During elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9 and was furthered by seeing my friends shot and killed beside me during the Saugus High School Shooting. From that moment on, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions became ever-increasing: family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: greif, PTSD, ADHD, and maintaining my dedication to furthering my education; making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you than that of children your own age. A perspective, that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I have spent much of my life resenting the challenges that gave me that state of being, but at some point, I realized that I had actually been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life that kids my age do, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them support. I fight to live my life to aid others. While I have lost loved ones and been forced to work though grief and anger, I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without it; I would not appreciate every small moment and live my life with such passion if these event had never occured. " Try to be the parts you miss most of the people you've lost"; that is the thought that pushes me to live my life to the fullest. I remember how these people impacted my life, making me smile, laugh, and hugged me tight when I cried. Remembeing the emotions I felt during these memories, I try to offer others that same safe space and support that these people offered me. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer, or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9 and was furthered by seeing my friends shot and killed beside me during the Saugus High School Shooting. From that moment on, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions became ever-increasing: family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: greif, PTSD, ADHD, and maintaining my dedication to furthering my education; making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you than that of children your own age. A perspective, that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I have spent much of my life resenting the challenges that gave me that state of being, but at some point, I realized that I had actually been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life that kids my age do, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them support. I fight to live my life to aid others. While I have lost loved ones and been forced to work though grief and anger, I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without it; I would not appreciate every small moment and live my life with such passion if these event had never occured. " Try to be the parts you miss most of the people you've lost"; that is the thought that pushes me to live my life to the fullest. I remember how these people impacted my life, making me smile, laugh, and hugged me tight when I cried. Remembeing the emotions I felt during these memories, I try to offer others that same safe space and support that these people offered me. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer, or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9 and was furthered by seeing my friends shot and killed beside me during the Saugus High School Shooting. From that moment on, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions became ever-increasing: family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: greif, PTSD, ADHD, and maintaining my dedication to furthering my education; making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you than that of children your own age. A perspective, that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I have spent much of my life resenting the challenges that gave me that state of being, but at some point, I realized that I had actually been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life that kids my age do, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them support. I fight to live my life to aid others. While I have lost loved ones and been forced to work though grief and anger, I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without it; I would not appreciate every small moment and live my life with such passion if these event had never occured. " Try to be the parts you miss most of the people you've lost"; that is the thought that pushes me to live my life to the fullest. I remember how these people impacted my life, making me smile, laugh, and hugged me tight when I cried. Remembeing the emotions I felt during these memories, I try to offer others that same safe space and support that these people offered me. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer, or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9 and was furthered by seeing my friends shot and killed beside me during the Saugus High School Shooting. From that moment on, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions became ever-increasing: family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: greif, PTSD, ADHD, and maintaining my dedication to furthering my education; making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you than that of children your own age. A perspective, that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I have spent much of my life resenting the challenges that gave me that state of being, but at some point, I realized that I had actually been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life that kids my age do, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them support. I fight to live my life to aid others. While I have lost loved ones and been forced to work though grief and anger, I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without it; I would not appreciate every small moment and live my life with such passion if these event had never occured. " Try to be the parts you miss most of the people you've lost"; that is the thought that pushes me to live my life to the fullest. I remember how these people impacted my life, making me smile, laugh, and hugged me tight when I cried. Remembeing the emotions I felt during these memories, I try to offer others that same safe space and support that these people offered me. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer, or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9 and was furthered by seeing my friends shot and killed beside me during the Saugus High School Shooting. From that moment on, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions became ever-increasing: family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: greif, PTSD, ADHD, and maintaining my dedication to furthering my education; making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you than that of children your own age. A perspective, that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I have spent much of my life resenting the challenges that gave me that state of being, but at some point, I realized that I had actually been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life that kids my age do, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them support. I fight to live my life to aid others. While I have lost loved ones and been forced to work though grief and anger, I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without it; I would not appreciate every small moment and live my life with such passion if these event had never occured. " Try to be the parts you miss most of the people you've lost"; that is the thought that pushes me to live my life to the fullest. I remember how these people impacted my life, making me smile, laugh, and hugged me tight when I cried. Remembeing the emotions I felt during these memories, I try to offer others that same safe space and support that these people offered me. