When I was young, a sense of responsibility beyond my years took hold of me. At just five years old, I felt the weight of circumstances I couldn’t fully understand. My mother, a single parent navigating the challenges of supporting two young children alone, found herself relying on faith and family to make ends meet. In my innocence, I believed that to help my mother, I needed to be older.

By the time I turned thirteen, I began to actively contribute to our family’s income. I found tasks like mowing lawns, landscaping for neighbors, and eventually assisting in running a food truck to earn extra money. These experiences taught me a crucial lesson – it’s not the absence of certain individuals in our lives that define us, but rather, the presence of those who support us without fail.

Life was not always easy for our trio, but together, we had a united front and relied on our faith to navigate life. My mother instilled in us values such as responsibility, a strong work ethic, and respect for others. Above all, she nourished our spiritual growth by making sure we attended church every Sunday, ensured we were active in a church youth group and constantly shared with us the teachings of Jesus Christ. Through these teachings I learned that the wealth of our family transcends material possessions.

My admiration and love for my mother runs deep. From a young age, I understood her struggles as a single parent and accepted the duty to play my part to ease her burden. With her unwavering faith, unbreakable determination, and strong work ethic, she always managed to overcome, even during the toughest times. Her influence has shaped my understanding of life, setting a very high standard that I strive to emulate.
As I stand on the brink of high school graduation, I have set my sights on becoming a first-generation college student. The journey so far has been shaped by resilience, unwavering faith, and a firm commitment to creating a better future not just for myself, but for my family as well. I will take my faith and Christian values and put those into action during this next exciting time of my life. Despite the fact there will be many unknowns and new adventures to come, I have a solid foundation and I will strive to find God’s will in my life.

My Christian faith has played a significant role in shaping my decision-making during my high school career. It has provided me with a moral compass and a set of values that guide my actions and choices.
First and foremost, my faith has taught me the importance of honesty and integrity. In all my decisions, I strive to be truthful and transparent, knowing that honesty is a fundamental principle of Christianity. This has helped me maintain a sense of integrity in both my academic and personal life, avoiding dishonest behaviors such as cheating or lying.

Secondly, my Christian faith has emphasized the value of compassion and empathy towards others. I have been inspired to reach out to those in need, offer support to my peers, and practice acts of kindness and generosity. This mindset has led me to volunteer in community service activities and engage in initiatives that aim to make a positive impact on society.

Moreover, my faith has instilled in me a sense of humility and modesty. It has taught me to prioritize humility over pride, to be respectful towards others, and to acknowledge my own limitations and imperfections. This has influenced my interactions with classmates, teachers, and other individuals, fostering respectful and harmonious relationships.

Additionally, my Christian beliefs have encouraged me to strive for excellence and be diligent in my pursuits. I have been motivated to work hard, persevere through challenges, and pursue my goals with dedication and commitment. This mindset has driven me to excel academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and continuously seek personal growth and development.
Furthermore, my faith has provided me with a sense of hope and perseverance during difficult times. It has taught me to trust in God’s plan, to remain resilient in the face of adversity, and to find strength and comfort in prayer and reflection. This belief in a higher power has given me the courage to overcome obstacles and navigate through uncertainties with faith and optimism.

In conclusion, my Christian faith has been a guiding force in my decision-making during my high school career. It has influenced me to act with integrity, compassion, humility, diligence, and hope. By following the teachings of my faith, I have strived to make ethical choices, foster positive relationships, pursue excellence, and navigate through challenges with faith and resilience.

Throughout my high school career, my Christian faith has been the cornerstone guiding my decisions, particularly in the face of adversity. The trajectory of my life shifted dramatically following a life-threatening motocross accident, an event that challenged not just my physical well-being but also my outlook on life’s purpose.

In the aftermath of the accident, my family and I turned to our faith as a source of strength and comfort. Through constant prayer and the support of our community, we found the resilience to navigate through the darkest moments. This reliance on faith not only bolstered our spirits but also provided a framework for decision-making as I embarked on my high school journey.

One of the most significant impacts of my Christian faith has been the realization of my purpose beyond mere personal aspirations. Instead of succumbing to sadness or bitterness, I recognized that my experiences could serve as a platform to inspire and uplift others. Guided by my faith, I made the decision to transition to online schooling, allowing me to prioritize both my role on the US para climbing team and my advocacy work within the disabled community.

Furthermore, my faith compelled me to embrace public speaking as a means to share my story and offer hope to those facing similar challenges. By leveraging my voice, I sought to not only shed light on the mental and emotional obstacles accompanying physical disabilities but also to share the transformative power of faith in overcoming adversity.

Throughout high school, my Christian faith has instilled in me a sense of purpose rooted in service and compassion. It has guided my decision-making process, encouraging me to pursue paths that align with my values and contribute positively to the lives of others. Whether it was through competitive sports, advocacy endeavors, or public speaking engagements, my faith serves as a guiding light, illuminating the way forward even in the darkest of times.

In essence, my high school journey has been profoundly shaped by my Christian faith, influencing each decision with meaning and purpose. It has taught me the importance of resilience, compassion, and unwavering trust in God’s plan, regardless of the challenges I may face. As I transition into the next chapter of my life, I carry with me the lessons learned and the faith that continues to guide me, confident in the knowledge that my journey is guided by a higher purpose.

Throughout my high school career, the Lord has presented me with many decisions to make.

What type of friend will I be? Turning to scripture, I chose to follow the example of Christ as he sought out those who were unseen by others. Being a class representative in Key Club has helped me to grow in my ability to lead large groups of people, understanding and learning to work with the strengths and weaknesses of individuals.

What type of student will I be? Just as Christ respected those around them listening affirming and encouraging, so must I. I must also be willing to apply criticism and display discipline as I study, desiring to learn and grow in knowledge.

What type of daughter will I be? Christ continually looked to the needs of others before his own. So, I must also choose to serve my family with love and compassion as I take on more chores, drive my brother to practice, and care for my grandfather next-door.

What type of worker will I be? Christ did all for the glory of all, setting an example for his disciples to follow. As I interacted with locals at the Farmers Market or helped customers at the Soccer Concession Stand, I must choose to be personable but professional with costumers and strive for excellence, encouraging coworkers to do the same.

Lastly, what type of future is in store for me? To God I look, asking Him to make straight my path and to guide my steps, remembering He holds my future in His hands. As the Lord leads me to pursue a career in missions and ministry, He has guided me to Covenant College. This option at first seemed impossible due to financial considerations, and I had to decide whether I would trust in God’s sovereign plan for my life. The Lord continued working, calling me to trust Him and dedicate myself to His plan regardless of how impossible it seemed. In choosing to trust the Lord, I continue to experience Him making straight my path in ways I never foresaw.

From friends and family to work and school, Christ has used each of these decisions to mold me into the servant He desires me to be. As I continue my Christian walk, I will continue turning to Christ in scripture and in prayer seeking His direction and wisdom.