My dad’s incarceration has had a profound effect on my life, shaping how I navigate my emotions and view important moments. I didn’t spend my first Christmas with him until I was five years old, and that set the tone for a relationship marked by absence. When he was released, we had almost 12 years of him being present, and during that time, I got to experience what it was like to have him in my life more consistently. But just as I was entering a pivotal moment—my senior year of high school—he was sent back to jail. It’s been a hard adjustment, especially because this year is supposed to be full of milestones and celebrations, things I imagined sharing with both of my parents. Turning 18, senior nights, and graduation are moments I’ve looked forward to my whole life. Knowing that my dad won’t be there to witness these milestones hits hard. I often think about how different it would feel to look out and see him in the crowd or to celebrate these major life moments with him by my side. There’s a sense of loss that comes with knowing he’ll miss out on these experiences, moments that should have been shared between us. It’s also been tough emotionally. I’m constantly reminded of his absence, especially during times when I see other people being supported by both of their parents. That’s not to say I don’t have love and support—I’m incredibly fortunate to have a strong relationship with my mom, stepdad, and sister—but it’s just different. My dad’s absence creates a void that’s hard to fill, especially during moments when I want him to be proud of what I’ve achieved or when I just need his presence. I’ve had to develop ways to cope with the emotions that come with his incarceration. A big part of my self-care has been allowing myself to be true to my feelings. I’ve realized that it’s okay to be upset, to feel frustrated, and to grieve the moments we won’t share. Acknowledging those feelings helps me process them instead of bottling them up. But at the same time, I know that I can’t let those feelings hold me back. I have to keep looking forward, focusing on the positive things ahead. Life doesn’t stop because he’s not here, and I have to keep pushing toward my goals and my future. I’ve learned to find balance between honoring my emotions and staying optimistic. I take care of myself by staying present, reminding myself that while it’s okay to be upset, I also need to look forward to the best that’s yet to come. I can still celebrate my achievements, even if he’s not there physically, and I hold on to the hope that we’ll be able to reconnect when the time is right. It’s a tough journey, but I know I have the strength to move forward while keeping my heart open to the possibility of a better future.

My life has been a journey full of love, challenges, and learning to take control of my own destiny. At the heart of it all is my family—my mother, stepdad, and sister—whom I love deeply. We have the most amazing times together, whether it’s enjoying simple moments at home or celebrating milestones. The bond we share is unbreakable, and it gives me a sense of safety and warmth. No matter what challenges I face, I know I can always rely on them for support. They are my foundation, and I cherish every moment we spend together. However, life hasn’t always been easy. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is my relationship with my dad. It’s been tough trying to build a connection with him because of his incarceration. For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with the disappointment of not having him around, of not being able to share moments with him like other people do with their fathers. It’s hard to explain the mix of emotions that come with that—love, hurt, frustration, and sometimes even anger. There are times when I feel let down, like I’m missing out on something important. Growing up with this has definitely impacted me, especially emotionally. There were days when I would carry that pain with me, and it would show up at school or at home. But over time, I’ve come to understand that while my dad’s situation is difficult, I can’t let it define me. I’ve realized that I don’t have control over his choices or his circumstances, but I do have control over how I respond to it. This has been a huge turning point for me. The moment I realized I was in control of my own world was empowering. Instead of focusing on the things I couldn’t change, I started to focus on what I could. I’ve come to understand that where I want to be in life depends on the work I put in. Nothing is going to be handed to me, and that’s okay because I’m ready to earn it. I know that if I want to achieve my goals and create the life I’ve dreamed of, it’s going to take dedication, effort, and resilience. There are days when it’s hard, and the weight of everything feels overwhelming, but I remind myself that I’m capable of overcoming these obstacles. I have a vision of the life I want, and I’m determined to make it happen. I’ve learned to push through the difficult moments, knowing that they are just stepping stones toward something greater. The love and support of my family keep me grounded, and their belief in me gives me the strength to keep going, even when things get tough. I’m proud of the person I’m becoming, and I know that every challenge I’ve faced has made me stronger. My dad’s situation is still a part of my life, but it doesn’t control my narrative. I do. I’m writing my own story, and I’m committed to making it one of success, growth, and happiness. With hard work, focus, and the love of my family, I know I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