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer, or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9 and was furthered by seeing my friends shot and killed beside me during the Saugus High School Shooting. From that moment on, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions became ever-increasing: family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: greif, PTSD, ADHD, and maintaining my dedication to furthering my education; making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you than that of children your own age. A perspective, that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I have spent much of my life resenting the challenges that gave me that state of being, but at some point, I realized that I had actually been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life that kids my age do, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them support. I fight to live my life to aid others. While I have lost loved ones and been forced to work though grief and anger, I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without it; I would not appreciate every small moment and live my life with such passion if these event had never occured. " Try to be the parts you miss most of the people you've lost"; that is the thought that pushes me to live my life to the fullest. I remember how these people impacted my life, making me smile, laugh, and hugged me tight when I cried. Remembeing the emotions I felt during these memories, I try to offer others that same safe space and support that these people offered me. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer, or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9 and was furthered by seeing my friends shot and killed beside me during the Saugus High School Shooting. From that moment on, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions became ever-increasing: family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: greif, PTSD, ADHD, and maintaining my dedication to furthering my education; making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you than that of children your own age. A perspective, that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I have spent much of my life resenting the challenges that gave me that state of being, but at some point, I realized that I had actually been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life that kids my age do, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them support. I fight to live my life to aid others. While I have lost loved ones and been forced to work though grief and anger, I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without it; I would not appreciate every small moment and live my life with such passion if these event had never occured. " Try to be the parts you miss most of the people you've lost"; that is the thought that pushes me to live my life to the fullest. I remember how these people impacted my life, making me smile, laugh, and hugged me tight when I cried. Remembeing the emotions I felt during these memories, I try to offer others that same safe space and support that these people offered me. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer, or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9 and was furthered by seeing my friends shot and killed beside me during the Saugus High School Shooting. From that moment on, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions became ever-increasing: family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: PTSD, ADHD, and maintaining my dedication to furthering my education; making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you than that of children your own age. A perspective, that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I have spent much of my life resenting the challenges that gave me that state of being, but at some point, I realized that I had actually been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life that kids my age do, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them support. I fight to live my life to aid others. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

When you are in elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be that day on the playground. But, for me, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9. From that moment, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions only increased: family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the ever-accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together, in addition to maintaining my dedication to furthering my education, making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me to the extent that I was unable to experience the many simple joys of life. Support was not accessible to me, and I found that the improvement of my defeated state required every ounce of fight remaining within me. So, with everything I had, I fought to alleviate the build-up of pressures. Pressures continually weighed on me, despite the sources responsible for this internal turmoil subsiding. I fought to process what each source had left. Starting from the very beginning, as a little girl, for two years I watched as my "do it all dad" faded, his strength and independence dissipating until he became entirely incapable of speaking or moving a finger. I fought to fulfill demands, and my personal mission, placed on me as Varsity Volleyball Team Captain for these past 3 years. I Fought to recover from PTSD after my friends were shot and killed beside me in the Saugus High School Shooting, the first semester of my freshmen year. I fought every morning, the fear of stepping onto campus; searching for the strength to walk the same pathways, for four years, that witnessed the shots and screams. I fought through two years of knee rehabilitation due to an injury sustained escaping the shooter, resulting in fully reconstructive surgery. I fought to learn for my entire life, spending hours manipulating information until I could comprehend it; until finally receiving a diagnosis, at the conclusion of my junior year, ADHD. But, a diagnosis brought about only after immense fighting to be heard. With a 4.38 cumulative GPA, I was labeled by my teachers and counselors as, “ too smart and academically successful ” to have the disorder. I fought to allow myself grace in grieving after the loss of my grandma this past October; I had been her caregiver for the past 4 years, and her best friend for these past 18. Perseverance alone was incapable of relieving the lifetime of exhaustion my soul reflected, yet, somehow I succeeded. