is uniquely their own but based on something.

I don't regularly splurge on Starbucks coffee. I love classic, timeless things that never seem to get old or go out of style. My go-to fall drink at Starbucks is a simple pumpkin spice latte. Pumpkin spice is one of those flavors that reminds me of cuddling up in a blanket and reading while the voice of Frank Sinatra echoes in the background. Depending on the day, the literature I am indulging in could be a textbook online or physical. Nothing is more centering during the fall than your pumpkin spice latte and the tempo of some swing music. The sweet aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves all married together in coffee, a lifeline to many tired college students. The smooth drink goes down your throat while warming your insides and kick-starting your brain. One after another, this classic never grows old. You can sense when it's that season everywhere. Combined with smooth, timeless swing or jazz music, it creates the perfect learning atmosphere. The most productive time for me during a fall semester starts there in that simple set-up. I don't often indulge in this drink. However, when I decide to indulge, it's always very memorable and makes me feel extremely nostalgic. Pumpkin spice is one of those flavors that takes you to another world anyway. It's simple and sometimes the best things in life are the simplest things. However, not everyone likes pumpkin spice, just like not everyone likes college essays but I do. This drink is a gateway to some form of relaxation amidst the busy life of a college student. In my situation last fall, I was a college and high school student with quite a full course load. Six high school courses and three college classes were quite the norm for me for three semesters. It was nice to step into a different world for a minute with just one sip of my pumpkin spice latte. Life is busy and can be overwhelming if you let it. For me, this drink paired with swing music creates not only a good learning atmosphere but a relaxing one at that. An atmosphere that reminds you to stop and smell the roses for just a little bit. This drink acts like a portal to another world for me. Especially, when paired with music that reminds you to calm down and take life slowly because you only have one. College is stressful if you let it be taking the time to relax and remind yourself that everything will be alright is exactly what this latte does for me. It's something that is simple yet can make an impact on people.

Everyone has their favorite Netflix series that makes it easy to lose track of time and causes self-control to deteriorate. That I'll only watch an episode kind of show. We know we are lying to ourselves but it is easier to live in the only one-episode illusion. Have I got you thinking about that show? The one where you press play and then somehow it's four hours and a few bowls of popcorn later. If I did well, forget about it. If not well, I hope you read this anyway. My latest Netflix addiction is "The Lincoln Lawyer". Right now I'm only in season one while writing this. However, season three is on the way. Hopefully very soon or I fear I may combust or start a riot, it may depend on the day of course. All joking aside it's worth the watch, I can already tell I'm going to be a long-term fan. I may have a problem but I don't care. After reading this you may have the same problem if you are anything like me. So, welcome to the family in advance. This shoe is very engaging and captivating. A need to know what happens next kind of show. This is why my self-control deteriorates and suddenly you're on episode 8 when you started on episode 3. Oops. This show is a legal show about a lawyer. Mickey Haller is a man dubbed the Lincoln lawyer by many who know and have met him. He works out of his Lincoln which is how he got the nickname bestowed upon him. This show is full of many twists and turns that no one expects. Season one already has my head spinning. And I want more. The show is addicting. It makes you question yourself and your judgment when something most unexpected happens. This show keeps you on your toes that's for sure. Not to mention the characters are pretty lovable and have the potential to be quite Witty as well if you like that kind of thing. Anyone who loves legal or crime dramas needs, absolutely needs to check this show out. If you don't you just making yourself miss out on something great. The episodes always end with something intense, the secret to making it extremely easy to watch is "just one more episode". The last time I said one more episode it would up being 11 o'clock and 4 episodes later. If that tells you anything about this show let that be the thing that sticks out. Overall, a fantastic show. My recollection of what I can share without spoiling too much gives it no justice at all. The only way you can see how great it is is to press play and embark on the journey with the Lincoln lawyer, Mickey Haller. So, why don't you?

