Everything seems normal and routine -- until it’s not. Just like that, in a blink, life took a 360 on that September day I will never forget. After that day, my life became about overcoming challenges, but I additionally consider it to be the day I really started to discover myself and who I would chose to be in this world. Through the grief and the monumental struggles I have faced since my father’s death, I chose to channel these emotions into service, resilience, passion and a love for life and all the people in it.

Through observation I have learned that it is incredibly easy to let challenges destroy one’s attitude of life. These challenges can break you, shake you, or change you. Through my father’s death and the repercussions of it that altered my life, I chose to rise up with resilience and serve with love. I could be mad that life was incredibly more difficult than when my father was alive. I could be mad that I completely had to provide for myself at only 17, wondering if I made enough that week to be able to pay all my bills and to potentially be a teenager a couple days of the month. I could be mad and exhausted and frustrated that I have to work 35+ hours a week while studying a full time course load in college, still trying to find room to put my passion into service and leadership outlets. Despite these struggles, I have chosen not to be bitter or angry. These struggles, all these challenges, all the nights that I barely get enough sleep to function because as soon as I get off work I still have hours of preparation for exams -- these have shaped me into realizing that the gift of life may not be easy but is so worth it, because there is so much opportunity and love in this world, and I cannot wait to continue to grow and make a positive impact despite the challenges I may face.

My father's death may have completely altered my life, but channeling my grief into a zest for life and serving others has helped me to get by each and every day no matter how testing the day has been. These characteristics gained from the challenges I have faced have been molded into my being. The power of passion, purpose, love and resilience to tackle any challenge are just a few of the characteristics I have gained. I continue to strive to grow each and every day to make a positive impact on people from the customers I interact with at work, to friends and to peers, in sharing my love for life and making a difference not only on a large scale, but on a scale of simple actions that stem from the power of a smile.

Losing a parent is the farthest thing from easy, but I challenge you to be resilient and not let the grief and struggles you face define your outlook on life. If it's your friend who is enduring this, be there for them, and try to underrstand all that they may be facing.

Be strong, and know you can get through this.