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you than that of children your own age. A perspective, that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I have spent much of my life resenting the challenges that gave me that state of being, but at some point, I realized that I had been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life as that of my peers, or for that matter, neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them support. I fight to live my life with the intention to aid others. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis on genetics; pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is learning, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends, on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9. From that moment on, the accompanying pressures of the ever-accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: ADHD, and PTSD, in addition to maintaining my dedication to furthering my education. My mental health was made the casualty and exhausted me to the where I was unable to experience the simple joys in life, and the improvement of my defeated state required every ounce of fight remaining within me. I fought to alleviate the build-up of pressures; pressures continually weighing on me, despite the resolution of the sources responsible. I fought to process the lasting impacts, starting at the beginning. As a little girl, I watched as my "do it all dad" lost his strength and independence; becoming incapable of speaking or moving a finger. I fought to fulfill constant demands as Varsity Volleyball Team Captain. I Fought to recover from PTSD after my friends were shot and killed beside me in the Saugus High School Shooting; I fought every morning, the fear of stepping onto campus; searching for the strength to walk through that same scenery. I fought to learn for my entire life, spending hours manipulating information to comprehend it; until finally receiving a diagnosis of ADHD, at the conclusion of my junior year. But, a diagnosis I had to fight for, with a 4.38 GPA, I was labeled by teachers and counselors as “ too smart and academically successful ” to have the disorder. I fought to allow myself grace to grieve after losing my grandma; for 4 years I was her caregiver, and her best friend for the past 18. Perseverance alone was incapable of relieving the lifetime of exhaustion my soul reflected, yet, somehow I succeeded. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you compared to children your own age. A perspective, following you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I spent much of my life resenting that state of being, however at some point, I realized that I had been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life as my peers, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I grew to see the value in being present for the everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire about someone’s day, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil to offer support. I fight to live my life to aid others. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. Majoring in Biology with an emphasis on genetics, I will be pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, the ones we take for granted, while those we want to experience them with are still alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is learning, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends, on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9. From that moment on, the accompanying pressures of the ever-accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: ADHD, and PTSD, in addition to maintaining my dedication to furthering my education. My mental health was made the casualty and exhausted me to the where I was unable to experience the simple joys in life, and the improvement of my defeated state required every ounce of fight remaining within me. I fought to alleviate the build-up of pressures; pressures continually weighing on me, despite the resolution of the sources responsible. I fought to process the lasting impacts, starting at the beginning. As a little girl, I watched as my "do it all dad" lost his strength and independence; becoming incapable of speaking or moving a finger. I fought to fulfill constant demands as Varsity Volleyball Team Captain. I Fought to recover from PTSD after my friends were shot and killed beside me in the Saugus High School Shooting; I fought every morning, the fear of stepping onto campus; searching for the strength to walk through that same scenery. I fought to learn for my entire life, spending hours manipulating information to comprehend it; until finally receiving a diagnosis of ADHD, at the conclusion of my junior year. But, a diagnosis I had to fight for, with a 4.38 GPA, I was labeled by teachers and counselors as “ too smart and academically successful ” to have the disorder. I fought to allow myself grace to grieve after losing my grandma; for 4 years I was her caregiver, and her best friend for the past 18. Perseverance alone was incapable of relieving the lifetime of exhaustion my soul reflected, yet, somehow I succeeded. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you compared to children your own age. A perspective, following you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I spent much of my life resenting that state of being, however at some point, I realized that I had been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life as my peers, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I grew to see the value in being present for the everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire about someone’s day, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil to offer support. I fight to live my life to aid others. