Traveling – I have been fortunate to have had many opportunities to venture to diverse places, both in the United States and internationally. I have traveled to areas like Bermuda, Mexico, and the Bahamas, and most recently, Austria. I flew to Austria with a school group through a student exchange program, and I lived with a host family outside of Graz for two weeks. This experience opened my eyes to a completely different culture, and I tried foods (like schnitzel), visited landmarks (such as the Schöckl), and took part in traditions (which involved wearing dirndls) I never knew existed. I also built incredible relationships with both my host family and the Austrian students, and they have had such a profound impact on my life. Traveling to places like Austria has helped me broaden my perspective of the world, and hopefully I will study abroad within the next few years so I can learn even more!

Volunteering at Metro – Almost every Wednesday since the beginning of the semester, I have volunteered at Metro Early College Middle School. Each week, I assist one of the teachers, Mrs. Reeves, with anything she needs; this has included grading assignments and entering grades into the computer, setting up labs, and checking homework. Although I first went to Metro for community service hours, I now go whenever I have the time because I have grown such a deep appreciation for teachers. Mrs. Reeves has told me that I will never understand how much I am doing, even though I only come for an hour at a time, and this makes me feel like I am making a difference in somebody’s life. I intend on volunteering at Metro all through the spring semester as well!