I have always wondered what education, or lack thereof, can do to a person. I was raised on a small farm in Clayton, Washington the very same farm both my grandpa and my mother were raised. I never expected to leave that town. I wanted to attend Whitworth University like my mother and never fully branch out. As I grew older, however, I became aware of the artistic skills that my grandfather and uncle both had. They had such great artistic skills that had only ever been a hobby to them. My grandfather grew up to take over the farm he had lived on as a child and never expected to leave. He never did. My uncle grew up in the same way, never expecting to leave the place he grew up in and being confined by his head. Fortunately, my mother had put herself through college and later after raising me, got married, and moved us to the greater Seattle area. I was exposed to greater education and ideas of what I could do for myself. In high school, I took my first true art class. Everything clicked. I realized that I had the artistic ability my family had shown to be only a hobby. Ever since then, I knew that I was going to pursue work in the arts. I continued to take art classes throughout high school and attended Western Washington University to pursue a graphic design degree. Unfortunately, after 2 years, I was denied into my major. Crushed, I decided to look at my other options. Communications with a minor in Design? Nope. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I thought back to my grandpa and what he could have done if he had pursued art. I knew that I had to major in graphic design. I then moved back with my parents and began working part-time while attending school remotely at Full Sail University once again majoring in Graphic design. This is where I have been for the past year. Working part-time in retail, and learning more about my craft. As I am nearing graduation, I find myself reflecting more and more about where I have come from. Who I have come from. My small farmer family never thought they could do anything greater despite their great potential. I found that potential in myself and decided that I would not waste my life by limiting myself. I will push myself to think bigger and find myself in a career that will make me happy.

“Can you name something teenage girls can be interested in without being made fun of?” -Wilbur Soot This quote comes from a lighthearted video where the creator known by Wilbur Soot asks simply if there is anything a teen girl can like without being made fun of to which the other creator, known as Philza, is speechless and cannot provide an answer. For example, if a girl likes makeup they will be told they are "too fake" or if a girl likes to play sports she is told to prove herself. As a teenage girl who likes to sew I know that I could be made fun of for being "like an old lady" for liking a hobby that is so traditional. When I remember this quote I become motivated to do the things that girls are made fun of for, to push against the barrier. I know that you can't make everyone happy and that is why you should focus on what makes you happy. After all, life is short and we shouldn't be afraid of what others think.

“Can you name something teenage girls can be interested in without being made fun of?” -Wilbur Soot This quote comes from a lighthearted video where the creator known by Wilbur Soot asks simply if there is anything a teen girl can like without being made fun of to which the other creator known as Philza, is speechless and cannot provide an answer. For example if a girl likes makeup they will be told they are "too fake" or if a girl likes to play sports she is told to prove herself. As a teenage girl who likes to sew I know that I could be made fun of for being "like an old lady" for liking a hobby that is so traditional. When I remember this quote I become motivated to do the things that girls are made fun of for, to push against the barrier. I know that you cant make everyone happy and that is why you should focus on what makes you happy. After all, life is short and we shouldn't be afraid of what others think.

I'm not a traditional adoptee. I was born to a single mother in a rural town in Spokane county. Every day my mom and I would pray that one day I would have a dad. At some point in my life, I lost hope that I would ever have a dad and had come to accept it. Finally, when I was 8 years old, my mom got married to my dad. I was so happy to finally have a dad. Unfortunately, that meant we had to move all the way across Washington. I was extremely upset. It was hard moving to a new school. I had to leave all my old friends behind. A few years after, I asked him to adopt me. Because of him, I was exposed to the hobbies and people I love as well as the career pathway I want to take. Because of my experience, I've learned to appreciate how much life can change when someone enters your life and how to cherish them more than anything. I wouldn't be where I am today without my dad. Now having a dad, I feel more connected to both of my parents. Before my parents were married I would practically live with my grandparents while my mom worked. Now, my family sits together every night for dinner. We play games and very happy. I truly wouldn't be where I am now without my dad and I appreciate him every day. I wouldn't change anything about my life. I am a better person because of where I came from. My dad has sparked my interest in science and learning as a whole. I plan to work hard at college and make him proud.

I was born to a single mother who worked hard and did her best to raise me. Every day my mom and I would pray that one day I would have a dad. At some point in my life, I lost hope that I would ever have a dad and had come to accept it. Finally, when I was 8 years old, my mom got married to my dad. I was so happy to finally have a dad. Unfortunately, that meant we had to move all the way across Washington. I was extremely upset. It was hard moving to a new school. I started to make new friends and get hobbies that I would never have a chance to do in my old town. I am so thankful for my dad. Because of him, I was exposed to the hobbies and people I love as well as the career pathway I want to take. I wouldn't be where I am today without him.

