SIX

During the first semester of college a lot of things change for a lot of students, and I was no exception. I started off this year knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life, where I wanted to go, what I wanted to be... But as the semester went on, I started to change my mind. I'm in a bit of a limbo with where I want to go in life, but for now, I'm okay with it. A lot of things have changed in such a short time for me and consequently made me grow as a person. I'm not exactly sure what I want to do or where I want to go anymore, but I do know that no matter what I am a very strong individual and I can get myself through anything. This first semester put a lot into perspective for me. I have always done everything on my own, so I feel as though I was prepared for living on my own and being away from home. I think that my independence has grown even more so now, though. Most things didn't end up like I thought they would by any means, but I have learned to move on and forward with life. I think my ability to adapt and carry on has been the biggest way I've grown this semester, and I hope to continue to do so in the rest of my life.

FIVE

The Hixson award is important to me for more than one reason. The biggest reason of course is that it gave me the opportunity to go to college. Without this award I would have had to go to a community college, if I was able to go at all. It also gave me the opportunity to meet some really great people. Purple Squad! The class itself also gave me a lot of good information I may not have known about otherwise. Overall, this award has given me great opportunities.