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I first felt like a failure honestly. The first time i dropped out of college I thought that was kind of it, and i wanted it to be done. I was still struggling with my self worth and mental health besides. But after moving to Colorado and taking in the beauty and the connection with family i realized my story wasn't over, i wasn't even 30 yet. So i decided to go back to school for something important and worthwhile to me. Making sure another kid didn't feel like a failure.

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It all started when my beautiful niece Nayeli was born. I was 16 years old, and my sister was 21. It changed my family forever.

She was born October 13th, and I remember the day as if it were yesterday. I was at a basketball game when my mom called me and told me my sister was in labor.

16 hours later, she was born and I couldn't be happier.

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It all started when I saw an ad to be a counselor at a summer camp for a few months. I quickly applied and got the job! I began to make my way up the mountain! The scenes were amazing and beautiful. When I got there I knew no one. As the weeks went on, I connected with more and more amazing people with each conversation! We all became close friends! Now I have new friends from all over the country!

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It all started when my cousin had an idea to go on a family cruise. I had never been on a cruise and neither had half of my family. We thought, "Why not?", so all of us agreed. The cruise was for 7 days during Christmas break. Unfortunately, because I'm a teacher, I was sick the entire time. Also, I was motion sick. Nevertheless, we went to 3 different ports and my sickness did not stop me from getting out and exploring the places that we had gone. My favorite was the Dominican Republic where we drove ATVs. Overall, the trip was fun, but I wish I didn't get sick!

Yuan Bank

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An event that turned my life completely around is when I found out that I was pregnant. When I found out that I was pregnant I was feeling super anxious and scared as to what my family would say. My baby was definitely not planned to happen at the time that she did however with all that anxiety I felt happiness as well. I was mostly worried about how I was going to finish school and with a newborn but here I am, sleep deprived but extremely happier than ever with my baby girl. I know that I wouldn't change anything even though finishing school with a baby is hard, I would rather finish struggling than not finish at all.

Maribel Solorzano

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I spent the summer before my senior year in high school on a student exchange program in New Zealand. This trip expanded my personal growth in ways I couldn’t expect.

I gained the confidence to travel overseas without family, I experienced an outdoor skills program with fellow students, and I spent time attending a school, which gave me a viewpoint I had never considered.

The most lasting aspect of the trip was learning to view the world from different perspectives. This has stayed with me my entire life.

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I am glad you made the decision to go back to school, that is awesome!

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It all started when my mom and dad told me I was going to be a sister. When my first sister was born I was so excited! I then become a sister again. Having two sisters comes with challenges but ultimately I would never have it any other way.

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It all started when i saw the posting online for free puppies. once i saw the picture of my dog i knew i had to have him so I drove 3 and a half hours into northeastern north dakota basically in canada to go pick him up and ive had a best friend and someone who can always brighten up my day ever since

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It all started my junior year when I was tired of school and didn’t want to do it anymore. No one in my family had graduated high school or gone to college, so I thought to myself “why do I have to”. I felt shame and disappointment form my family and so I decided to turn it around my senior year. I did end up graduating and made it to college and couldn’t be prouder of myself. None of my family thought I would so I was glad to prove them wrong.

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One time I went to a karaoke place with my friends. I set it all up. There were a lot of people. I dressed up and it was really fun because I don't usually do that. We all sang our hearts out and didn't want to leave. We then went to my friend's house. It was a blast.

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That is awesome that you got to be in New Zealand! Having different cultural outlooks is so important!

Yuan

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It all started when my mom's career was being a stay-at-home childcare worker. There were always kids at my house and that is where I developed my passion for helping children and education. Ever since then I made up my mind that I want my career to revolve around that aspect of my life. I can't wait to graduate and fulfill my passion for this career!

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It all started when my mom told be that I will have another sibling soon and that she was pregnant, at first I was a little hesitant because the age gap would have been quite far but once she had my little brother I was very happy and ever since then I love my little brother, he feels like my own and him coming into our life has changed our life for the better. Overall I love my little brother and everything about him even though we have so many years of age gap.

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One day when I arrived in the United States, I decided to enroll in university in Denver, but I encountered many problems because I was an international student. I came from Belgium and couldn't transfer the credits I already had from my previous university. I felt very frustrated because everything required time. I took my exams in English, but unfortunately, I couldn't pass the first time. I tried again, and I believe it's never too late to study.