"So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God-all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ have done for us in making us friends of God." Romans 5:11 God is very important in my life and I love being able to freely express and share my enthusiasm and God alongside those in my community. Though I was raised in a God-fearing home, I had difficulty finding my place in any type of community once I became a teen. Surely enough, my challenges have shaped me into who I am today, positively impacting my personal growth. This community has helped me mentally and spiritually in various ways. One example is when I was secluded from the world due to covid. I felt a change in my mentality and soon became diagnosed with anxiety. This community helped me by giving me bible verses that were related to what I was going through. This community helped raised my spirits when I was at my lowest and I even started praying more. I practice my faith in several ways, including listening to gospel/praise music, participating in a bible study group, and sharing Bible verses with those in need of a pick-me-up. I always give back to not only this community but other communities as well. One situation where I accomplished this was by interpreting bible verses as well as positive affirmations into a conversation I had with my friend(s) who was going through a hard time. I'm very good at giving advice and so i used this opportunity to share what I learned within this community. I give my all to everyone like God does for me because everyone is deserving of love; God never gives up on anyone so neither will I. Nonetheless, i plan to implement my faith through my educational journey by when I'm lost or need guidance or help of any sort to always reach out to God's hand in the midst of it all. As well to inspire others to live like Christ and beneficially impact others. Having that faith firm in my vision will allow me to fully thrive and grow in the new environment i will soon be exposed to, its what I'm most passionate about. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Sexual assault. A highly significant personal hardship or struggle I've faced would be S.A. This happened 2023 my junior year of high school. I didn't realize it at the time but after deep contemplation on the situation not too long after, i realized i was violated past my boundaries and was so naive to continue being associated with him- he who hurt me. I even stood up for myself but the words I spoke had no weight against his physical strength. I used all the strength I had but God knows how strong his impulsive intuition was. I spoke and I pushed. I begged and I pleaded. But he didn't care. He wanted something from me and would break me beyond repair; just to get his way. I let it happen. I kept quiet so he could still like me. I let him do things to me that I knew were wrong but I somehow felt in my guts that it was right. The steps i took to attempt to overcome this trauma was to accept myself and love myself. To learn my self worth. To not hide my voice. To be true to me. The situation honestly made me stronger and more outgoing; However, I told my current boyfriend about this situation and he also helped me to overcome this setback. He reassured me that God would protect me against all harm, and though that is 100% true, i still have fear and trauma about it. I try everyday to love myself the way i am but sometimes i feel the pain and suffering i went through that day and dissociate myself from myself. But overtime, i know i will become stronger and stronger. This struggle/ hardship had a negative impact of course but it helped push me towards positive situations. I looked at myself differently, i acted differently and i felt differently. But then so, i learned how how love myself no matter what and how to keep faith in Jesus Christ. I will use this tragic situation to reach my future goals by not letting anything stop me from being the best version of myself and getting my science degree's and to impact others by letting them know they are never alone in a situation. Ever. I want them to know its okay to not be happy or comfortable in your own skin, its normal, you have every right to feel the way you feel and you have every right to say what you want to say. Just relax and let God.