My Identity

My grade school, well the school in connection to my grade school for kids with Down Syndrome, will always be close to my heart for the impact it has had on my life. It was these children of Our Lady of Confidence School (OLC) that made this lasting affect. They would participate in most of our school activities with us and we would participate in some of theirs as well. In seventh grade, instead of going outside for recess everyday, we would dedicate some days to playing games with the 7th graders from OLC. I always enjoyed this time with them and loved seeing them smile and have a good time. Next year, in 8th grade, I was one of the 8 girls from my grade chosen to travel to the lower school of OLC and have lunch with the kids in 1st grade, play with them and help the teacher. I was so glad to have this opportunity and the students impacted and helped me more than I could ever help them. Some of the girls took it as a bother to give up their lunch for a week at a time to interact with these children but I really enjoyed it. Ever since this experience I had at OLC I have been drawn to helping those with special needs. This has encouraged me and sparked my interest in several possible majors: elementary special education, speech or occupational therapy. They have helped me not only in deciding my possible career paths but also have helped as a person.

My sister, Erin has impacted my life as well. She is five years older than me but we are very close and have always been this way. We share the same interests and many people even think we are twins. We both love the beach and shopping. I used to rely on her to pick me out the best clothes that were cool but now I help her too. We have the same style and it has come in handy for borrowing clothes! We have similar personalities yet we are different in many ways too. She has taught me to be a little more carefree and adventurous. She also introduced me to country music which I have grown to love so much. She used to always put it on in the car and I would beg her to turn it off. I never gave it a chance but when I did I fell in love. I listen to is everyday and it always puts me in a good mood not matter what. Not only has country music done this for me, but Erin has been the person to cheer me up when I'm sad or know exactly how I am feeling. I am so lucky to have her as the person I can always turn to in my life.

Swimming has been a part of my life for many years now. I started swimming competitively for my swim club during the summer starting in about 5th grade. When I found out Mount had a swim team I knew I really wanted to go there. I made the team freshman year and currently have less than a month left of swimming for Mount. It is crazy how the fast the years went by but the girls I have met on the swim team have impacted my life in many different ways. Since freshmen year, I have felt this impact because the team is very close and everyone really enjoys each others company. I still keep in touch with many of the girls that graduated because they were so kind to me when I was young and new to the team. I feel like among these girls, I was and am my truest self. They have highlighted things in myself that have become a main part of who I am today.