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. Majoring in Biology with an emphasis on genetics, I will be pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, the ones we take for granted, while those we want to experience them with are still alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is learning, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends, on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9. From that moment on, the accompanying pressures of the ever-accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: ADHD, and PTSD, in addition to maintaining my dedication to furthering my education. My mental health was made the casualty and exhausted me to the where I was unable to experience the simple joys in life, and the improvement of my defeated state required every ounce of fight remaining within me. I fought to alleviate the build-up of pressures; pressures continually weighing on me, despite the resolution of the sources responsible. I fought to process the lasting impacts, starting at the beginning. As a little girl, I watched as my "do it all dad" lost his strength and independence; becoming incapable of speaking or moving a finger. I fought to fulfill constant demands as Varsity Volleyball Team Captain. I Fought to recover from PTSD after my friends were shot and killed beside me in the Saugus High School Shooting; I fought every morning, the fear of stepping onto campus; searching for the strength to walk through that same scenery. I fought to learn for my entire life, spending hours manipulating information to comprehend it; until finally receiving a diagnosis of ADHD, at the conclusion of my junior year. But, a diagnosis I had to fight for, with a 4.38 GPA, I was labeled by teachers and counselors as “ too smart and academically successful ” to have the disorder. I fought to allow myself grace to grieve after losing my grandma; for 4 years I was her caregiver, and her best friend for the past 18. Perseverance alone was incapable of relieving the lifetime of exhaustion my soul reflected, yet, somehow I succeeded. Harboring so much weight forces a different perspective on you compared to children your own age. A perspective, following you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I spent much of my life resenting that state of being, however at some point, I realized that I had been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life as my peers, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I grew to see the value in being present for the everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire about someone’s day, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil to offer support. I fight to live my life to aid others. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. Majoring in Biology with an emphasis on genetics, I will be pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, the ones we take for granted, while those we want to experience them with are still alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be. But, for me, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9 and was furthered by seeing my friends shot and killed beside me during the Saugus High School Shooting. From that moment, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions became increasingly family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the ever-accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together, in addition to maintaining my dedication to furthering my education, making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me to the extent that I was unable to experience the many simple joys of life. Support was not accessible to me, and I found that the improvement of my defeated state required every ounce of fight remaining within me. And so, with everything I had, I fought to alleviate the build-up of pressures. Pressures continually weighed on me, despite the sources responsible for this internal turmoil subsiding. I fought to process the lasting impact each source had left Starting from the very beginning, as a little girl, for two years I watched as my "do it all dad" faded, his strength and independence dissipating until he became entirely incapable of speaking or moving a finger. I fought to fulfill demands, and my personal mission, placed on me as Varsity Volleyball Team Captain for these past 3 years. I Fought to recover from PTSD after my friends were shot and killed beside me in the Saugus High School Shooting, the first semester of my freshmen year. I fought every morning, the fear of stepping onto campus; searching for the strength to walk the same pathways, for four years, that witnessed the shots and screams. I fought through two years of knee rehabilitation due to an injury sustained escaping the shooter, resulting in fully reconstructive surgery. I fought to learn for my entire life, spending hours manipulating information until I could comprehend it; until finally receiving a diagnosis, at the conclusion of my junior year, ADHD. But, a diagnosis brought about only after immense fighting to be heard. With a 4.38 cumulative GPA, I was labeled by my teachers and counselors as “ too smart and academically successful ” to have the disorder. I fought to allow myself grace in grieving after the loss of my grandma this past October; I had been her caregiver for the past 4 years, and her best friend for these past 18. Perseverance alone was incapable of relieving the lifetime of exhaustion my soul reflected, yet, somehow I succeeded. Harboring such a massive amount of weight forces a different perspective on you compared to children your own age. A perspective, that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I spent much of my life resenting that state of being, however at some point, I realized that I had been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life as my peers, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I grew to see the value in being present for the everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire about someone’s day, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil to offer support. I fight to live my life to aid others. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

During elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends on the playground as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be. But, I had to grow up incredibly fast; beginning with the loss of my father to ALS at age 9 and was furthered by seeing my friends shot and killed beside me during the Saugus High School Shooting. From that moment on, in the 3rd grade, my jobs and decisions became ever-increasing: family chef, animal caretaker, and my father’s, and eventually my grandmother’s, caregiver. The pressures of the accumulating demands throughout my life compounded together: PTSD, ADHD, and maintaining my dedication to furthering my education; making my mental health the casualty and exhausting me. Harboring so much weight, beginning at a young age forces a different perspective of life onto you. A perspective, that follows into adulthood, and for the rest of your life, known as the condition of having an "old soul". I spent much of my life resenting that state of being. At some point, I realized that I had been given the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life as my peers, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I grew to see the value in being present for the everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire about someone’s day, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil to offer support. I fight to live my life to aid others. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple of extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. Majoring in Biology with an emphasis on genetics, I will be pursuing a career path in genetic counseling. This "job" means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their unfavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, the ones we take for granted, while those we want to experience them with are still alongside us.

