Challenging Beginnings

While the year 2020 was difficult for many people, it was probably my best year yet. It was a year of learning and growing, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It all started in March of 2020, when the world was shut down because of COVID-19. During this year, I was working as a cashier at Kroger and being a full-time student. By the time spring break hit, I had been told several times how great of an employee I was. As someone who loves quality time and words of affirmation, I took those words to heart. I held myself to high standards and started working full-time hours while going to school. For what? Because I enjoyed working and because I wanted to continue being recognized as a wonderful employee. This all occurred within 5 months before I started school at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Throughout those few months, I learned a lot about myself and my work ethic. In May, I graduated with a 4.0 GPA, but I didn’t have any friends. I was so focused on school, work, and being perfect that I forgot what really mattered; my family, friends, and the people I choose to surround myself with. Nobody is perfect and there is always room for improvement. Do I regret graduating high school with a perfect GPA and no friends? No. If I didn’t go through that experience, I wouldn’t be where I am today and I may not of experienced what led me to be the person I am today. It’s amazing to see how much someone can change in such a short amount of time.