IN MY ROOM

"My past is my past, it made me who I am today"

Like many young girls, my little sister and I filled much of our time playing with barbies. Barbies were created in the image of the "perfect woman:" thin and tall with long beautiful hair.

My head was filled with that image and I spent years trying to obtain it. My confidence continually shrunk as I failed to feel beautiful.

This car not only taught me how to be the terrible driver I am today, but also allowed me to meet my very first best friend.

Meet Blaine. When we were three years old, I stole Blaine's Little Tikes Cozy Coupe from his front yard and sped off down the street. The rest is history.

These were my best friends. Jailbreak, capture the flag, and poolside picnics kept us busy over the years.

Over the years, we lost touch. But my childhood friendships taught me how to build and keep relationships with others.

I have always been a huge fan of traditions. I grew up with a lot of repetition, especially around the holidays.

The tradition still lives.

I began playing sports when I was just three years old. At the time, it was something fun to do with my new friends.

The things I've learned in my 17 years of athletics

• Leadership skills
• Team work
• Physical Health
• Relationship building
• Pure joy

As a child, I always enjoyed dressing up in costumes. Halloween was one of my favorite holidays, and not just because of all the candy!

As you can see...

I may not have enjoyed every single part of my childhood, but I wouldn't take back a single moment.
It made me who I am today.