We couldn't be who we are as adults without major trials and errors, events that made or broke us, and having relationships that bettered or worsened us. In good or bad times, I think to myself that I'm supposed to have this event happen to me. It's going to make me a better person in the end. Even on my bad days, I still say to myself that everything that happens in our lives happen for a reason.

1. Preschool.

I was lucky enough to get into the preschool practicum class (as a preschooler) at the local high school. There, I was able to start learning how to manipulate small motor functions, gross motor functions, I studied how to work with things around me, and I even took an early interest in learning how to read. This was just the start of my love of education.

2. I wasn't always treated fairly.

I was that kid in school that had bullies follow her throughout elementary and middle school. It wasn't fun, and I cried a lot growing up. It made me realize that life isn't always fair, but that's OK, because you live and you learn from these experiences, and I'm glad that I can say that these experiences made me understand the balance of how to treat people. It's better to be overly nice than anything, especially because you won't always know what kind of life someone else is living. Be kind always.

3. Losing loved ones.

I've had my share of family members that have unfortunately passed away. The worst experience I had with this that still effects me today is the loss of my aunt when I was in eighth grade. She babysat me and my siblings since we were really young. She was my godmother, my aunt, and now my guardian angel. I miss her every day, but I try to live my life the way she did, with a positive attitude and smile on my face.

4. Joining high school sports.

I'm not a super social person, but joining the high school swim and badminton teams was probably one of the best decisions I could have made. It kept me in shape and it allowed me to make friends that I still get to talk to and see even though we have all kinda gone our separate ways.

5. Becoming a lifeguard.

My summer job is one of the most important things to me. Ever since I was little, I dreamed of becoming a lifeguard once I got old enough to be one. I made that dream come true, and four summers later, I'm a head guard and am loving every minute.. Even the days that I really can't stand. I learned how to really take responsibility for myself and other people, I learned how to do a lot of different manual labor tasks (like power washing), and I learned how to really talk to people.

6. Joined the preschool practicum (again).

This time I was a student teacher. I not only got to relive my experiences as a preschooler but I got to really work with kids, something I would love to do after college.

7. Getting into my dream school.

I worked my butt off in high school to keep my grades and GPA up so I could get into a great college. I'm really proud of all the work I did, clubs I joined, sports I competed in, because it all made me who I am today and helped me to get into Bradley University.

8. Joining a sorority.

I am so glad that I went through recruitment at Bradley and ended up joining a house. I've made so many lasting friendships that I can't even count. I love every minute of it! (One heart, one way.)

These are just some of the endless things that I've learned from that have helped me gather what I value and believe in. I wouldn't be the person I am today without all the hardships and happiness that I've experienced. I can't wait to see what's in store for me in the future. I'm excited to keep learning and growing.