As a child, I viewed the world around me as a place for constant learning, as well as endless opportunity. When I went to the beach, I used to spend hours gathering shells, rocks, anything that I could find. I had dreams of being a marine biologist when I grew up, and changing the world.

When I was in third and fourth grade, I went to summer camp in Washington, D.C. at the National Youth Scholar's Program - basically an educational, two-week boot camp for America's youth. I studied Environmental Earth. I was sure that one day, I would change the world for the better - through enlightening people, keeping the environment clean, and so on and so forth.

However, as the years changed, I did too.

Despite being an Honors student in high school, I was constantly depressed. This may have been a normal teenage phase, or a result of what was going on in my personal life, or a combination thereof. Whatever the case may be, I hardly went to school my junior year. I was struggling to get to know myself, and how I fit into the world around me. That year, a guidance counselor told me that despite having all A's and B's in all Honors and AP courses, I had missed too much school and would have to repeat my junior year.

I never imagined myself in this position. I love school and the learning that goes along with it, and certainly do not take my education for granted. Feeling defeated, I nearly lost myself in my own mind considering my options, and how few there really were. It was then that my counselor told me I could drop out of high school, and get my diploma through college classes at my local community college. Not many people are aware that this is an option, but it's true - in the State of New Jersey, if a student earns 30 credits in general education at community college, they are eligible to earn their High School Diploma.

All of my preconceived misconceptions of "high school dropouts" flashed into my head. What would my parents think? What would my peers think? How would I feel about myself?

Nonetheless, I made the decision. I called my dad to pick me up, and that day was my last day of high school. He signed all the paperwork and took me home - I was officially a high school dropout. I got home and laid in my bed for awhile, contemplating my situation. I knew that I could lie down and let this defeat me, or I could work hard and be the best me possible. That's exactly what I did.

Within the next few weeks, I enrolled in my county's community college. I graduated in two years with my Associate's Degree in Communication Studies, and had Dean's List Honors. I didn't let it stop there.

Now, I'm 19 and a junior at Rider University. Everyone who was in my grade in high school is in their sophomore year. Furthermore, I'm the Track Photographer at Harrah's Philadelphia, a writer for the Western Free Press, and a Social Media Admin for the radio show Vegas Never Sleeps. I have the respect and admiration of my peers, and am frequently sought out by friends for life advice, homework help, current event opinions, and so on.

Two and a half years ago, I thought my life was over. I had always been "the smart one", the bookworm who took school projects incredibly seriously, enjoyed reading for fun, and poking around in the dirt in my backyard to learn all that I could about the Earth around me. I never could have foreseen myself being a high school dropout, and for a long time I felt embarrassed, even a little ashamed. Now? If I could do it all again, I wouldn't do anything differently. I'm right where I want to be in life, and I know it's only going to keep getting better and better. I don't have it all figured out yet, but I'm on my way. I have friends who respect and admire me, significant people in my life who are proud of me, but above all else, I love and am proud of myself. I have overcome a lot of struggles that tried to slow or bring me down, and while I may have stumbled a few times, I have always gotten back up and did my best to be the best me that I could possibly be.

It's not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get up again and keep moving forward. As they say, courage does not always roar - sometimes, it's the little voice at the end of the day saying "I'll try again tomorrow". While some unfavorable things have happened in my life, I'm glad things were never perfect. After all, how boring would that be?

As I reflect on the years behind me and the long, strange trip it has been, I can't help but smile knowing all of my trials and tribulations made me stronger, and made me who I am today. Sure, there are some things I would like to change, but I'm constantly growing, and learning more about myself as well as the world around me every day.

Almost three years ago, I was a high school dropout constantly feeling the weight of the world upon my shoulders. Now, I'm a communication studies major, and a film and media minor. I have aspirations to get into photojournalism, and make my voice heard, and educate people on the things that truly matter. I'm not always going to have the answers, but I am proud of the person I have become, not just for myself but for the ways I am able to help other people - even if it's just giving them a smile when they're having a bad day.

One thing that has never changed in me is my desire to help others, and make the world a better place. Even if I'm only making the world better for one person at a time, I'm still making a difference, and that's okay. Even if up until now the only person I've saved is me... I'm still making a difference, and that's okay.