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I never really got to travel much when I was a kid. The very first trip I took by myself (it involved an airplane ticket) was the first time that I really felt like an independent adult, making my own way in the world.

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Getting my tonsils and adenoids removed, and Emergency Surgery.

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Getting my tonsils and adenoids removed, and Emergency Surgery.

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This was in January, my big surgery in my throat. I’ve been super stressed in December,  because I knew I was going to get that surgery. January 6th, it is 3 days before my sister’s bday! Bad news: my first ever surgery is today. I am not able to drink or eat anything all morning. It’s 10:00, I’ve packed all my stuff, including my Nintendo Switch (You can never be too prepared) and we head into the car. As we drive there I start freaking out,  on the radio, there’s a song singing, “This is not where. I belong!” I’m singing along as my mom pulls into the Children’s Hospital’s parking lot. Soon, I’m in the surgery room, now this is when I start panicking! I’m most scared 😱 when I get the mask on my face! The doctors said it would taste like, “candy air” In my opinion, It tasted completely like cat vomit, No, that was not exaggerated. After wards I got a popsicle! I also got a ultra sore throat DX. I was just happy that everything was over with! Well, not exactly.... 4 days later, EMERGENCY SURGERY! THHIS WAS THE MOST SCARY EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE! I will not explain it in great detail, but there was blood. I was freaking out this time!! Anyways, I’m just very thankful my surgeons were so nice. I learned that I can trust people in these type of situations.

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The first day of Kindergarten was really meaningful to me because I got to meet all my new friends that day that helped support me in later years.

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When I turned 16 all I wanted to do was drive a car. Because of the cost of car insurance, I was quickly made aware that driving requires a job. I tried for weeks and months with little luck until I finally got a break at a local grocery store. My job was to push in carts, change trash cans, and clean bathrooms. I have always taken pride in my work and this was no exception, but it was far from glamorous. I was humbled by the opportunity and I proudly did this for years. After 11 years with that company and making my way to an assistant store manager position I am still grateful. Don't be surprised if someday you see me pushing in carts at a grocery store. Sometimes it is important to hit the reset button and remember where it all began. Be humble, work hard, remain patient, and respect everyone.

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When i first got on discord i started only talking to 4 of my friends which were from school, and then i was introduced to some other people and they've changed my life for the good ever since i've met them i laughed more and felt like myself!

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i got to go somewhere new .

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I saved every penny for over a year, and finally purchased my first car without my parents' financial help. A TINY silver Chevy Aveo hatchback... which my friends affectionately nicknamed the clown car. LOL. It may have been a small vehicle, but it was a HUGE step for me. Like Ms. Mary said, this life-changing event was the first time that I felt like an independent adult.

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Most people don't know this about me but I quit college at 19 and moved to California with my then boyfriend.  We got married and started a family on our own in a big city with no family around. It was pretty scary, but I learned a lot about myself, my husband, and what I was capable of. A lot of the things I was afraid of never went away. I just had to do them anyway - scared or not. Obviously I did go back to college after I started my family. Two of my kids got to see their mom graduate from college. That was pretty cool. Work hard and take pride in all you do, big and small - and have faith. It will all be ok one way or another.

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Two years ago today I was traveling with a good friend of mine to Europe. I went to 8 countries in three weeks. It was the first time I had ever left the U.S. Exploring new lands and people was amazing. I learned more in three weeks than I could have imagined. The best thing I learned was that I may not be able to communicate with someone because we do not speak the same language but a smile is always understood. I cannot wait to travel to new places in the future!