. My health has shaped a big part of my life, and it has definitely made me see things differently from most kids my age. One of my earliest memories is when I found out I was born with only one kidney. The doctors explained how this would affect me as I grew up. I had to eat differently, be more careful when playing, and miss a lot of school for doctor visits. I was even told I shouldn’t play sports because of the risk of injury, and that news was really tough. I’ve loved sports since I was five, and hearing that I might have to give them up felt like losing a part of myself. I wasn’t ready to quit, so I adapted and stuck to special diets, stayed on top of my appointments, and learned how to be more cautious. Sports became more than just fun; they were my way of proving to myself and everyone else that I could push through. Being active was my outlet, my way of dealing with all the worries and frustrations. Then came sophomore year, and things got even more complicated. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. I was scared because I knew what it could mean; I’d seen my mom and grandma struggle with it. I worried that this was going to be the thing that stopped me from playing sports for good. It was hard to figure out at first. I saw my friends eat whatever they wanted while I had to be careful. I was already into sports like softball, basketball, and golf, but diabetes meant I had to think differently about everything. Playing sports with diabetes was tough. During golf season, the heat would mess with my blood sugar levels, making me feel dizzy and sluggish, and it was hard to focus. I had to bring snacks everywhere, which made me feel out of place because no one else had to deal with it. But I didn’t let it stop me. I worked with my endocrinologist to figure out a plan to keep playing. I learned how to check my blood sugar regularly, adjust my diet, and always be prepared at practices and games. Balancing all of this with high school life—sports, clubs, volunteering, and a part-time job—wasn’t easy. It meant learning how to manage my time better, speak up for myself, and build routines that kept me healthy without giving up the things I loved. I had to make a lot of changes to stay on track, and that’s taught me how to be resilient and keep going even when things get tough. Now, as I’m getting ready to go to college, I know I’ll be facing a completely new challenge. I’ll be on my own when it comes to making choices about what to eat. I also will have to be sure I stay on top of my medication. I won’t have my parents reminding me. I will have to step up and take charge of my health in a whole new way. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m excited to prove to myself that I can handle it. My health conditions have definitely shaped my life, but they don’t define me. They’ve taught me how to work hard, stay organized, and never give up on the things that matter to me. I’ve learned that every challenge is just another chance to grow, and I’m ready to take on whatever comes next with the same determination that’s gotten me this far.

Cancer has been a difficult part of my life for as long as I can remember. My great-grandmother has been battling this disease since I was little, and even now, she’s still fighting it. As a child, I didn’t fully understand what cancer was; I just knew that my great-grandmother was sick and that it made everyone around me worried. As I grew older, I learned more about the disease and realized that she had fought it multiple times over the years. Seeing her go through this again and again has been tough, and it’s had a significant impact on me both at home and at school. Learning that my great-grandmother had cancer when I was younger was confusing. I knew she had to go to the hospital a lot and that she didn’t feel well, but I didn’t grasp the seriousness of what she was going through. As I got older, though, I began to understand that cancer wasn’t something that just went away. It kept coming back, and every time it did, it was like a dark cloud over our family. Knowing that she’s still fighting it now is hard. I admire her strength, but it’s tough to see her struggle with something so serious for so long. Watching her battle cancer has had a huge effect on me, especially when it comes to handling my emotions. At school, there are days when it’s really hard to focus because I’m worried about her. Sometimes I’ll be sitting in class, and my mind will drift to thoughts of how she’s doing or if she’s okay. It’s hard to concentrate on my schoolwork when all I can think about is her health. There have been times when I’ve fallen behind on assignments or found it difficult to stay engaged in class because of everything going on at home. At home, it’s even harder to keep my emotions in check. The atmosphere is often tense, and there’s a constant undercurrent of worry that’s hard to escape. I try to be strong for my family, but there are moments when the emotions become too much. It’s difficult to hide how I’m feeling, and sometimes, I just need to let it out. There have been nights when I’ve broken down, overwhelmed by the sadness and fear of what might happen next. It’s hard to balance being a high school student and dealing with something so heavy at the same time. Through all of this, I’ve learned some important lessons. I’ve realized how important it is to cherish the time we have with the people we love. My great-grandmother’s strength has inspired me to keep going, even when things are tough. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to lean on others for support. I used to try to handle everything on my own, but I’ve come to understand that talking about my feelings and asking for help when I need it is crucial. In many ways, cancer has forced me to grow up faster than I might have otherwise. It’s made me more empathetic and resilient, but it’s also shown me the importance of being present and appreciating the good moments, no matter how small. My great-grandmother’s battle with cancer has had a huge impact on my life, but it’s also taught me the value of love, family, and perseverance. These are lessons I’ll carry with me long after high school, as I continue to navigate the challenges that life throws my way.

