Identity

All of my life experiences have affected me in some way, shape, or form. The most influential aspects have been the books I read as a child, joining the Mount crew team, and traveling to Alaska.

I have loved to read since before I can remember. My parents helped to feed my addiction by allowing me to read whatever I pleased. The only time I can remember being told I could not read something was when I asked to read The Other Boleyn Girl at age 10 after seeing the commercial for the soon-to-be-released movie. I was heartbroken and regretted asking for permission, but soon got over my disappointment when my dad gave me To Kill A Mockingbird. Harper Lee's novel showed me the power of an education; before I had read the book, college was just another thing I was supposed to do. Lee and her character, Atticus, showed me the good that can be done when you achieve a degree. Atticus also made me want to stand up for what is right, even when it is hard to do. To Kill A Mockingbird inspired me to work harder in school to ensure I attained my goals of earning a place in a top university, but also inspired me to do the right thing and try to change the world a little at a time, with my degree. The Harry Potter series also had a heavy influence on my life; I first read The Sorcerer's Stone when I was five and spent the next six years dreaming of my Hogwart's letter. It unfortunately never came and I realized it was never going to come, but I never lost the lessons I had learned from reading the series. The books made me strive to have the bravery of a Gryffindor, the acceptance of a Hufflepuff, the drive for knowledge of a Ravenclaw, and the leadership qualities of a Slytherin. The books I read growing up affected the person I wanted to become and the values I hoped to embrace.

Joining the Mount crew team had a major affect on the person I am today. My time management skills and ability to work with a team increased drastically, I became more well-rounded and a better leader, and I was forced out of my comfort zone almost every day. I joined the team as a coxswain my freshman year and I was constantly in control. As a coxswain, I was responsible for the safety of the girls in my boat, who sometimes were years older than me. As a coxswain, I learned the skills needed to be a respected leader who was fun to be with, but was in complete control when the situation called for it. As I got older (and taller), the team needed me to switch from coxswain to rower and I can honestly say it was the most difficult transition of my life. I went from the "brains" of the boat to the brawn. I lost control and was left feeling powerless. For weeks I regretted my decision, I was so far behind the rest of the team, physically and mentally. After about two months of feeling lost and not knowing where I belonged, I finally hit my groove. I still was not at the same level of strength as the other girls, but I was not hopelessly behind. I was able to be competitive and had learned how to push my body harder than I had before. I could handle the pain of a hard workout and was getting better each day. Crew taught me not only physical strength, but also mental strength and skills I need for the rest of my life.

The summer between sixth and seventh grade I traveled to Alaska with my sister, my dad, my uncle, and two of my cousins. We flew from Newark airport to Seattle to Anchorage and spent a week driving from town to town, eating ice cream every day, and having an amazing adventure. The trip kickstarted my want to travel and tour the world. My cousins, sister, and I grew closer with trips to grizzly bear preserves, morning sunrises, hours in the car, afternoon ice cream, and practicing our moose calls. Traveling to Alaska had a strong influence on my future plans.