The most helpful financial advice I have ever received is to start saving early. IRAs and other investment options make significantly more money the longer the money sits in them. I am planning on opening an IRA very soon. My parents and my teachers have talked about saving a lot. Over the past four summers, I have worked a lot. I plan to use the money I have saved up to help pay for college. Starting to save money early gives me a head start in life and, it is building money habits that will be very helpful for the rest of my life. Budgeting and smart spending are essential for adults who want to be financially stable and have a family. I am very grateful that I have people in my life that are teaching me how to use my money!

This school year, I have been allowed to Teacher-aid for the first and second grades at my school. It has been one of the highlights of my year so far. I go to their classroom for one period every other day to help the teacher. I play with them at recess, assist them in their work, and give them quizzes. When I was a kid in elementary, older students would help out similarly. I remember that was always the best part of my day. I wanted to be like them. They were so smart and kind: now, I have the opportunity to be that for them. Every time I walk into class or they see me in the hallway, they greet me with yells and hugs. At recess, I get to help them work through problems and teach them how to play well with each other. I teach them how to think through their work and to follow instructions. I believe that I have made a positive impact on their lives and I want to continue to be a positive influence in all of my future endeavors.

Over the past year, I have heard a lot about how hard it is to be successful in life. I have heard stories about Elon Musk and other extremely successful people and I have been in awe at the amount of work they have put into what they do. How can someone be so dedicated to their job that they are willing to sacrifice their lives for it? I think that the answer is simple: They truly believe that what they are doing is for the good of the world. I have that same passion. I want to help people any way I can. Working is about more than making money; work is about helping others and providing for my family. Not only this, but as a Christian, I believe that I am to work as though I am working for the Lord. Colossians 3:23 says: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men". My goal for the future is to become a Physical Therapist. Next year I plan on attending Cedarville University and either Major their Pre-Allied Health Program or another science-based program. From there I will need to find a good Physical Therapy School to attend. I have spent some time observing my local therapist and I have talked to multiple PTs about what they like and dislike about their jobs. I love the human body. As an athlete, I have an appreciation for muscle movement. I understand how even a small injury can seriously affect how one acts and performs. On top of this, I love the relationships that PTs build with their patients. I truly think that it is something that I would like to do for the rest of my life.