From middle school to the beginning of high school, my friend group was constantly changing. I could never find a “group” to fit into, so I stayed floating, without any true friends. After the first few years of high school, I realized that I didn't have to belong to a group, I just needed a few good friends that I could depend on. I started focusing on just the people that I connected with and not the entirety of a group. That is when I discovered my best friends Elaina, Anabel, Emma and Tori. In my eyes, friendships are the relationships that bring out the best in you. Friends are people that are dependable, trustworthy, thoughtful, and most importantly, fun. They should make you laugh until you cry, but most importantly you should feel comfortable around them. To put it simply, my friends are the most incredible people I have had consistently in my life. Most of my favorite memories come from experiences I have had with my close friends. I am a strong believer that a few exceptional friends are better than many good friends. My best friends are the people that have been through thick and thin with me. They care about what I have to say and keep my information confidential. Most Importantly, they are fun and give me a fresh source of happiness. I enjoy myself when I am around them and it seems as if my problems just disappear. When my parents first started going through their divorce, my best friends Elaina and Anabel supported me and offered me a safe space to go. They were always willing to listen to me, give me advice, or just do something to distract me from my home life. It was one of the hardest parts of my life, but they made it bearable. I cannot express how grateful I am for having them in my life. Similarly to my friends, Volleyball has been a source of happiness and relief in my life. I have been playing volleyball for seven years now and I have had an unforgettable journey. At Wayne Central, the varsity volleyball team has gone to sectional finals for seven consecutive years. I have had the opportunity to play on varsity and experience this for the past three years. In my 2022 senior season, we won sectionals and regionals, so we went to states. Going to this tournament was an opportunity of a lifetime and I wouldn't have wanted to do it with any other team. In my seven years of volleyball, I have made lifelong friends and memories. Two of my best friends, Tori and Emma, I met from Wayne Volleyball. From playing my first game in modified to losing in the state championship game, I have grown as a player and a person. Volleyball has drastically increased my focus, dedication, perseverance, communication and confidence. It made me a stronger person; more prepared for the future and ready for any hardships. Volleyball gave me the spark of passion that I needed, especially in high school. It broke me out of the everyday schedule I felt I was stuck in and gave me a reason to get out of bed every morning. Overall, I am extremely thankful for the people and activities that I have had in my life. Although my volleyball career has ended, the everlasting lessons and memories will always stay with me. My friends and Volleyball have been important factors in shaping who I am today and without them, I wouldn’t be the same.