"Don't let anyone define you. You define yourself." -Ginni Rometty
How i define myselfFor most of my life, I let what other people said define me. I believed what people said and took the words to heart. I was the teacher's pet, the try hard, and the "reason we lost every game." As I grew older, I realized that while people's opinions matter, it is the labels that I apply to myself that truly define me. I am no longer just some girl that doesn't like to follow the crowd; I am me. I am a unique individual with a curious mind, an eye for art, and a love for reading all genres of books. I am a Girl Scout, a missionary, a passionate leader, and a child of God.
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My Family's influence
My family and upbringing are integral parts of the person I am today. I was raised in an extended family of farmers and factory workers. Hard work has always been part of my life, from spending hours in the hay fields to receiving good grades. Doing my best is natural, not only because it is expected, but because it the example set by my parents and grandparents. I have been taught true strength, a strength that is not exclusively physical but encompasses strength of character and of spirit. I have been taught that some tasks are too large to be handled alone. I know that asking for help is not showing weakness, but acknowledging that there is strength in numbers. Openness to assistance is not seen as degrading, but as an opportunity to trust. My family understands that one’s name is powerful and that reputation is delicate. I am part of a family that values time spent with family and in church more than time at work. I was raised to respect the value of material possessions, but know better than to seek them over personal blessings. As the oldest child and grandchild in my family, I lead by example. I seek to encourage those younger than myself to work towards the same pride and integrity that was instilled in me. My family taught me that perseverance and dependability are not the quickest route to happiness, but are the surest. I know that these lessons will continue to shape my life as I grow older. I am proud to have a family of such hard working and thoughtful people.
The picture above on the left depicts my cousins on my mother's side. The photograph on the right is my mother, my father, my mother's siblings, and myself.
The picture above on the left depicts my cousins on my mother's side. The photograph on the right is my mother, my father, my mother's siblings, and myself.
Before reading this, please take a moment and read the poem accessed by the link below. This poem I wrote in AP Literature accurately portrays the war raging inside me. Even as a young child I showed aptitude in both the sciences and the arts. The problems in both science and mathematics were easy to solve with the correct laws and theories. The lack of problems in sketching brought me peace. I find expressing myself through art to be both freeing and relaxing. The two pieces above are examples of my work from this year. The one is a sharpie and watercolor elephant and the other is a graphite sketch of a woman praying. I was lucky to be able to take art class for the first time since I was in elementary school this year. The class opened my eyes to the many concepts and career paths within the arts. Never before in my life had I considered pursuing my passion for putting together creative pieces. Although I think that I will pursue a career in the sciences, I know that my love for art will bring me joy throughout my life.
At this point in my life, logic prevails. I love the challenge of working out a difficult math problem and I watch medical documentaries in my free time. I have never been particularly skilled in athletics, but I think that I can make a pretty accurate comparison using soccer. I suspect that the feeling one gets after making a goal is comparable to the feeling I get after solving an especially challenging math problem. Calculus this past year pushed me in ways I had never been pushed before. I enjoyed the experience and wish that Mrs. Cousineau could be math teacher as I work through college next year. Even when the concepts were difficult Mrs. Cousineau showed me that I was capable of working through longs sets of steps one by one. I am very thankful to her for helping me through one of the most challenging courses I have taken so far. The experience taught me that as long as I am willing to work, I can be successful.
The picture on the left, at an FFA conference, is representative of the logical side of me. Right before this picture was taken, the man running the station complimented my on my steady hand and good eye for precise movement, This was a wonderful compliment because I plan on chasing my passion for science by entering the medical field.
At this point in my life, logic prevails. I love the challenge of working out a difficult math problem and I watch medical documentaries in my free time. I have never been particularly skilled in athletics, but I think that I can make a pretty accurate comparison using soccer. I suspect that the feeling one gets after making a goal is comparable to the feeling I get after solving an especially challenging math problem. Calculus this past year pushed me in ways I had never been pushed before. I enjoyed the experience and wish that Mrs. Cousineau could be math teacher as I work through college next year. Even when the concepts were difficult Mrs. Cousineau showed me that I was capable of working through longs sets of steps one by one. I am very thankful to her for helping me through one of the most challenging courses I have taken so far. The experience taught me that as long as I am willing to work, I can be successful.
The picture on the left, at an FFA conference, is representative of the logical side of me. Right before this picture was taken, the man running the station complimented my on my steady hand and good eye for precise movement, This was a wonderful compliment because I plan on chasing my passion for science by entering the medical field.
My beliefs have always been an important part of my life, I have attended the same church for nearly all of the 18 years of my life. It is the same church my mother grew up in. When I was younger, I took my faith for granted. I attended church with my family because that is what we did. I believed what they believed because that is how I was raised. When I was 13, I went to Mexico to do mission work. The picture in the middle above shows the little girl, Feli, that I worked with. The moment I held her in my arms, my beliefs began to gain personal merit. I began to understand what hope and grace truly meant. I joined the church in 8th grade with a much more personal relationship with God than I had ever had before. In high school, I went on several more mission trips to Tennessee, New York, and Missouri. On each of these trips I helped others, explored my faith, and formed relationships that remain to this day.