Traveling and learning about being able to be aware of the world around you. One reason why people don't celebrate other cultures is they lack an understanding of them. We are all people but our cultures and experiences make us different from the guy in front of us in the Walmart checkout line. Traveling is a great opportunity to learn to grow your understanding of a culture because you are in the environment. In this world, we need to develop a deeper understanding of each other. Culture is a way to do that. Everyone matters and every culture matters. Knowledge is power and the more you know the better. Traveling is a way to change your perspective on the world around you and how you as well as others interact with that world. We as humans are always learning more and more about the world around us. This is why learning about the culture and creating opportunities to travel is so important. What's the purpose of life if you're not learning more about yourself, the people, and the world around you? Some people are a mix of everything like myself so they aren't as in touch with their primary cultural backgrounds. Like myself. Learning is something that we are always doing. It's very educational and fun to experience a culture in its origin. Traveling is an opportunity to engage in and with activities and cultures you normally wouldn't. I think that immersing yourself in other cultures makes you a better human because you try to understand the people around you more. People want themselves to be accepted and seen. A part of that is seeing what their cultural backgrounds are and showing appreciation to this piece of them. Learning languages can do the same thing however, I believe on a deeper level it's a bigger connection to a culture and gives you more freedom to interact within that culture. Learning is important. Being in touch with the world around you and the people that surround you is always better than having no understanding of any of this. Cultures need to be shared not kept under lock and keep. Especially if we want acceptance and respect. It's easier to accept and respect something or someone that you have an understanding of.

If I were to have everyone read one book it would be "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman. This book has so much value in it disguised as a fantasy book. There are life lessons, and so much more in this marvelous piece of literature. I love this book and have read it multiple times due to the timeless aspect of the book and the story that it tells. It has a little bit of everything in it. It is very inclusive to many readers who enjoy many things in a book. Revenge it's got it. Romance, check. Action, double check. Witty comebacks and phrases, triple-check. Last-minute twists and turns need I say more? "The Princess Bride" is a captivating novel that takes the readers to another world. A world full of R.O.U.Ses and adventure. The book is once again very inclusive to all readers. Inigo Montoya kills the six-fingered man who murdered his father. True love conquers all. People don't always mean what they say. "As you wish" is a prime example of this and one of the most famous lines from the book. The book is also different than the movie as well. I feel that while very similar the movie doesn't do the book justice in some of the scenes such as when Inigo kills the count. You miss the very first part of the book when Buttercup recognizes her feelings for Westley. The book is and will always be superior in my honest opinion. The book is an entertaining way to learn some life lessons through something that you would never normally experience. You go on an adventure and never leave your couch. The book also has very captivating language that draws you in. The only thing you have to do is pick up the book and start reading.

Oscar Wilde once said, "Be yourself; everyone else is taken". I am a young woman who is still finding herself in so many aspects of life. I am smart, organized, ambitious, analytical, strategic, empathetic, detail-oriented, kind, among other things. Most of all I acknowledge that you are never done growing as a person. To be me means to prioritize my growth all differents of growth. It means to be authentically you is always changing just like you and me. Your identity at 30 will not be the same identity you had at the age of 18. Right now, I still have all the qualities listed above and more. I am a girl who loves to read. I am unapologetically myself a lot of the time. I am bold, and I hate being the center of attention. I am a listener who sees life from many different perspectives. I am a dedicated person I have a 3rd-degree black belt which is something that I have become in my almost 10 years of practicing martial arts. This adds to me I am a patient, respectful, responsible, self-aware, humble, confident, and disciplined individual. This is all thanks to martial arts and church. What I am is someone dedicated to growth. I love to learn I am a genuinely curious individual. Which is why I try to learn languages on Duolingo. I read a lot, I'm learning guitar, I draw, I write, and I am overall a very creative and busy individual. I am also very serious about my education and make it sort of like a chess game. Always thinking ahead and prepared for my plan to derail in the slightest bit. Always ready with a solution. I'm like this in many aspects of my life. It's always best to be overprepared than unprepared. I love being able to think multiple steps ahead it is very comforting to have everything thought through all ready. No matter what happens I'm covered. I'm the friend many come to for advice because I am wise and I listen. I value others but don't need validation from them. I march to the beat of my drum. I don't mention my accomplishments because I am humble and come off as intimidating more often than not. I love to prove people wrong and I love a good challenge. I adore it when the two mix even more. My accomplishments are just a reflection of where I've been not where I'm going. It's part the journey to my hero I'm not done yet though to be my authentic self is to always be chasing. Matthew McConaughey said it best. "You see, every day, and every week, and every month, and every year in my life, my hero is always ten years away." This quote resonates because I relate to it. In my opinion, one of the only things that matters to chase in this life is yourself and your faith. I've learned that you don't chase people in your life you pursue them. I treat people how i want to be treated, while pursue also means chase, it also means to carry on or continue. Life is about continue to know yourself and those around you. That's what it means to be me to always be chasing the better version of myself, my hero, me. Constantly pursuing better.

