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This year, my life changed dramatically. This past June, my mom was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a rare brain cancer. Before the diagnosis, she would have terrible migraines, her vision had been deteriorating over time, and she was having a difficult time recognizing some of my closest friends. At that, time I did not think anything of it nor did I think it was as bad as cancer. She kept saying that she needed to see a doctor, but at the same time, she kept brushing it off. One night changed everything. I was at a party in a neighborhood she knew fairly well. On her way to pick me up, she called me and asked me for the address, which I gave to her, but she was having a difficult time finding it. Luckily, my 'Find My Friends' location was on and she found me. My friend Jackson, approached the car and said hello, but my mom had no idea who it was. I figured because it was because of the dark, but it was otherwise. The next day, she checked herself into the hospital. I was out with my friends when my dad called me and told me and that I had to find a ride home. I told my friend and he willingly took me home. At home, my dad told me that they had to do an MRI on her brain and that they found something. After what seemed like forever, we were told what was going on. Finding out that my mom has cancer really took a toll on me and I was having a terrible time mentally. I would have panic attacks and it was hard to open up to people. It also changed my perspective not only on God, but my life. I realized that life can end so quickly and that I should not waste any second of it. Throughout this experience, my faith in God has strengthened and weakened. There have been good and bad days and I have learned that God will do what is best for my mom, even if I do not agree.

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https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lisamanning-pratt

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https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/cancerwise/2013/04/understanding-glioblastoma.html

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I do not own nothing. No copyright infringement intended. For entertainment purposes only! Shrek the Musical is a musical with music by Jeanine Tesori and a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It is based on the 1990 book Shrek! by William Steig and the 2001 DreamWorks film of the same name it inspired.

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No matter how many times I say that I am happy to have left my old school, deep down all I think about it how much I miss it. The friendships and special memories created there will always be a part of me. I have grown into the person I am today because of my time spent at Mayfield. I cannot imagine attending another school or having an amazing group of friends other than there. Through the ups and downs over the nine years, I always found a way to love every second of it. From the kindergarten Noah's Ark play or competing in the obstacle course on Blue and White Day, I will never forget the sense of love and community felt there. The last day of school was very difficult for me. Saying goodbye to teachers, classrooms, memories, and old friends was something I did not want to do. I did not realize that my time at a place I cherished so much was up. Saying goodbye to my best friends was one of the hardest things I had to do, I never wanted to let go. Now that we have graduated and gone our separate ways, I have realized that letting go is good, because it teaches me that not all good things last forever. Although I still talk to and even go to school with a few of my Mayfield friends, it was good to have a fresh start. FSHA is another place I have learned to love. I came into school knowing several people, which I am super lucky to have, but at the same time I was scared and upset. I did not want to leave Mayfield or have to start over. Now, in October, I am happy to attend this school and I am glad that I moved on because without it, I would have never learned to let go.

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At 13-years-old, I was very socially awkward and had no idea who I would be friends with or what I would get myself into over the coming years. I was having trouble with girls at my school and decided to attend school dances to broaden my friendships. I went in only knowing kids from my school scared of the future. Little did I know that I would meet my best friend. I remember seeing her talk to so many kids and thinking that she was so cool. I wanted to be as confident and as happy as she was. I never talked to her in person because of shyness and fear until our first NCL meeting. Throughout the meeting, we continuously sent snapchats to each other under the table. Everything changed after that moment. Over the next few months, we grew closer and closer. I began to love her more and more everyday and I have realized that she is not only my best friend, but she is apart of me. She has shaped and inspired me greatly and I do not know if I would be the same person today without her. She knows right from wrong and I know that I can always go back to her at the end of the day.

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With burning lungs and weak legs, all you can think about is stopping. I tell myself, "It'll be over before you know it" meaning the finish line is closer than I know. Because of this mantra, I have finished several difficult races. This signifies hope and it pushes me. Not only does this help with running, it helps in difficult situations. If at one time I am at a point of sadness or anger, I repeat "It'll be over before you know it" to myself as many times I needed.