Me when schools open up and I inevitably forget my backpack. @demson412

I had practiced for so long. Three whole months of hard work had gone down the drain. The crowd couldn't see it, but I was devastated. I finished the song and stood up from the bench. The crowd was hidden in the darkness of the auditorium. I curtsied and gracefully walked off the stage to where the rest of the contestants were. I fealt like a failure; I failed myself. My legs were shaking while my stomach was knotted. Somehow, I was able to hide my frustration from the audience and the judges. I only managed to stifle my tears until I got behind the curtains. Once I was entirely behind the curtain, hidden from view, tears flooded down my face. A thunderstorm of frustration was hiding in my brain. Every flash of lightning was a flash of anger towards myself. Every rumble of thunder was thought of regret and disappointment. The other contestants ran to my side asking me what was wrong. "I messed up the entire middle section of my song," I sputtered through sobs. "I didn't notice anything wrong," One girl said. The rest of the girls agreed. I couldn't say the same. My heart was broken. My hopes of winning were gone. I couldn't believe that I messed up after all the work I put in. Ever since I was five, I wanted to be part of a pageant. Pageants have had a special place in my heart and it was always my dream to compete in one. In January of my sophomore year of high school, I found and competed in the Miss Auburn's Outstanding teen program. I decided that for my talent I would play the piano. I had played piano since the first grade. The whole song was memorized three months before the pageant even took place. I played the song perfectly during the dress rehearsals. I was confident that I was going to play it perfectly again that Saturday. When I was on stage that night, I made a huge mistake in my song and I was devastated. However, later that same night, I ended up winning four hundred dollars in scholarships. My emotions were still lurking my brain though. I still didn't want to think about what happened. I couldn't touch a piano for months after the pageant. Half a year later, I finally brought myself to watch the video of my performance. I realized that I shouldn't let a mistake from the past cause me to fear making more mistakes. I learned to be more forgiving of myself. I have changed how mistakes affect me. I learned that I shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes. Instead of fearing my mistakes and letting them get to me, I now know how to have a positive outlook and instead allowing me to grow and learn from my mistakes. Mistakes shouldn't be shunned but instead invited for it teaches you growth and humility.

I had practiced for so long. Three whole months of hard work had gone down the drain. The crowd couldn't see it, but I was devastated. I finished the song and stood up from the bench. The crowd was hidden in the darkness of the auditorium. I curtsied and gracefully walked off the stage to where the rest of the contestants were. I felt like a failure; I failed myself. My legs were shaking while my stomach was knotted. Somehow, I was able to hide my frustration from the audience and the judges. I only managed to stifle my tears until I got behind the curtains. Once I was entirely behind the curtain, hidden from view, tears flooded down my face. A thunderstorm of frustration was hiding in my brain. Every flash of lightning was a flash of anger towards myself. Every rumble of thunder was thought of regret and disappointment. The other contestants ran to my side asking me what was wrong. "I messed up the entire middle section of my song," I sputtered through sobs. "I didn't notice anything wrong," One girl said. The rest of the girls agreed. I couldn't say the same. My heart was broken. My hopes of winning were gone. I couldn't believe that I messed up after all the work I put in. Ever since I was five, I wanted to be part of a pageant. Pageants have had a special place in my heart and it was always my dream to compete in one. In January of my sophomore year of high school, I found and competed in the Miss Auburn's Outstanding teen program. I decided that for my talent I would play the piano. I had played piano since the first grade. I thought it would be a safe talent considering I've had experience in playing in front of an audience. I had the whole song memorized 3 months before the pageant even took place. I played the song perfectly during the dress rehearsals. I was confident that I was going to play it perfectly again that Saturday. When I was on stage that night, I made a huge mistake in my song and I was devastated. However, later that same night, I ended up winning four hundred dollars in scholarships. I didn't end up completely failing, I thought to myself. My emotions were still lurking my brain though. I still didn't want to think about what happened. I couldn't touch a piano for months after the pageant. Half a year later, I finally brought myself to watch the video of my performance. I realized that I shouldn't let a mistake from the past cause me to fear making more mistakes. I learned to be more forgiving of myself. I have changed how mistakes affect me. I learned that I shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes. Instead of fearing my mistakes and letting them get to me, I now know how to have a positive outlook and instead allowing me to grow and learn from my mistakes. Mistakes shouldn't be shunned but instead invited for it teaches you growth and humility.

A bone a day keeps the fleas away! Instagram: @demson412 Dogs name: Bree

My whole life I wanted to participate in pageant scholarship programs, these pictures are from my experience competing at Miss Auburn. I came in not knowing the level of self improvement I would come out with. I had never been on stage before let alone been in a pageant. I learned how to interview, showcase talent, perform, and speak to a public audience. Miss Auburn gave me so much confidence in myself that I couldn't have obtained anywhere else. Though it was scary, I loved it and now suggest pageants for the not just the scholarships but for the experience.

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