Photo Credits: Olivia McEvoy
The saying everything happens for a reason has been continuously hammered into my head. I have been told that everything will work out, everything will be ok. I have always been skeptical about whether or not these statements are true or if humanity is just trying to lift my spirits. A devastating event would happen and my mom would say it was time--it is what was meant to happen. Little six year old me was so incredibly smart for my age but I could not comprehend what my mother was telling me. Ten years later while sitting here brainstorming ideas on what to write about, I have realized that my experiences really have had a purpose and influenced who am today. Some experiences have challenged me and others have filled me with happiness. After taking some time to reflect, I now know and believe that everything does happen for a reason. Even though things may seem to be going the wrong direction, just remember that you are creating a map to your future and no matter what happens, you will reach your final destination.
Nine years ago, my family made the executive decision to add another child to the family. We started collaborating with different local agencies and began the training process. Almost every day we would either have someone in our house or my parents would attend a meeting. I swear, the agency went through every square inch of the house making sure it was kid or baby proof. We had covers on all outlets, cabinets locked up, and baby gates everywhere. We waited patiently for our opportunity to arise, but the time never came. A year passed and my parents decided that we would foster an older child once my brother and I were off to college. We donated all of our baby supplies and toys and planned to move on, but two years later, we got a call. An attorney in Florida asked us if we would still be interested in a biracial baby boy who was on the way - little did we know only three weeks away - and was in need of a loving home. Our answer was a definite yes! A On December sixth, 2012 my parents got a call saying the baby was on its way. They came and said goodbye to my brother and I at school, and set off for Florida. My parents landed at the exact time the baby was born, 7:11 pm. As we patiently waited for his arrival, ten long days passed. Six years later, my baby brother, Kysen, is the light in all of our lives. He lights up a room with his smile. We all learned not to give up because great things take some time.
I had another life altering experience about two years ago. I was teaching a young girl how to ride and care for horses. The horse I had owned for five years, Meatball, was struggling to keep up with the competition. It wouldn’t have been fair to keep pushing him when I knew he wasn’t physically capable. I knew I would have to move on but I couldn’t bear the thought of losing him. In the beginning, the young girl was pretty shy around me and Meatball, but as time went on, I saw a bond between her and Meatball almost like the one him and I had. I not only worked with her around horses, but I started teaching her more about Meatball. Meatball is a character and can be extremely stubborn at times. I needed to show her how to overcome his stubbornness in order for them to be a successful team. As I knew that I was going to need a step-up horse, I began to look for options for Meatball. When my mom brought up the idea of possibly giving him to Jeshannah, the girl I had been giving lessons to, I knew it was meant to be. If we gave him to Jeshannah, I would still be able to use him and he would stay close, he wouldn’t have to leave. We brought our idea to Christi, Jeshannah’s mother, who is the sweetest woman you will ever meet. Christi was entirely on board and Jay had no clue what was coming her way. Christmas was only two weeks away. This was it, this was the time. On Christmas morning, we packed up and set out for the barn. We got Meatball all cleaned up and got him loaded up into the trailer to drive to their house. This was going to be a huge surprise for Jeshannah. When we got to her house, we got Meatball out of the trailer and made him look flawless once again. We put a giant gold bow on him and texted Christi to let her know it was time for the big surprise. We all got our cameras ready as I held Meatball. Jay walked out the door and almost looked as if she didn't even see him there. I ended up having to say, “Jay he is yours. Meatball is yours.” She broke down into tears and gave me the biggest hug. I knew I just helped a miracle come true. I was sad to see my Meatball have a new girl but I couldn’t have found a better person for him to be with. I am so thankful for the way this situation turned out and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I still get to see Meatball every day and I continue to help Jay to learn about all of his quirks. When the right people come into your life, you just know that everything is going to be ok.
My final most important experienced happened at the end of my seventh grade year; we moved. I moved houses, schools, but stayed in the same city. My eighth grade year, I felt I was only there to get an A and leave. I wasn’t there to make friends or actually take in my learning, I was there to please and go home. Oprah Winfrey once said, “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” After graduating from middle school, I decided that I wanted an experience that could give me opportunities different from everybody else. I wanted to have the opportunity to get into the college of my dreams by having an outstanding college portfolio and experiences that are unique and different from the average student. I want to be able to continue my education and study what I am interested in and passionate about. I had courage and pushed myself to try something new in order to make myself better. With these goals in mind, I decided that EDGE would be able to help fulfill my dreams and get me to where I strive to be. School is definitely one of my top priorities and it is no surprise that I put in all effort possible in order to be successful. Now, for all my projects, not only is my goal to get an A, but to make a difference. I go above and beyond the standards in order for it to be as professional as possible and go that extra distance to become the person I strive to be in the future. EDGE has bettered my responsibility, professionalism, work ethic, collaboration, and has helped form me into the person I am today.
