I was born in Virginia Beach January 19, 2006 into a kind family with two amazing labrador dogs. I don't remember much about the first few years of my life aside from big events like my first time at the zoo or the time I stole a kit-kat from Food Lion (don't worry- justice was served in the end of that story- I paid in humiliation). Throughout the first few years of my life, The biggest lesson I learned was about the world in general and what a nice place it can be to live in. Zoos, candy, and dogs were the top concerns I had as a three year old. Maybe I need to bring that mentality back- realise all of the good in the world when it seems like there isn't any.

Preschool was a very fun time in my life. I would come in every day, play with the toys, make art, then leave. It was a creative kid's paradise. Also, I started (and very quickly ended,) my sports career during preschool. While I wasn't very interested in the game itself, often opting out to instead pick grass up off the ground or throw the baseball mitt up and try to catch it with my head, I made a lot of valuable friendships that I still have maintained to this day. The biggest lesson I learned from preschool is the importance of understanding what works for you and what doesn't- and that not everyone shares the same interests and goals as you do.

Elementary school was everything it should have been for me. I made a lot of friends and did a lot of things. My teachers were always kind to me (fun fact- two of them looped up grades with me, so I only had 4 teachers throughout elementary), and it was overall a very good time in my life. Despite my tough luck in preschool, I also played a full season of flag football in 5th grade, and I was amazing. I think the biggest lesson I learned here is that things will always get better. Despite the poor state my home-life was in at the time, I was truly optimistic and looking forward to my future. Sometimes I need to remember this.

Middle School was just like the movies- just not the ones with happy endings. It was a very awkward time for me. 6th grade was probably the worst year of my life, which was followed up by 7/8th grade where I felt like nothing more than a wanderer with no real group of friends to call my own. I don't think anyone truly understood themselves either, though, which brings me some comfort looking back at it. Despite the circumstances and rough start, I managed to make a handful of friends- though I hardly talk to many now. The most important lesson I learned in middle school is that it's okay to cut someone off if they aren't doing you any good- a lesson that I'm glad I learned this early on. If you don't feel happy, comfortable, or safe around someone, then it may be better to just not be around them. You need to surround yourself with people that will lift you up, not drag you down with them.