What would you say if I were to ask you what defines you? You probably had an initial thought and then other things were harder to come up with. Everyone is defined every moment by their environment, the people around, them and even the past. I'll tell you I have never been asked this question but rather told that something defined me but I disagreed with this/ Sometimes, we may be defined more heavily by aspects of our lives but we learn to not forget about those other parts.

If I were being asked this question a year ago, I would instantly say that I am a musician. If I was asked this question today I would probably still include it as part of my definition. Music gave me passion and it taught me discipline. Music also gave me a family and drive to be better. For a time, I was practicing French Horn for two hours tonight, I wanted to be good and it makes me feel good. Music defined me for so long and when I quit I needed more, I needed new things. I have new things and I have discovered so many things that I had neglected.

My family and friends are so important to me. I have amazing friends in my life who always remind me of the good when I feel like there is only bad. Within the last year, I have really taken the time to make a few really good friends that I could call at 2 am because I'm having a panic attack and the friends that pick up the phone even if I just have to say hi. Friends, I love you guys.

I am a technologist and a creative. These kind of contradict each other because how can a creative also be very into technology? I have such a place in my heart for computers and coding because my dad has been teaching us about computers for as long as I could remember. When I first got to college, I started as a computer science major but as I continued on, I realized another part of me is loving people. I switched my major to IMS Technology so I could thrive in design and coding.

Most of my personal growth and personal definitions have come about in college. I really didn't like high school and I wanted to get out as fast as possible, the only thing worth nothing is that I started to question my sexuality. I went to a Catholic and, at the time, close minded school. I fought it and suppressed it and really tried to like boys, but I couldn't because I just didn't. Now, looking back, I am so proud to be part of such a loving and accepting community and I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm comfortable with myself and I am proud of myself for taking these strides to accept myself and not be afraid to be myself at home, at school, and anywhere I feel safe.

The last part of my definition that I am so proud of right now is being a part of the North Central College community. This week has been so negatively charged with Trump becoming president elect among other problems in my own life. I am so inspired by my classmates and their support for me and for everyone around them. The march of solidarity this week brought together so many people and you guys did that! That is amazing.

There are so many more things that define me but if I kept going, you'd be here reading this all night. Although, these are just a few, I can admit that they're not always as balances as they should be but that's okay. It's okay to go through the ebbs and flows to figure out what is really important and what really isn't