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Learning How To Snowboard
I was in Fourth Grade. We went to Ski Haus to rent equipment. This would be our first year skiing as a family. When we were at Ski Haus, I told my parents I wanted to snowboard, so they rented me a board. At first, it was really hard. It took me forever to strap in and everyone would always have to wait for me at the bottom of the hill. I couldn't even tie my boots. It took a lot of practice but it turned out to be a good decision to snowboard because now I wait for them at the bottom. -
Getting a dirt bike
Probably one of the best days of my life. For my 9th Birthday, my parents got me a dirt bike. It was something I always wanted because my dad had one when he was a kid. Every year, I would ask for one and when I finally got one, I was so excited. There was nothing else I could do but smile. I was so surprised because my parents had told me I could get one when I was 12 so to get a dirt bike was the last thing I was expecting, It was by far the best gift I ever got and I will always remember it. -
Losing my dirt bike
My dirt bike was the best gift I ever got. I was about to lose what I loved. Over the years, I outgrew the bike. The engine was beginning to have problems, and my dad decided it was best to unload it. It really hit me hard when the guy came to pick it up. I stared out the window crying as he loaded the bike into his truck and drove off. There was talk of getting a bigger bike, but that never happened. From time to time I think about how much I miss it and how much I would love to get another. -
Learning to Drive
I was doing some work at my Grandpa's house around the yard. He told me to pull the truck forward. I was 15, and had never even started a car. He showed me how to do it. I put the truck in 4wd and started easing over toward the pile of branches. It was a feeling like no other. From then on, I learned how to drive the truck around the 5 acres of land to complete various tasks. Every time I got in the drivers seat of that old F-150 truck and turned the key, I felt like I was on top of the world -
Working at Clancy Moving
For the summers of 2017 and 2018, I worked at Clancy Moving. Working from 7:30 - 5:30 4 days a week is exhausting, but I loved it because I was always busy and the days went by fast. Some Saturdays, I would be at the warehouse at 5:00, just to make a couple extra bucks. It felt great getting my paycheck every Friday, because that was money I actually had to work for. It is sad each summer when I have to leave but I just look forward to next summer when I can be back there sweating and smiling. -
Getting Drivers License
I remember that day clearly. I was sitting in my classes knowing that at 1:00, I would leave to go to my drivers test. When we got to Carmel I was nervous. I knew that I was a good driver, I was just afraid that today would be the day I messed up. Once I started driving, everything felt better. Then the instructor told me to parallel park. I completed the maneuver to perfection. She told me it was the best parking she had seen all day. I got a perfect score on the test and I got my license. -
MVP and All League Awards for Golf
I had worked hard to improve my golf game for the 2018 season. For the golf team, I didn't shoot above a 43 for the season. At Spring Sports Awards, I received the MVP and an All - League award which is given to the top 11 golfers in our league. I was proud of myself especially for that season. In previous seasons, I had performed well but I was too inconsistent. I improved my mental game and did not let a bad hole or an annoying opponent bother me. I was able to get in the zone and just play. -
Breaking a TV on vacation
I was looking for a shirt, and I flipped up the covers on my bed. Next thing I knew, a wooden hanger flipped up off the bed, and right into the middle of the TV screen. I turned the TV on with the hope that the TV wasn't broken, but it was completely shattered. I felt awful, my stomach hurt, and I just felt like a failure. The vacation had been going so well. Luckily, the hotel did not charge us, they were understanding and said it happens a lot. I guess a lot of people break TV's on vacation. -
Joining the National Guard
I consider myself to be a patriotic person. I always looked up to the men and women who serve our country. I wanted to be one of those people. That is when I found the National Guard. I really liked their message and decided to join to be a part of something bigger than myself. I really did not fully comprehend the decision that I made until I repeated the words from the Captain of the Army, "I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies... So help me God." -
First National Guard Drill
I woke up Saturday morning at 4:30. After getting 4 hours of sleep I was wiped out. I got in my car and drove to Camp Smith where they would take a group of new recruits up to the Catskill's to do our monthly training. When we got there, we immediately started working out. I began to think why I joined. Then one of the Sergeants started talking about how much he loved America. I then remembered why I joined. I did not join for the money or for the benefits, but for the love of my country.
