Writing Prompt #3

What characteristics do you value most in a friend? Explain why they are important.

To me the most important characteristics would be loyalty, honesty and a sense of humor.  Loyalty is important because it’s important for me to know that my friend is always there and always has my back. Honesty is an important quality to me because I want the type of friend that will always tell me the truth. Sometimes I get an idea or make a decision and I need someone to keep me in check, and not be afraid to tell me the truth.  A sense of humor is important to me because I think a person who is funny and humorous tends to be optimistic and positive instead of negative. I also would need a person to be humorous and understand sarcasm in order for us to get along well.

I think trustworthiness and honesty are two of the most important values I look for in a friend. I have to be able to know that what I tell them will not be passed on the whole world. I need a friend to tell me when I sound like a psycho diva or when I'm being a brat, but I also need a friend to be there for me to build my confidence up when I'm feeling bad about myself and my life. I look for self-deprecating people to be my friends because the most fun outings are the ones where my friends and I are making fun of ourselves. 

Writing Prompt #2

What does the following quote mean to you?  "You don’t get to pick where you’re from, but you always have control of where you’re going."

I feel that the people that live the happiest lives are not necessary the people who have the best backgrounds. So many people in this world are born into "bad" families; “bad" families meaning families with drug problems, drinking problems, split parents, and tons of half/step siblings. Just because you are born into a family with less opportunities than most doesn't mean you can't create a life that gives you just as many opportunities. Many times the people that have the power and ability to inspire others are the people who had to work through some hard times. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, if you work hard to better yourself every day you can make it out of any situation. One of my favorite celebrities, Kellie Pickler, grew up in a small town. Her father was constantly in and out of jail and her mother abandoned her at a young age so she lived with her grandparents. Look at her now! A inspiring young woman who truly did go from rags to riches all because she took control of her life and made it into something spectacular.  

The Time I Failed

Describe a significant setback, challenge or opportunity in your life and the impact that it has had on you.

​As Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve failed over and over in my life, and that is why I succeed.” Two things can happen when you fail: you can pity yourself and let negative thoughts take over, or you can learn from the situation and push yourself harder to be a better person and/or athlete.

My junior year tennis season I made it all the way to the singles state championship. I won the first set 6-4, lost the second set 0-6, and lost the grueling third set 4-6. I was mentally and physically drained. Being that close to my dream of winning a state championship and losing was heartbreaking. That awful feeling I got in my gut knowing I failed was one I never want to feel again. As I look back on it now, I realize how important it is to know how to lose the right way in life. Some may fail more than others, but failing is inevitable. It is easy to be thankful and mature when you win. A person's true character comes out when they lose. Sure, if I would've gotten to one more ball, hit one more winner, or served one more ace, I would be a state champion. But the past is the past and there's nothing I can do about it now. I am proud of the fact that I was able to hold myself together, look at the positives, and take in the moment. The girl who beat me was just as deserving of that state title as me.

That one loss doesn’t define me as a tennis player or as a person. As much as I hate failing, I know I am a much more sympathetic and understanding person because of my failures. I am so thankful for my failures because without them I would not appreciate succeeding nearly as much.

Writing Prompt #1

If a handful of people can change the world for the worse, then I am certain that a handful of people can change the world for the better.

What will you do to make this world of ours, which feels so broken right now, a better place?

There are so many little things that make the world a better place. I'm trying to get better about starting conversations with underclassman and people I don't know. I know when other people walk up to me and start a conversation it makes me feel better about my day. Having the slightest positive impact on someone else's day not only makes them feel better but make you feel better about yourself. 

I am also very excited to work with kids when I get out of college. I'm trying to decide between education, speech pathology, and physical therapy. Whatever I end up doing, I want to work with kids and be there for kids that may not have a loving parents. I want to be that person kids go to when they need a little confidence boost or someone to tell them everything will be okay.