I came from a poorer family. We lived paycheck to paycheck more often than not. There were times when we didn't have what we wanted, but we could always rest assured that we had what we needed. There was a time when we kind of lived off of ramen noodles and hot dogs. Our situation has improved over time. However, I learned one thing throughout my life and it is that education can fuel success. It can take you places and give you opportunities your parents never went to or never had. I am going places that I am sure of. I am a high school senior graduating this year. I decided to pursue college early thanks to concurrent enrollment. I currently have almost 36 college credits after the spring 2024 semester ends. I am going to law school, that is one of the end goals of my education. I want to go to law school because it is a way to help people in a very serious way. Most people can be unaware of how the system works or what is and isn't within their rights. It's a way to provide resources to those who are hurt in some of the most traumatic ways. It's providing resources that can help with healing. It's being the person people need in a situation that no one deserves to have to happen to them. That's a huge part of who I am and how my poorer past has shaped me. I prefer to help by being the person people lean on, the person who can support others through their darkest days. That's what I want to do with my life. I want to make a difference. However, the only barrier is financial. Student loans don't necessarily work in students' favor in the long term. I don't want to get loans. I'm aware of the different options for me to get to my end goal. I have grants, scholarships, and work-study programs at my disposal. Nothing is impossible if given the right resources. Angela Duckworth said, "Talent counts, but effort counts twice". I interpret it as. Effort is what counts because it is the active pursuit of better. It's not staying in the same position in life because it's easy. It's putting your energy into making your life and your future better. It's changing your family's future. Making the lives of people who you don't know yet better. Here's to a better future full of opportunities for everyone who deserves them.

I think that God has had a big impact on my education and where I'm going. As well as in life in general. If I had my way I would probably be an engineer or something like that. However, nothing beats the odd feeling that you need to do something and YOU don't know why. But HE does. I'm pursuing a degrees in criminal justice. Most people think that something horrific happened to me to make me choose this career path the answer is no. I don't know what happened exactly. I was watching Daredevil because I'm a Marvel fan and if you don't know he's a lawyer. I felt the need to look into it. I found myself being immersed more and more in that world. I chose to pursue that degree when the opportunity of concurrent enrollment found me when I needed it. I feel very calm and sort of at peace with what I have chosen. To me, it feels like one of those God things that you don't recognize until it slaps you in the face. One thing nonbelievers don't understand is the feeling that you are right where you are supposed to be and you don't want to venture somewhere else. There is no sense of worry, and I haven't been interested in anything else. I've had women at my church say I could never do that. Some briefly mention the insane individuals. However, everyone needs Jesus right? However, are we not called to tell the world about the gospel of Christ? Jesus surrounded himself with the least of these. Matthew was a tax collector, and some of his disciples were fishermen. This is a driving factor for me to pursue this career in criminal justice. Look at Paul, formally known as Saul. A man who persecuted Christians became a man who brought so many to Christ after his encounter with Christ. To me, it is a chance to enter a mission field no matter what side I take defense or prosecutor. We are called to be the light of the earth (Matthew 5:14-16). This is a driving force to me to pursue criminal justice. It also acts as a force to help keep my faith strong, you need to tend to a light to keep it alight. It's a way to stand firm like the wise man in Luke 6: 46-49. A solid foundation is important for everyone. My faith is a wonderful moral foundation. God has guided me through my education giving me the opportunities that I need. In fact just recently I've been reminded that everything is in his timing not mine. A class I that wanted to take in college was filled up already. But the other one that I am required to take has roughly 100 spots left. It was a nice smack in the face because it wasn't what I wanted to do, I was looking forward to that class. He has a plan, and it's my job to not be a backseat driver. I'm just here for the ride and to go where he wants me to go.

