This is an article that I hold to be one of my best; I tell my heart and my soul into this piece. This article gives you a look into who I am as a daughter, sister, friend, and classmate.

Hi, my name is Mikayla Ross, I am 18-years-old and from Paulding County, Georgia. I am a Freshman History Education Major at the University of West Georgia.

Hi, my name is Mikayla, I am the youngest of two who was raised by a single mom. There were struggles, but my mom made it work for my brother, and I and I couldn't be any more proud of my mom.

Hi, my name is Mikayla, I'm a shy, yet a very polite person. I am still often told that I am too polite, especially when I was handcuffed for a demo at the criminology club meeting that I went with one of my friends.

I have one of the kindest hearts, yet when around close friends and people I trust has the craziest sense of humor.

I'm the girl that says hi to everyone because I want to make other people's day better because you never know what they are going through in their life.

I'm the girl that will help anyone out, even if it means sacrificing something of her own.

I can understand from multiple points of views as a result of being around multiple types of people.

I'm the girl that is stubborn and rarely cries.

I am socially awkward and that is okay.

I have anxiety, and it sucks, it brings me down, but I've learned thanks to medication on how to manage it.

I love football, I love the Falcons and Giants, even though they both choked this season.

I love the Georgia Bulldogs for college football, even though they lost to Bama

I have amazing friends and family that helps me out when I need it.

I take life's obstacles and overcome it, sometimes they are huge, sometimes they are small.

I have my downfalls, sometimes I fall hard.....but I always rise up.

I take my negatives and turn them into positives.

I turn the words "I can't" and "I won't" to "I can" and "I will" because as a Special Education student (originally diagnosed in social/emotional, communication, cognitive, motor skills, and adaptive. Now I'm only diagnosed in motor skills). With help from my family, teachers, and friends, I have significantly improved.

I am a Christian and I am not ashamed of it. The Lord is my savior and only savior. He has done so much for me, such as dying on the cross.

I have been given amazing opportunities such as writing for my amazing community, being a member of Delight, and being an Initiate for Phi Sigma Pi.

Hi, my name is Mikayla, you can underestimate me all you want but don't count me out, this underdog has a few tricks up her sleeve.

and in the words of Keala Settle:

"When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
Look out 'cause here I come
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum
I'm not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me"

To life, bring it on, I am ready