Giving back to the community has always been a significant part of my life. Volunteering and helping others is not just something I do, but it’s a core value that shapes who I am. From working with Habitat for Humanity to donating clothes and athletic equipment, I’ve found countless ways to contribute to my community. Through these experiences, I've learned the importance of kindness, empathy, and the power of collective effort. One of my most rewarding experiences was volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. This organization’s mission to provide affordable housing to families in need resonated deeply with me. The idea that I could help build a safe and secure home for someone was both humbling and empowering. I remember the first time I participated in a build. The day started early, with the sun barely up, but the energy among the volunteers was palpable. We were a diverse group, from various walks of life, all coming together for a common cause. As we hammered nails, carried lumber, and worked together to raise walls, I felt a profound sense of connection—not just with the people around me, but with the community at large. Each nail driven into the wood represented a step closer to a family having a place to call home. The physical labor was challenging, but the sense of accomplishment at the end of the day made every sore muscle worth it. The gratitude in the eyes of the future homeowners as they saw their house take shape was an experience I’ll never forget. This hands-on approach to community service taught me the value of hard work, teamwork, and the impact that even a single person can make when they contribute their time and effort. In addition to my work with Habitat for Humanity, I’m actively involved in various community service clubs at school. These clubs have provided me with numerous opportunities to give back in different ways. Whether it’s organizing charity events, participating in clean-up drives, or mentoring younger students, I’ve always sought to contribute positively. Through these clubs, I’ve developed leadership skills and learned how to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of community and the power of collective action. Another way I give back is by donating clothes, shoes, and athletic equipment. I’m fortunate to have access to resources that others may not, and I believe in sharing what I have with those in need. Every few months, I go through my belongings and gather items that are in good condition but that I no longer use. I donate these to local shelters and organizations that distribute them to those who need them most. It’s a small act, but I know it can make a big difference to someone who’s struggling. Overall, my approach to giving back to the community is grounded in the belief that kindness and generosity can have a ripple effect. Whether through volunteering, participating in community clubs, or donating items, I strive to be an all-around good person and a positive force in the world around me. Each act of service, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good, and I’m committed to continuing this journey of giving and making a difference in the lives of others.

All my life, people have asked me, “Is it hard to manage? Does it affect you?” when they find out about my health. Sometimes, I just say, “I’m fine; it doesn’t affect me much.” But deep down, I know that isn’t the full story. My health has shaped a big part of my life, and it has definitely made me see things differently from most kids my age. One of my earliest memories is when I found out I was born with only one kidney. The doctors explained how this would affect me as I grew up. I had to eat differently, be more careful when playing, and miss a lot of school for doctor visits. I was even told I shouldn’t play sports because of the risk of injury, and that news was really tough. I’ve loved sports since I was five, and hearing that I might have to give them up felt like losing a part of myself. I wasn’t ready to quit, so I adapted and stuck to special diets, stayed on top of my appointments, and learned how to be more cautious. Sports became more than just fun; they were my way of proving to myself and everyone else that I could push through. Being active was my outlet, my way of dealing with all the worries and frustrations. Then came sophomore year, and things got even more complicated. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes. I was scared because I knew what it could mean; I’d seen my mom and grandma struggle with it. I worried that this was going to be the thing that stopped me from playing sports for good. It was hard to figure out at first. I saw my friends eat whatever they wanted while I had to be careful. I was already into sports like softball, basketball, and golf, but diabetes meant I had to think differently about everything. Playing sports with diabetes was tough. During golf season, the heat would mess with my blood sugar levels, making me feel dizzy and sluggish, and it was hard to focus. I had to bring snacks everywhere, which made me feel out of place because no one else had to deal with it. But I didn’t let it stop me. I worked with my endocrinologist to figure out a plan to keep playing. I learned how to check my blood sugar regularly, adjust my diet, and always be prepared at practices and games. My health conditions have definitely shaped my life, but they don’t define me. They’ve taught me how to work hard, stay organized, and never give up on the things that matter to me. I’ve learned that every challenge is just another chance to grow, and I’m ready to take on whatever comes next with the same determination that’s gotten me this far.