I'm from a small town called Opp, Alabama. The City of Opportunity is what it's called but there's not many opportunities as there once was. I attended high school in Kinston rather than Opp. I had gone there K-12 and while most people felt bitter sweet moments their senior year, I didn't.

Growing up, making friends was always a challenge for me. I had my best friend all throughout elementary school, but as we grew up, we grew apart. So middle school was difficult. Although I had been in the same class with the same people since kindergarten, I was never close to them. I never felt that I belonged. It wasn't until the end of sophomore year I met my new friend Grayson. Back then I was really shy and had a hard time opening up to people but thankfully Grayson helped me come out of my shell.

Everyone during middle school and high school has had their fair share of drama and so did I. Growing up I never stood up for myself. So whenever I was dragged into drama, it normally went like this: people talking bad about me and me never doing anything about it. It actually wasn't until junior year when my principal had to tell me to stick up for myself that the advice actually got through my head. But that's another way Grayson helped me. He helped me to stand up for myself and I am forever grateful for him.

Since I never felt I belonged here, me moving away to Starkville was exciting. At this very moment, I leave for Starkville in three days and I'm not the least bit nervous. My mom has told me that other kids that leave in a week have been upset, sleeping with their parents because the reality is hitting them. As much as I will miss my family that will be five and a half hours away, I feel as if I'm overdue to leave the nest. Since I never really felt I belonged here, I feel like Starkville is where I'm supposed to be these next few years and that's why I have already packed my car days in advance! I can't wait to see what these next few years have to offer. Goodbye Opp, hello rest of my life!