When you are in elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be on the playground that day. But, for me, in 3rd grade my jobs and decisions became ever increasing as: family chef, animal caretaker, student, ballerina, and my father's caregiver. My dad was never the man to accept help; standing at 6"3, he was the man who could do it all. If our dirtbikes broke down, he'd find a way to fix them, if a stranger needed furniture loaded in their car he was there, and if a friend called him, day or night in need, he found a way to be there. Suddenly, he just couldn't do it all anymore. It started with struggling to open his gatorade bottle as he was working on his truck, and then the odd feeling of his muscles twitching uncontrollably when I would snuggle up to his side and lay on his chest for our nightly daddy daughter time. It was diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome, only increasing in intensity, the diagnoses became blatantly apparent as incorrect. Within the three weeks that followed his original diagnosis, the muscles across his body severely atrophied, and he was rushed to three different specialists at UCLA; the search for answers finally resolving at the definitive diagnosis of ALS and the sole solution of experimental Drugs. As a little girl, seeing your "do it all dad" fade so quickly and unexpectedly, it forces a different perspective on you than that of the typical children your age. A perspective that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life. I've always been told that I have an "old soul", and I have grown to become quite fond of it. ALS did not just affect my life, it entirely altered it. While I spent much of my life resenting ALS for taking my dad away, at some point I realized that it had given me the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life that kids my own age do, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them an ear or a shoulder. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately to pursue a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their infavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.

"Let kids be kids", a common phrase I've never known the meaning of, because I never got to be one; instead, I'm well acquainted with the phrase having an "old soul", its use evoking resentment; however, slowly my distaste for that aspect of myself has begun to lessen as I realize that it allows me to see the value in being present for life's seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people take for granted, and I hope to find the meaning of the innocent phrase I still don't understand by finding fulfillment in those moments.

When you are in elementary school, your most important job is supposed to be school, and the biggest conflict you have to face should be with your friends as you argue about which Kung Fu Panda character you want to be on the playground that day. But, for me, in 3rd grade my jobs and decisions became ever increasing as: family chef, animal caretaker, student, ballerina, and my father's caregiver. My dad was never the man to accept help; standing at 6"3, he was the man who could do it all. If our dirtbikes broke down, he'd find a way to fix them, if a stranger needed furniture loaded in their car he was there, and if a friend called him, day or night in need, he found a way to be there. Suddenly, he just couldn't do it all anymore. It started with struggling to open his gatorade bottle as he was working on his truck, and then the odd feeling of his muscles twitching uncontrollably when I would snuggle up to his side and lay on his chest for our nightly daddy daughter time. It was diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome, only increasing in intensity, the diagnoses became blatantly apparent as incorrect. Within the three weeks that followed his original diagnosis, the muscles across his body severely atrophied, and he was rushed to three different specialists at UCLA; the search for answers finally resolving at the definitive diagnosis of ALS and the sole solution of experimental Drugs. As a little girl, seeing your "do it all dad" fade so quickly and unexpectedly, it forces a different perspective on you than that of the typical children your age. A perspective that follows you into adulthood, and for the rest of your life. I've always been told that I have an "old soul", and I have grown to become quite fond of it. ALS did not just affect my life, it entirely altered it. While I spent much of my life resenting ALS for taking my dad away, at some point I realized that it had given me the blessing of the "old soul". Where I don't prioritize the same things in my life that kids my own age do, or for that matter neither do people much older than me. Instead, I have grown to see the value in being present for the seemingly meaningless everyday moments that people tend to take for granted; to take time to genuinely inquire in someone’s day, to lend a hand, and to stop and sit with someone in turmoil and offer them an ear or a shoulder. If I can make an impact in just one person's life, and make it so that a kid can be a kid for just a little bit longer or a parent can remain in the life of their child for a couple extra years, then that's ultimately my career plan. I will be majoring in Biology with an emphasis in genetics; ultimately to pursue a career path in genetic counseling. This career would allow me to look for genetic abnormalities before an individual expresses them, and treat them for their condition. The job means creating a connection and line of safe communication to help the individual and their family process and work through the changes brought about by their infavorable genetics. Hopefully, people can be present for more of those moments, that we don’t realize are valuable until it’s too late, while the people we want to experience them with are still there alongside us.