-
Bedtime Stories
When I was little, my mom started reading to me before bed. We did this every night for at least the first ten years of my life. We read some books so many times that I could recite them word for word. One of my favorites was the story of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. -
ABCs
Until I started Kindergarten, I stayed all day at my grandparents' house while my mom and dad worked. In their house they had a wood burning stove, so they would let me draw and write on the wooden boards before they used them. My Papaw would write the alphabet on them so I could copy them. He'd then ask me to say them back to him. -
Accelerated Reading Points
In first grade, we started a reading rewards program where we read books and took online comprehension tests over them. The more questions you got right on a test, the more points you earned. -
American Girl Cub
In second grade, I was in a book club where we read American Girl Doll books, did journal entries, and watched the movies. My specific doll was Samantha. -
Sweet Valley High
In second grade, my mom introduced me to the Sweet Valley High books, a series she read when she was younger. I instantly became obsessed with the twins and the stories of their every day lives. I told my teacher, Ms. Goodan, about my new love for these books, and she told me that she also loved those stories and still had her collection. The next day, she brought me a huge box full of all her old books to keep. To this day, it was probably the greatest gift I ever got from a teacher. -
Magic Tree House
Also in second grade, I discovered the Magic Tree House series. These were the first books that I ever read by myself and preferred to do so over "fun" activities, like watching television. I would go to different libraries to find specific ones I hadn't read yet, bought new ones at the book fair and out of the book catalogs, and I even had a few audio books I would listen to while taking baths. This obsession lasted until approximately 4th grade. -
My First Research Project
In third grade, we had to choose an animal to create a book about. The book including basic information about our animals of choice, fun facts, and pictures. While most of my classmates chose cute animals like dolphins and penguins, I chose none other than the muskrat because one lived at our pond. -
100 Point Club
I finally made it into the accelerated reading 100 point club by the end of my second grade year and for my third grade year. Both times we took a field trip to Coffee Tree Books and Mr. Gattis to celebrate. -
Holiday Hoedown
In fourth grade, I was in my first true school play. I was used to being in small church plays, but this was much bigger than what I had ever done. This was when I knew for sure that I loved acting. The play was for Christmas, and it was called Santa's Holiday Hoedown. In short, it was the North Pole's elves meet Branson, Missouri's country music stars. -
Land of Stoires
The Land of Stories books were my favorite books in upper elementary. Despite having the ending of the first book spoiled by one of my best friends, I fell in love with the interesting twist put on classic fairy tales these books told. I even dressed up as one of the characters for trick-or-treat and had my birthday themed around them. -
A Somewhat Strange Phase in My Life
For a short period of time I tried to get into anime. I thought everything about it was cool. Plus, my best friend was already super invested in a few different books. I read a few books from a variety of popular series and read all 12 books from Sailor Moon. I even went to a couple of conventions with my friend, but I quickly realized that it really wasn't my style. -
Best and Worst Class Ever
My 7th grade English teacher was Ms. Mort. At the time I hated everything about that class because it was the first time I had ever struggled with writing. However, looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. She was able to teach me so much about becoming a strong writer. -
Nothing Gold Can Stay
In 8th grade, I read The Outsiders for a mock trial class taught by Mrs. Reinhardt. This was the first time I had felt a true love for a book and its story for a long time. After reading the book and watching the movie, I played the part of none other than Johnny Cade (if he were to still be alive after the incidents) in the court case. I was kept in the stands for almost two hours of constant questioning, and eventually proved myself not guilty of murder. -
Period: to
Public Speaking
Starting in 8th grade, I was presented with more and more opportunities to do some public speaking. While I do still get a little stage fright from time to time, delivering class prayers, school announcements, and many May Day related speeches has helped me improve greatly in my ability to talk in front of big audiences. -
America's White Table
This past Veteran's day, I conducted the white table ceremony at my church's Veteran's day service in remembrance of all those MIA and held POW . While my friend Christina set the table, I read the book America's White Table to explain what each item represented. -
Written Composition
I have been on the academic team since 4th grade for FPS, Arts and Humanities, and Quick Recall, but last year was the first year I had ever done composition. Yet, somehow has a rookie I made it to the state level of competitions which was quite the confidence booster. -
School Visits
In December and February, I was blessed to make visits to Crossroads Elementary School to help celebrate Christmas and Valentine's Day as a part of my May Day community service. While I was there I helped set up for the parties, conduct activities, play games, talk to many kids, and even read to multiple classes. Making many new little friends is my favorite memory from my term. -
My Final Walk
The greatest thing I have ever written in my entire life was, without a doubt, my farewell speech as Miss May Day Teen 2017. Writing that speech was the only time, I believe, that I was truly divinely inspired by God. I felt as if for once what I was writing had a genuine purpose and meaning. It gave me the opportunity to share my story, spread some encouragement, and give thanks where it was very much deserved. -
That's My Mom Up There
My mom delivered the graduation speech for this past year's seniors. I may be a little bias, but it was the best speech I have ever listened to. Her presence was captivating, and she spoke effectively, making everyone laugh and tear up at just the right times. It's common to hear people talk about proud parents, but the roles were reversed that day; I was very proud of her.
