From a very young age I was encouraged by my parents to never settle for less, don’t be content with the least, and to strive for the greatness and put in effort to the things I do; whether it be washing the dishes, cleaning a car, learning a piano piece, writing a research project, etc. I became to realize that the reason they were so supportive of that was because things we put more effort into tend to be of more value to us. We value them because it took us longer to achieve. Life is not easy, it comes with many struggles, but how you handle those struggles says a lot of the type of person you are. My mom has always told me that one of the qualities I have is determination. I was homeschooled up to freshman year so school for me was more of a self studies type of education. I learned to teach myself terms, and ask for help from my mom when I needed it. My school work also involved setting a plan of goals for the week, assignments I would complete, and more importantly taking the steps needed to accomplish the goals I had set. It was not easy being homeschooled, in the area where I live at the time there was perhaps only one other family that had their kids homeschooled. When I was small it was embarrassing for me to have to tell my friends that I was homeschooled, I would feel like an outcast, the weird one, at the time I did not realize why my parents wanted me at home. As I got older I finally understood that I was able to do so much when I was young, I had no school holding me back. I was able to visit the empire state building, have long vacations with family, go on beach trips during the week, visit washington D.C., The Grand Canyon, Puerto Rico, and go on cruise trips. I could go on to list more of the activities that my brother and I were able to do, but what I am trying to point out is that I was able to see the world through my very own eyes at a young age, and not through the pages of a textbook. I can never thank my parents enough for their decision.
I also have been able to volunteer in community events such as WestCare Center, two health expos, vacation bible school, Adopt-a-Highway, and church events, just to least a few from on top of my head. I have been also able to be successful in my school work, and my efforts have been rewarded by several awards in the following subjects: english, spanish, history, and math. I would not be able to call myself a sporty girl, but I did have the chance of participating in sports during my high school years which gave me 3 varsity letters and a JV letter. Something that I am proud of is my musical abilities. When I was only 5 I had my first piano lesson, and as I got older I took on cello as another one of my instruments. Up to this day I attend private lessons that help me further develop that talent my mom helped me flourish at a young age. Music has taught me that improvement cannot be done without the essence of effort and practice.
My plans after graduation are to attend Pacific Union College (PUC), a christian private college located in Angwin, CA. I hope to acquire a bachelor's degree in exercise science, and enter the program for Pre-Physical Therapy. My dream is to either work for a sports team or work with kids with disabilities. I know there will be challenges to get to my ultimate goal, but if I keep my “eye on the goal” and work hard I will accomplish it.