The picture on the far left is of a verse found in 1 Corinthians. It is a brief portion of a larger set of verses that tell us that everyone has a gift to share. It is especially significant to me because it is this set of verses that I focused on when I gave my first sermon to the congregation I grew up in. When I gave this sermon, I realized the sheer number of people I have standing behind me. I am lucky to be a part of a close knit group of individuals that would truly do anything for me. The cross on the far right is a symbol of my personal values and the peace that comes from hope and trust in Jesus Christ.
The button on the left below will take you to the Congregationalist, a christian magazine. In this magazine, there is an article that my mother was asked to write in reference to the previously mentioned trip I took to Mexico. It is about my experience becoming a servant of God (page 28). This is the one experience that I would consider a turning point in my life. I can clearly see the difference between me before and me after the experience. I was exposed to a new culture as well as extreme poverty and need. I left Michigan ready to leave my mark, and I returned with a heavy heart and new appreciation for what I have. I also returned with a renewed sense of purpose and a passion for service.
The second button will take you to a poem I wrote regarding my experience with Feli. This poem goes into my struggle for understanding and highlights the strong bonds of love that can be nearly instantaneous.
The picture on the far left is of a verse found in 1 Corinthians. It is a brief portion of a larger set of verses that tell us that everyone has a gift to share. It is especially significant to me because it is this set of verses that I focused on when I gave my first sermon to the congregation I grew up in. When I gave this sermon, I realized the sheer number of people I have standing behind me. I am lucky to be a part of a close knit group of individuals that would truly do anything for me. The cross on the far right is a symbol of my personal values and the peace that comes from hope and trust in Jesus Christ.
The button on the left below will take you to the Congregationalist, a christian magazine. In this magazine, there is an article that my mother was asked to write in reference to the previously mentioned trip I took to Mexico. It is about my experience becoming a servant of God (page 28). This is the one experience that I would consider a turning point in my life. I can clearly see the difference between me before and me after the experience. I was exposed to a new culture as well as extreme poverty and need. I left Michigan ready to leave my mark, and I returned with a heavy heart and new appreciation for what I have. I also returned with a renewed sense of purpose and a passion for service.
The second button will take you to a poem I wrote regarding my experience with Feli. This poem goes into my struggle for understanding and highlights the strong bonds of love that can be nearly instantaneous.
My philosophy
It was not long ago that I was asked my life philosophy. It was for the local paper and I thought hard about a single idea that would define my behavior and lifestyle. I felt ridiculous because, at just 18 years old, I didn't have many experiences to base a life philosophy on. I eventually realized that one does not have to know all the answers to have a moral framework. I pulled from my experiences up to this point and I came to the conclusion that my life philosophy can be best defined by my desire to help people and make a difference in my world. I am happiest when serving others and know that unselfish service not only benefits the recipient, but the servant as well. I believe that changing the world doesn't have to mean that everyone knows my name; sometimes all it takes to change someones world forever is a kind word or a helping hand. I know that as I grow older and gain wisdom, my philosophies and views will continue to morph based on my life experiences to better suit me and my life.
My future
I am extremely excited to begin the next chapter of my life. I am proud to say that I was accepted into and will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall and as of right now, hope to discover whether or not medicine is my calling. I am looking forward to the freedom and new challenges that will come with being a college student. I know that the University of Michigan will give me countless opportunities to explore my interests and to discover new ones. I know that both my family and experiences throughout my education have aptly prepared me to meet the expectations of professors and future employers. I am excited to meet all kinds of new people and to travel to new places. I know that this next chapter of my life will be exciting and overwhelming and I look forward to meeting the challenge.
My advice
If I could go back in time, I would be more outgoing and more willing to take risks. I have always been safe and never make a decision without thinking of how if will affect me into the future. For a long time, I had a hard time laughing at myself and was self-conscious and paranoid of what others thought of me. Although my sense of humor and self-image have improved over the years, I am still not very outgoing and wish that I was better at going with the flow. I would encourage those younger than me to make wise decisions, but also allow yourself to make mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable and no amount of planning or studying will prevent them all.
Be the person you are, not the person others think you are.
Do things that make YOU happy.
Consider the consequences of your actions, good and bad.
Never turn away an opportunity without seriously considering it; you never know which will change your life.
A glance at My life in pictures
Conclusion
I would like to conclude by making one final comparison. The differences between the girl that walked into high school freshman year and the girl that is preparing to walk are many. At 14 years old was a bit of know it all, I didn't take enough time to consider the ideas of others because I was so sure mine were correct. I was bossy and not very flexible. I was also very afraid of change. Now, at 18, I try to consider other ideas as equal to my own. I have taken on many leadership positions that have taught me that one does not have to be constantly commanding others to lead. I have learned that to lead is truly to guide and that everyone, including myself, goes astray or lacks focus sometimes. I also continue to work on my hatred of spontaneity because I know that life does not always look at my planner before it throws something at me. I know that I have a long way to go before I become the person I truly want to be, I look forward to the journey and cannot wait to see what is in store for my life.