Talents

All my life there was always a question of what my talents were. I was never able to respond quickly with an answer. I would think and think, but nothing would come to mind. Then I would just come up some random talent that I could possibly be good at. It would put me down to think that I had no talents.

The teachers and adults would say that everyone has a talent, which I now realize is actually true. They would also say that a talent could be as simple as being a good listener or talking in front of a huge crowd. When I used to think of talents, I usually thought of drawing, singing, dancing, or something really extravagant. Now I know that there is an endless list of talents one can possess. It doesn’t have to be similar to everyone else or be extremely interesting.

Finally after years of question, I know what talents I have. Unlike my younger self, I could say a whole list of them. I am content and proud of myself for what I can do. I’m really good at solving math problems, sewing, organizing, and, yes of course, listening. Out of that whole list, organizing/ cleaning is probably the one most important to me.

Why, you might say? Well because that is what I do whenever I am bored and it is a great stress reliever. That may sound a little weird because you might think that the more I have to clean the more stress, right? Not for me.

There is just something about cleaning that takes my mind off of everything. It may be because I am focusing on getting a particular thing clean or because of my OCD, but it somehow helps.

I am thinking of this now because I could possibly turn this “talent” into a lifelong career or a on-the-side job. With graduation and the start of college coming, I want to make decisions that I will be happy with. I want to put my natural talents to use, so I can be confident that what I am doing is my best possible work ever.

I believe that I was given these talents for something useful. I could give back to the community. I could use my talent of sewing to make clothes for the poor or use my math solving skills to build a rocket ship. Whatever I decide to do with these so called talents, I will be glad to have something to give back to this amazing world.

Laughter

Well I just crossed off another task off the long list of what is left to do until graduation: senior pictures. Now it’s time to order graduation announcements. Then after that I have to send them out and so on. This is how senior year has been so far. There is constantly always something to do. Once one thing is done, I’m onto another.

There is just so much to do-- scholarships, announcements, prom preparation, and college expenses. It has pushed me to the point of constant stress and worry. With everything going on, I used to feel like there was nothing to take away the stress except graduation.

This weekend changed my mind and it taught me two things: check the weather the day you plan to take pictures and most importantly, take a moment out of the day to just have a good laugh.(For a quick explanation on the first part, I took my pictures on Saturday by a lake and it was very windy. My “photographer” and I had trouble getting a good picture, but we had to work around it. End of story. )

It had been weeks since I was able to spend quality time with my two sisters. When we are together, we have the best time. Nothing else could compare to it. Like other sisters, we argue, but they are the two people who could make me laugh the most.

After my pictures were done, I had time to think on the way back to Holbrook and I came to the realization that I hadn’t laughed the way I had that day for a long time. Usually laughing will come easily to people and they can laugh at anything. For me, it has to take something hilarious for me to really laugh. That’s what happened that day.

When I am around them, everything comes naturally and I can be myself without worrying about anyone judging me. I don’t have to contain myself and hide.

It actually felt good to just laugh and have a good time. That may seem sad, but that’s normal for me and I’m okay with it. I think of it as saving a good laugh for something worthwhile and memorable. I still have a lot of homework and studying to do, but when I am on the verge of breaking down or giving up, I will think of that little memory, stop and just laugh. 

In honor of National Siblings Day, I want to say that having a good laugh with your siblings and those who you consider your siblings is a blessing. Don’t take those moments for granted. I know I did and the only few ones I get, I remember the most. I am and will forever be incredibly thankful for the many laughs and  wonderful days I have with my amazing sisters and brothers.

More Than Just a College Class

To be able to earn college credit and high school credit at the same time is such a privilege. I don’t even have to pay for these college credits because they are “free” (Well not actually because, according to Mrs. Nafziger, there is no such thing as a free lunch). By the end of the school year, I will have at least 32 college credit hours from Calculus 1, Calculus 2, AP English 12, Trig./Pre-Calculus, and Child Development.

From taking these classes, I have had the chance to see what college is really like and I’ve learned a lot of life lessons. But out of all these classes, I would say that Child Development is one of the greatest.

Yes, I have learned about the development of children, but I was able to get hands on experience. Students who take this class are able to go to an actual daycare every other day to work one-on-one with children. I was required to teach the preschool room a lesson at least twice a semester.

I, personally, am grateful for this experience.

I first started going to the daycare my sophomore year and it was amazing. Every two weeks our group of about three or so students would be assigned to either the preschool, toddler, or infant room. Each room was something different.

I liked the infant room because I would get to hold babies and hear their cute laughs. I mean, who wouldn’t enjoy that? I also liked the toddler and preschool rooms because children have so much energy and they would improve my mood that day.

This year is my third year going to the daycare. At the beginning of the year, I wasn’t planning on taking the class, but I somehow ended up adding it to my schedule. I’m glad I did.  I practically grew up with the children. To anyone who takes this class, I’m pretty sure that you will build a personal relationship with them. You just get attached. I know I did.

I got the chance to watch the infants pass important milestones of their life, like learning how to walk, talk, write, etc. The children who were in the infant room my sophomore year are now in toddler room. The toddlers are now in the preschool and the preschoolers are now in Kindergarten.

Every now and then I reminisce on hilarious moments I’ve had with the children who are longer there. I’m pretty sure during finals week, I’ll tear up knowing that I may never see the children ever again.

Ever since junior high I knew that I wanted to pursue a career involving children. This class made me even more sure about that. I’ve noticed that when a child is barely learning or needs an extra hand I want to be the one to help. While I am college,I want to work at a daycare to continue learning from children and helping them.

I will be forever thankful for this experience and for the many life lessons I’ve learned.