Hello, it's me. The people have spoken and their voices have been heard. After deep deliberation, I have decided it is in my best interest to become a writer for Odyssey. If you know anything about me the one thing you'll know is how outgoing I am, and if you don't know me, well allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Monica Friedman and I am 19 years old (64 days until 20). I was born in St. Charles, Missouri and have lived here ever since. I have my parents, two sisters, and a kick ass dog, who all double as my best friends. My family is pretty awesome so stay tuned for more on them. Since the day I was born I have danced. In the car, in the bathroom, in the pool, on the beach, in restaurants, walking to class, and pretty much anywhere you can think of. When I was three I was officially put into dance classes that have made the biggest impact on my life. I have trained for the past 17 years and am still going. Even though I am in college I'm given the opportunity to go back to take class and assist at my studio, Performing Arts Centre. Although dancing is definitely my favorite thing to do, family and friend time is very important to me. Going on vacations, family dinners on the weekends, concerts with my friends, or just spending time with the people that mean the most, are my favorite things to do.

In high school you would see me as someone that was overly involved and loved (almost) every minute of it. I was a part of Student Council, DECA, and was on the dance team all four years (shoutout to KL). You would have usually caught me setting up for an event, getting prepared for DECA competitions, or rockin' it out with my dancer friends on the sidelines. High school will always be something I keep near and dear to my heart and despite all the drama, it was a fun-filled four years that I will never forget.

Now here I am, almost 20, still living in the same small town, where anywhere I go I am bound to know someone. Although I am stuck in my hometown I am attending Lindenwood University, which I love so dearly. I am a sophomore now and am majoring in Recreation, Sports, and Tourism. I cannot begin to tell you how much my life has changed in just one short year. Just like in high school, I got myself extremely involved and over-committed, but I don't mind. I am a part of the Delta Zeta Sorority, help with Relay for Life, am the President of Lindenwood DECA, and now write for Odyssey. The new friendships I have made are the cherry on top of everything. I have met so many amazing people that I never would have imagined, and cannot wait to form and grow these everlasting relationships.

Overall, I am a really cool person (at least I think so). My favorite things to do are make people happy, smiling and laughing, and to enjoy every minute I have here on earth. Although I can get easily upset, I try to remind myself that life is too short, to worry about the little things. One of my favorite things to do is meet new people and learn all about them. Music and concerts are something else that I really like. You will most likely see me tweet song lyrics, or post snaps at a concert just about every week because my concert addiction is extremely out of control. Another thing I love is travel. Traveling gives me such a rush, and is something that there will be plenty more of in my future. People like to describe me as; encouraging, uplifting, rambunctious, genuine, compassionate, driven, kind, spunky, loving,a diva, and most importantly outgoing. I try to uphold the definitions people describe me as because they are very important to me and the way I am viewed. I am looking forward to writing many more blogs, and getting to share more about my crazy, beautiful life.

See with the heart,

Monica Friedman.