Have you ever wondered what other people were thinking or feeling? Maybe you have always considered yourself a people person. Or maybe you have been dreaming of the day when you can travel to a third-world country and pour your heart onto those who are unaware of what true happiness feels like.

My sophomore year of high school was filled with life-changing experiences. I joined numerous organizations, in which I learned responsibility and leadership skills, but most importantly I was taught how to connect with people. I learned the ins and outs of communication, understanding and the teaching of others. I had discovered that I had a deep passion for people.

The next three years of my high school career were accompanied by new friendships, new opportunities and a new perspective on life. By the time I had graduated, I felt as though I could truly relate to different people and the way they acted. I had a much clearer idea of what "community" actually meant.

I matured in such a way that was intertwined with my passion for people. Not only did I grow into the person I am today, but I did it while helping and learning about other individuals. I believe it is important to have a love for people, and a heart for helping them. No matter what career path you end up choosing, you will always have to connect and collaborate with others.

My passion for people stretches past physicality. I enjoy sharing with people, in the sense of sharing experiences, feelings, beliefs and stories. I want to share with people the love of God. I hope that everyone that I come in contact with will see the light of Christ through me, and with that, have shared something with me from the inside out rather than from the outside in.

It is important to understand culture, so that when connecting with different people, you can feel what they feel. My heart goes out to those who live in countries that are definitely less-than up to standards of healthy living. Not just a physical type of healthy, but a mental and spiritual strength of livelihood.

My hope for the world is that everyone starts appreciating people in general, or in other words, each other. Think compassion, not just simple kindness. People influence people, and I want to be remembered for the good that I did to lend a helping hand to those who needed it.

The shorthand, biblical definition of a neighbor, is every living person, whether or not you cross paths with them, know them or have ever even spoken to them. Everyone is your neighbor. (Luke 10:25-37) I believe in treating people like they are your biblical neighbor. Be "a good Samaritan" and help those who may only need a little bit of love and compassion from a so-called stranger.

Not only do I want to be in the presence of people, I want to discover the different cultures, passions and emotions that radiate off of a multitude of minorities. I thoroughly enjoy networking with people and figuring out what makes them tick.

I hope to expand my passion beyond the realm of comfort, by connecting with people in a deep and personal way. My goal is to help those less fortunate than I and strive to change the lives around me, for the better. To make a difference in the world, you must first make a difference in the lives of the people surrounding you. Only then can you unlock a sense of change, that will not only affect you, but everyone around you just the same.