It was Mrs. Friel's 10th grade English class, I was ready as ever to start the day right.

All of a sudden, she brings out a bucket of seashells with words written on them, and I was intrigued even further. She explained that everyone would choose a shell from the bucket and the word would be a representation of ourselves. What word would I get? Would it actually have meaning? This was like getting ready for a fortune cookie in shell form. Anticipating the answer to the questions, I eventually chose a shell from the bucket. Little did I know, the word I chose would have a significant impact on me for the rest of my life.

The word I got on my shell was Blossom. I still have it to this very day.

When I first received it, I was confused for a minute. What did blossom mean? Was I a flower? Was it a reference to the Powerpuff Girls? I did not have a clue until I reflected on it some more and understood its true meaning: Growth. How I have evolved from childhood to my high school years and how I will grow in the near future.

I was always a shy kid growing up, not speaking until I was 2 years old. I didn't know my place in this world and if I was going to become the tree I was destined to be. However, middle school into high school, I came to "branch" out, talking to more people, embarking on a trip to Europe in 2012, and continuing to figure out my own passions.

As I finished high school and I embarked to college, I kept thinking of that word and how I will continue to blossom with every journey that I embark on. From making friends, to joining clubs, to becoming a leader, to traveling even more, my petals continued to come forth for all to see. I became more confident and sure of who I can be.

So as I look at this shell one more time, I think about the next journey I am about to embark on: studying abroad in London for a semester. I think about all the places I am about to see, the people I am about to meet, and my individuality, and how it is about to grow some more. I am about to blossom again.

The word in this shell I chose felt like destiny, and it spoke to me. It is a word that is always relevant, as we grow with every new experience that comes our way. I thank Mrs. Friel for the life-changing exercise, and will continue to reflect on my shell for years to come.