People ask me all the time how I manage such a busy lifestyle. I work three jobs, have two majors, workout on a consistent basis, spend time with my friends and family, and still have time for the little things. I have never found the right answer to that question until now, and the answer is simple. I want to be the best at everything I do. Whether that's being the best daughter, best friend, best girlfriend, best athlete, best in school, or the best at my job. Being the best is what drives me. It's what wakes me up early and keeps me up late.

There's a quote that says, "hard work isn't hard when you love what you're doing" and I think about that every day. I work hard every day because I am in love with every breath I take. To me, my lifestyle isn't hard. It's what I love and I wouldn't trade a minute of it for the world.

There's a lost art of sacrifice in today's day and age and that's what makes me stand out so much. I've learned to fall in love with the early morning wake up calls. I've learned to fall in love with the late nights, but I've also learned when to turn in early. I've learned to stay home from parties. I've learned to say no to things that would be fun at the moment but wouldn't benefit my future. I'll sacrifice whatever it takes because I know that one day all of these sacrifices will pay off. At the end of all of this is a success and that's all I've ever wanted. I've learned to enjoy where I am now but still have my eyes set on the end goal.

When your only goal is being the best, there is a certain pressure that comes along with that. But pressure is a privilege, not a problem. I like feeling the pressure. It brings out the best in me.

"Be scared but do it anyway" is another quote that I live by. In a way, it's scary for me to commit myself to something new because I know I will want to be the best at that too. It's an addiction, but I've come to learn that failing is the key ingredient to becoming the best. The manager at my first job once said, "Emily, remember we learn more from our failures from our successes". I've learned to fall in love with the art of failure.

Being the best comes with so many more emotions than the average person could ever understand. The tragedy and triumph. The blood, the sweat, the tears. Yes, there are nights where I think about quitting, but one thing will always remain the same, I want to succeed as bad as I want to breathe. And that's what get me out of bed in the morning. Being the best is the beginning and end of everything.