In fifth grade, I performed on a real stage in front of an audience. It was way different from banging pots and pans and singing -- or screaming at varied pitches as any outsider would’ve put it-- in front of your parents in the kitchen. People were sitting in row upon row as far as the eye could see and the lights were blindingly bright. I remember when I flew on a plane the summer after eighth grade from Minnesota to Maryland. I discovered that I really love being on planes and watching the clouds float past. I remember the day I first kissed a boy and when I realized I wasn’t straight. And just in case you’re wondering, those two things didn’t happen on the same day. Though, that would’ve made for a pretty funny story if they did. I mean, who wouldn’t love a story about a kiss so terrible that it made me realize I wasn’t straight?

These things all stick out to me because they were firsts in my life. Whether it be as small as swimming for the first time or as large as qualifying to The National Speech & Debate Tournament, they’ve all shaped me into who I am today.

As a child, I obviously had a lot of firsts. First steps, first word, and the very first day of school. Now that I’m in high school, awaiting the first day of my junior year, I’m learning and experiencing more than ever before. Instead of taking my first step, I took my first drive around the neighborhood. Not so pretty. Instead of my first word, it was my giving my first speech competitively. Instead of my very first day of school, it's my 11th first day of school. However, the major difference between my childhood firsts and high school firsts isn’t just my age, but rather the colossal difficulty that came along with doing these things for the first time. This past year I’ve had to deal with more serious matters. It was learning how to deal with a teammate taking his life. It was learning how to tackle overwhelming bouts of stress and anxiety. It was trying my best not to drown in waves and waves of expectations put upon me. It was learning that I care about everything way too much and it’s alright to let go sometimes. I’ve got to admit, this past year has probably been one of the most difficult for me, but it’s also been the most rewarding. I have come to be a better, stronger person. I’m still growing, but I know I’m getting somewhere.

Fortunately, not everything was so blue. I accomplished some pretty tremendous things for the first time. I learned how to effectively keep in touch with someone states away. I took a risk and went out for a late night swim with one of my closest friends. I did what I thought I could never do and won a debate tournament. But, best of all, I learned how to be content and happy with myself. Well, most of the time at least.

Now, I’ve taken another step, another first. Surprise, it’s my first article! Maybe you’ve already guessed that or probably saw. Buckle up, because you’re in for a ride of cheesiness, art, and heavily -- and occasionally not so heavily -- opinionated thoughts on the latest news.

So, I’ll leave you with this: don’t be afraid to take a chance on something or someone; sometimes the most difficult things in life are the most rewarding. Everyone’s got to start somewhere, and that means taking the first step. (See that? That’s the cheesiness I was talking about.)