When I first started High School, I did not have many friends. I had a few close friends, through my previous year of the West Virginia History Bowl. However, they were only in a few classes, if at all. To this day, my best friend has never been in the same class as me. When the spring rolled around, tennis sign-ups were announced. Some people join the marching band, some join theater, and some join sports. I was the person who chose sports. It was decided, I would go during lunch, and fill out multiple forms detailing my contact information and other attributes. The day came to sign up, I was anxious but excited to make new friends. I put my pen to the paper and started signing up. One particular question stood out to me; “How long have you been playing tennis?” I paused, trying to count the years that felt like they stretched on for, well forever. For once, I did not feel like playing a sport was a chore, it was something I actually wanted to do. I wrote “8 years” on the small line next to the question. Something must have stood out on my forms, probably the length of time, but I was asked to practice with the varsity team on my first day. I was overjoyed. I played as well as I could have, and ended up being chosen for 4th seed singles and 3rd seed doubles. This was more than I could have hoped for with so many accomplished athletes on the team. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I was devastated, but so was the rest of the world. I would survive, and when tennis returned for my sophomore year, everything went uphill from there. Tennis has provided me with leadership opportunities, decision-making skills, and better communication skills. I became “assistant” team captain my sophomore year, as my doubles partner was the one with the most seniority, so I helped with some decisions. In my junior year, I became co-captain with my new doubles partner, and we continue that this year. I can make decisions that will affect the whole team in a timely manner and positive way. Deciding how it is best to stretch and warm up before playing, giving the pre-match pep talk, and even something as small as deciding what uniforms to wear to what match. Additionally, I coordinated out-of-season meetings and currently manage the communication system for the entire team. If someone needs help getting to a match, I am the one they ask. Though sometimes it is stressful, the benefits surely outweigh the drawbacks. These skills will benefit me when I go to college because they are not specific to only tennis. Group projects need leaders who make decisions by communicating with the rest of the group. Decision-making skills are needed in everyday life, not just in the professional workplace. I began playing tennis when I was 7 years old. I stand here, 11 years later, proof that tennis has impacted my life and will continue impacting my life for years to come.

West Virginia is a state filled with proud people. To be a West Virginian is to be passionate, adventurous, and curious. I was not born in West Virginia, and sometimes I don't feel like I have the same connection to the state that some of my friends do. However, this beautiful state is the only one I can remember. My childhood was filled with adventures into the woods behind my house, hikes with my family, and bike rides through my neighborhood. Notably, the outdoors in general were a large part, and continue to be a major part of my life. However, living in West Virginia has shaped my view of the world in a major way. There's poverty rampant in the towns I drive through, and when I learned about drugs in my forensic class, the opioid epidemic immediately came to mind. However, those aren't the only influences in living here. Living in West Virginia has shaped my views of people. In 8th grade, I was on the West Virginia History Bowl champion team. I had not even planned on being on the team, but when my history teacher needed a replacement for someone who left, I was the student who stepped up. Without joining that team, I would never have the amazing friendships to which I am dedicated. We learned about our beautiful state's history while strengthening our own. West Virginia has an interesting political climate, to say the least. In many cases, it does not work for everyone who resides here. Decisions are made in the legislature that many do not agree with. I quickly developed my own opinions and researched them thoroughly. I've protested for the causes I support, like teacher pay raises, among others. I registered to vote as soon as I turned 18, to not wait a moment longer than I needed to make a difference. I'm staying in-state for college, so I will be able to experience this untouched piece of nature for a little while longer. West Virginia and the people here are stronger than stone, taller than trees, and contain more resilience than I ever could have imagined. I am proud to be a West Virginian, but I am also thankful for how West Virginia has shaped my view of the world, in such a unique way. People often only see the negative from the outside; the opioids, the poverty, the homelessness. However, when you're here, living life in West Virginia, it's not so bad. The beauty of nature, the old brick building on the banks of rivers, and the dedication to our state, only help amplify the best parts of West Virginia. I am proud to be a West Virginian and am thankful for the experiences it has brought me.

"Can we pleeeease get a dog?" That's the sound of 8 year old me pleading with my parents over the course of several months. My younger sister too, helped me in my pursuit of a furry friend to welcome to our home. Soon enough, we all piled into my dad's blue pickup truck and drove to the Marion County Humane Society animal shelter. My sister and I shook with excitement, dogs lined the walls of the building. They were all barking loudly, except for two, sisters as it turned out. We left the shelter with not one, but two new additions to the family that day. Nikki and Tilly were the names we picked for them. This was because to 6 and 8 year old kids, their previous names of Nestle and Toots were just not going to happen. I've grown up knowing the friendly faces of my dogs, and to be honest I can't remember a time without them. Now, I just find dog hair all over my black dress pants and a constant stuffy nose. However, my allergies do not prevent me from loving them wholeheartedly, and it certainly doesn't stop them from being all up in my face when I sit on the ground. They sense my mood better than any human I have ever known. When I'm feeling sad or on the verge of tear from stress, they know just what to do. Usually it is Tilly who pushes her snout against my bedroom door and wiggles her way inside, just to sit her head on my lap. Her very presence is able to calm me. It's like dogs are magical. She comforts me, and in return I pet her, which I'm sure she appreciates. Nikki on the other hand, will lay in her bed all day, until she feels like her sister is getting too much attention. Then, she will push her way into getting more pats. Even so, Nikki is a calmer source of comfort, simply making me aware that she is there. Whereas Tilly will playfully nuzzle into my leg, in order to get more pats. It pains me to see them growing older. Their bones are aching and their arthritis shows. The lumps on their bodies become more pronounced and their active spirits get tired. We used to play outside any chance we had, but now running hurts them. However, in their old age, their role in my life as a steady presence becomes even more important. With college and scholarship applications becoming increasingly more stressful, when Nikki or Tilly come to my side and just lay there, I become calmer. Their place in my life has been emotional support, but even more so, they are a part of my family.