Reflecting is such an important aspect in life. Reflecting on the last 18 years of my life, I feel immensely blessed, humbled, and proud. I am proud of myself for overcoming so much adversity at a young age and yet continuing to persevere in order to get where I am at today. I give all my thanks to the family, mentors, and few friends who helped me get here. I also must pat myself on the back. In some of the lowest lows in my life I was the only person there to keep myself going. We must give ourselves purpose in life no matter how hard it can be. It is more than okay to feel lonely at times if it means you are protecting yourself and your energy.

In the lowest points in our life, we must accept our reality and continue to the make the most of our life. It is more than okay to accept the darkness. What isn't okay? It is not okay to indulge in our pain, or let it continue to define us. I spent years of my life letting hurt define who I was as a person. At a young age the introduction to pain is a difficult concept to grasp, and how to handle it is an even bigger obstacle. We must embrace and appreciate the darkness for what it is while we find our way back to the light. I learned first-hand that overcoming trauma and darkness alone is never a path that anyone needs to take. Let others in, let others see your purity. This past year I let myself wander to areas that I would've never let myself wander before. But here I am, more than ecstatic about my newfound connection to my individuality and identity. But even then, I've learned to accept my past for what it is, take away from it what positives I can to move forward with my present. Regardless of the situation, it is so imperative for us to challenge ourselves in these aspects:

• 1.Finding our identity
• 2.Finding our individual strength aside from others
• 3.Accepting our situation
• 4.Discovering an optimistic mindset
• 5.Utilizing our hardship to push us further
• 6.Allowing ourselves to find success by our own terms

Too many times we find our "happiness" in the company of others, I too, am guilty of this. But I encourage everyone to take a year to truly connect with just themselves. You give yourself the opportunity to dig deep into the realities of our world, yourself, and those around you. I spent too many years allowing society and social norms to dictate my individuality. After taking a year or two to myself, away from the brutality and high maintenance of our world, I find that I am truer to myself than ever. I feel so content with myself and those who I have found along this journey. I feel empowered, happy, and completely fearless. I have found my purpose for life and continue to grow each and everyday by surrounding myself with the right environments and people. How can one continue to find their identity?

• 1.Take risks and allow yourself to learn from new and uncomfortable experiences
• 2.Slowly disconnect from things or people that do not encourage your growth
• 3.Stop living by the realms of society
• 4.Smile in the face of adversity
• 5.Be fearless
• 6.Push yourself to do better in all areas
• 7.Follow your heart and your dreams, and do not let anyone bring you down

For me, this past year was challenging. I pushed every limit I had, and then some. I'm still learning and growing each day, discovering more on this journey. Life is exactly what you make it. I have dreams of becoming a wife, mother, CISO, mentor, and so much more. If you continue to push your limits, dream hard, and do the impossible, every dream that you have can become your reality. This year alone I have accomplished milestones that I never thought I could. I indulged in my passion for computer science, found my dream major/career, volunteered, took a new job, got promoted, tried new things, and learned to be happy with my life just how it is.

When you connect with yourself and your passions, everything else comes together. I found a few new friends who share my values and perspectives. See people for who they are, who they are striving to be, their goals, their work-ethic, their heart, and their respect. I'm not saying I'm perfect either, because I am far from it. But I've accepted myself and I will continue my growth.

I learned to live a life by my own means. I found myself outside of social realms, outside of a relationship, and I am so excited for the chapters to come in my life. Thank you to those few people who have helped shape me into the person that I am today, because of you, I am thriving.