One movie that has had a profound impact on my life is Labyrinth starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, made in 1986. This movie is one of my favorites. I love the music, storyline, and character development. I also love it because it's my mom and my thing. This movie is about Sarah, a girl who is struggling with her father's new family. She is quite attached to her mother. She is watching her little half-brother and she decides to say the words. What words? " I can bear it no longer! Goblin King! Goblin King! Wherever you may be take this child of mine far away from me!". That is what kickstarts Sarah's life-changing adventure. My adventure starts on what I think was a weeknight. My mom waited until my dad and at the time baby sister had fallen asleep. She made us sweet, decadent, crunchy, cinnamon toast. That I can still remember the smell of. Watching the movie without indulging in sweet, decadent, crunchy, cinnamon toast feels wrong. We sat on our olive-green couch. I didn't know that pressing play would change my life so drastically. Sarah now has to get her brother back from the Goblin King Jareth. To do that she must find her way through the Labyrinth. She meets many new people on the way such as Hoggle who helps her complete her task. However, not everything she does helps her on her mission to find Toby her baby brother. She meets Pluto, and other friends on her way to save Toby. As a young adult, I get something new every time I watch this movie movie. Whether it be to be careful what you wish for. Or sometimes something new isn't terrible. Sometimes holding on to something can hold you back from who you are supposed to be among other things. As I change what I get from the movie each time I watch it I get a new lesson from it. Over a decade later I still haven't tired of watching this movie. Sarah grows and changes throughout the movie. She encounters many strange creatures and many strange things. I think that she learns to be less selfish, while also deciding that there is room in her life for her new bonus mom and little brother for whom she braves the Labrynith and everything in that world. In the end, I think it made her a better person and taught her to not take things for granted as well. I love the music it's strange however, that just draws me in. The beats are fun and the lyrics for the songs in the movie fit perfectly. They tell their own little story in a way that adds to the overall storyline of the movie. It's an amazing movie in my opinion. What I learned the most from watching this movie is that it takes one spark to start a flame. It takes one night of cinnamon toast, a mother, daughter, and Labrynith to start a deep love for something that was shared with you. It takes one thing to create a memory and something that will bond you. To me, it's an example. Before I wrote this I told my mom it was our thing. She has something similar to my younger sister, but it's a different movie. The Labyrinth is my connection to my mom. I want my kids to be able to tell me that one day when I do have kids I want each of them if I have multiple to be able to say... Mom, _______ is our thing.

Audrey Hepburn once said, "A quality education has the power to transform societies in a single generation, provide children with the protection they need from the hazards of poverty, labor exploitation, and disease, and give them the knowledge, skills, and confidence to reach their full potential." I grow up in a poorer family, occasionally living paycheck-to-paycheck. As I grew up, I realized education was the way to ensure that my future children don't grow up in the poorer environment I did. In my life, I have received many character-building opportunities, such as mixed martial arts. Mixed martial arts has been part of my life for roughly nine-plus years. I currently hold the title of third-degree black belt. I have acquired many valuable traits: perseverance, dedication, respect, courtesy, integrity, and indomitable spirit. I have overcome so much in this sport that has taught me so much about myself and my potential. I have a lot I want to do in my life. I want a Juris Doctor as my end goal. To get there, I need to finish my associate's and work toward my bachelor's, and I want to pursue a master's degree as well. I am working on an associates in criminal justice currently because I am an analytical person who sees the world from multiple perspectives. I can make a difference in the world through the legal field. I am deeply intrigued by this path, and it's not the potential earnings that attract me. Instead, it's the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives in a unique way that drives me to pursue it. I strive to be an ethical and compassionate individual who prioritizes the well-being of others and acts following an unwavering moral compass. I want to be a part of the difference. All it takes is a spark to light a flame. When I'm a lawyer, I will have the privilege to speak up for those who are unable to do so for themselves. I firmly believe that small steps can make a big difference. It's like a chain reaction, once you initiate the first step, it leads to a series of significant effects. Bringing about major change requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. However, even small positive interactions with my future clients can count as a change. I feel that nowadays people tend to focus more on themselves rather than the people around them. Therefore, demonstrating that you care about others can create small but meaningful changes in their lives. And that's what makes it all worth it.