Today—July 18, 2016—I pack for the trip of a lifetime. I am going to board a plane, but when I return I will never be the same. I have been incredibly fortunate to have the chance to take a step in the direction I hope to follow for the rest of my life. I am traveling alongside nine other teenagers to Cambodia where we will be teaching English to children of an orphanage called New Hope. At New Hope we will also be constructing a new patio area where the children can escape the heat on a casual summer's day. Helping the less fortunate in such a hands-on way has always been a dream of mine. There is no price on changing a life.
At home I see my younger siblings, all vulnerable, growing, and eager for life, and it is so clear what a great impression I can leave on them whether that be a new catchphrase learned, a new soccer skill, a new math problem, or even just a smile. I see my siblings, and I can see my ability to change and want to bring that change world-wide. These orphans are living on a few dollars a day, they rarely leave their orphanage, and are deprived of so many of the luxuries we take for granted. Having these luxuries at our disposal can be seen as a great power, and as many of us know, with great power comes great responsibility. I do not take this responsibility lightly; I remain humble with all that is given to me and make a point to always recognize my good fortune and show gratitude.
I'm going to take a moment to specifically show my gratitude to my parents, all four of them. To my mom—thank you for always encouraging me to live my dreams and for always putting yourself through the wringer to make sure I have the resources I need and then some. Eric—thank you for never taking any short cuts with me; you always make sure I am fully prepared and have my best interest at heart. Dad—thank you for pushing me into finding new limits for myself and giving me determination in doing whatever it is I set my mind to. Meghan—thank you for always making sure I'm safe but at the same time supporting my, at times, out of the box decisions. Also thank you for the kids, they help me to realize my true interests in helping the youth around the world. To you all—Your endless love and support keep me motivated and on track to achieve my best. I have the best team of parents out there, and I plan on utilizing the tools they have given me into changing the lives of those who have to live without my dream team. As I look at my full suitcase by my door way, I look eagerly at my future and I can't wait.