I was once asked if there was ever a time in my life where it didn’t end up ok. There have been moments where I was positive that there was no possible way for it to be ok, but never a time where after some reflection, I realized everything didn’t end up being ok . Maybe the outcome wasn’t what I was hoping for, but everything ended up being just the way it was meant to be. If it wasn’t for the experiences that we have, you wouldn’t be the person you are today. Not only has Kysen, Jeshannah and Meatball, EDGE and any of my other life experiences had an incredible impact on me, but they have made a student, a daughter, a sister, a coach, a friend, and a young lady that I couldn't be more proud to say is me. Now, I am ready to test my courage, strength and dedication by leaping into the next life lesson--college.
Nine years ago, my family made the executive decision to add another child to the family. We started collaborating with different local agencies and began the training process. Almost every day we would either have someone in our house or my parents would attend a meeting. I swear, the agency went through every square inch of the house making sure it was kid or baby proof. We had covers on all outlets, cabinets locked up, and baby gates everywhere. We waited patiently for our opportunity to arise, but the time never came. A year passed and my parents decided that we would foster an older child once my brother and I were off to college. We donated all of our baby supplies and toys and planned to move on, but two years later, we got a call. An attorney in Florida asked us if we would still be interested in a biracial baby boy who was on the way - little did we know only three weeks away - and was in need of a loving home. Our answer was a definite yes! A On December sixth, 2012 my parents got a call saying the baby was on its way. They came and said goodbye to my brother and I at school, and set off for Florida. My parents landed at the exact time the baby was born, 7:11 pm. As we patiently waited for his arrival, ten long days passed. Six years later, my baby brother, Kysen, is the light in all of our lives. He lights up a room with his smile. We all learned not to give up because great things take some time.
I had another life altering experience about two years ago. I was teaching a young girl how to ride and care for horses. The horse I had owned for five years, Meatball, was struggling to keep up with the competition. It wouldn’t have been fair to keep pushing him when I knew he wasn’t physically capable. I knew I would have to move on but I couldn’t bear the thought of losing him. In the beginning, the young girl was pretty shy around me and Meatball, but as time went on, I saw a bond between her and Meatball almost like the one him and I had. I not only worked with her around horses, but I started teaching her more about Meatball. Meatball is a character and can be extremely stubborn at times. I needed to show her how to overcome his stubbornness in order for them to be a successful team. As I knew that I was going to need a step-up horse, I began to look for options for Meatball. When my mom brought up the idea of possibly giving him to Jeshannah, the girl I had been giving lessons to, I knew it was meant to be. If we gave him to Jeshannah, I would still be able to use him and he would stay close, he wouldn’t have to leave. We brought our idea to Christi, Jeshannah’s mother, who is the sweetest woman you will ever meet. Christi was entirely on board and Jay had no clue what was coming her way. Christmas was only two weeks away. This was it, this was the time. On Christmas morning, we packed up and set out for the barn. We got Meatball all cleaned up and got him loaded up into the trailer to drive to their house. This was going to be a huge surprise for Jeshannah. When we got to her house, we got Meatball out of the trailer and made him look flawless once again. We put a giant gold bow on him and texted Christi to let her know it was time for the big surprise. We all got our cameras ready as I held Meatball. Jay walked out the door and almost looked as if she didn't even see him there. I ended up having to say, “Jay he is yours. Meatball is yours.” She broke down into tears and gave me the biggest hug. I knew I just helped a miracle come true. I was sad to see my Meatball have a new girl but I couldn’t have found a better person for him to be with. I am so thankful for the way this situation turned out and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I still get to see Meatball every day and I continue to help Jay to learn about all of his quirks. When the right people come into your life, you just know that everything is going to be ok.
My final most important experienced happened at the end of my seventh grade year; we moved. I moved houses, schools, but stayed in the same city. My eighth grade year, I felt I was only there to get an A and leave. I wasn’t there to make friends or actually take in my learning, I was there to please and go home. Oprah Winfrey once said, “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” After graduating from middle school, I decided that I wanted an experience that could give me opportunities different from everybody else. I wanted to have the opportunity to get into the college of my dreams by having an outstanding college portfolio and experiences that are unique and different from the average student. I want to be able to continue my education and study what I am interested in and passionate about. I had courage and pushed myself to try something new in order to make myself better. With these goals in mind, I decided that EDGE would be able to help fulfill my dreams and get me to where I strive to be. School is definitely one of my top priorities and it is no surprise that I put in all effort possible in order to be successful. Now, for all my projects, not only is my goal to get an A, but to make a difference. I go above and beyond the standards in order for it to be as professional as possible and go that extra distance to become the person I strive to be in the future. EDGE has bettered my responsibility, professionalism, work ethic, collaboration, and has helped form me into the person I am today.
I was once asked if there was ever a time in my life where it didn’t end up ok. There have been moments where I was positive that there was no possible way for it to be ok, but never a time where after some reflection, I realized everything didn’t end up being ok . Maybe the outcome wasn’t what I was hoping for, but everything ended up being just the way it was meant to be. If it wasn’t for the experiences that we have, you wouldn’t be the person you are today. Not only has Kysen, Jeshannah and Meatball, EDGE and any of my other life experiences had an incredible impact on me, but they have made a student, a daughter, a sister, a coach, a friend, and a young lady that I couldn't be more proud to say is me. Now, I am ready to test my courage, strength and dedication by leaping into the next life lesson--college.
