My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges. I come from a very strong literary place and I have always loved my English classes in school. I certainly hope that I am well fitted for this scholarship.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.

My name is Sophia Jensen, and I am a Senior at Freeman High School. I believe God allows hurdles to be put in front of us, and those hurdles represent things that either completely stop us in our tracks, trip us up or make us stronger. The “hurdles” in my life have represented some pretty significant obstacles. I was born in Spokane to a single mother; my father lived in Spokane, literally blocks away, but was not involved in my life once he and my mom decided their relationship was not going to work out. My mom and I clung to one another. I am mixed-race as my mother was mixed-race; we look so much alike. My mom was amazing, and she loved me well. Mom received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, and she understood that my future (with no family able to step in) was uncertain. She knew she needed to find a family for me, so she reached out to a Spokane adoption agency, and we began to interview prospective families together. I met the Jensens (a local family of 4) during that search. I had been an only child for the first eight years of my life (I loved the adventures my mom and I had together!), and the prospect of having sisters was exciting! I spent weekdays with the Jensens (they ran me back and forth to school) and weekends with my mom. This went on until my mom passed away, at which time I was adopted and officially became a Jensen. Figuring out a new family is not easy. It requires hard work by all involved. It demands empathy, communication, and most of all forgiveness. Shortly after I was adopted, my oldest sister was shot in a school shooting at Freeman High School. I found myself once again shuffled between homes as Mom and Dad tried to balance work, family and stays at the hospital. I tell you these stories to say I have experienced a lot. Life has thrown some high hurdles in front of me. If I have learned anything, it would be to run hard between the hurdles. When life gives you a clear path, and the wind is at your back, run! Enjoy the race between the obstacles but prepare yourself for the upcoming hurdle. Hurdles are inevitable; they will end up in your lane. Listen to the cheers; hear those who are rooting for you. Train for the race. Remember the hurdles you have already cleared; nothing can stand in my way considering what I have overcome. Envision the finish line; I want to cross it knowing I left it all on the “track”. I love where I am in my life, and I am so proud of the things I have accomplished. I persevered. I did not let life run me over. I learned to forgive. My biological father is now a part of my life. I have been taught significant life skills needed to succeed. My biological mother had a miscarriage a couple of years before having me. It is crazy and very exciting for me to think that I have a biological sibling waiting to meet me in heaven. I always thought my childhood was very ordinary, but I have come to learn that it was extraordinary. Extraordinary hardship. Extraordinary perseverance. Extraordinary grace. Ultimately, an extraordinary blessing. My life is in no way ordinary, and neither am I! I wanted to share my inspiring life story with you because I feel like this has shown courage when I was facing life challenges.