https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec Choose a photograph that reveals something about your life's story. Post the photograph and write a 4-6 sentence description of the photograph and what it tells us about your story. en-us 2020-09-09 18:17:22 UTC 2023-08-15 13:55:47 UTC hello@padlet.com acleary3 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/732511893 This is a rather embarrassing photograph of me from first grade. I chose this photo because my experiences in first grade contributed to my decision to become a teacher. I always loved school and when I watched my older brother go to school, I couldn’t wait to join him. That all changed in first grade when my art teacher ripped apart my painting in front of me because I spelled a word incorrectly. From that point on, I no longer loved school because I was so afraid of failing or disappointing people. This led to anxiety, which I still have to manage today. However,  this difficult moment motivated me to become a teacher because I want to try to create a positive and welcoming environment in my classroom. ]]> 2020-09-09 18:17:22 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/732511893 kg2215024 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/748605825 This photo portrays a large glimpse of my childhood. Every summer I spend a big amount of my time in Cape Cod. I grew up surrounded by the ocean and the smell of salt air. My dad has always loved the ocean and has shown my siblings and I all the wonderful things about it. Not only has my second home fulfilled me with fun beach days and swimming, but it has also shown me a path toward my future. As I get older, I want to learn more about ocean life and study all sorts of sea life. The ocean brings me so much joy and I am so happy I get to go to a place that is surrounded by it.]]> 2020-09-15 16:31:46 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/748605825 so2105001 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/749682408 This picture is from my 6th birthday, where I was given my first sewing machine. Sewing and making clothes has been a major part of my life, especially within the last few months at home. Getting this sewing machine sparked my interest in fashion and design at a young age, and has now developed into a passion for designing and making my own clothes. Along with making clothes, I have also developed a major interest in historical dress and fashion, and a good portion of the clothes I make are historically accurate recreations of extant garments. Alongside historical dress, I have also developed a love for history and anthropology, and hope to persue that in the future Even though I've been sewing for many years now, I still use this mint green Hello-Kitty machine, and I'm thankful for how far it has taken me and how much my interests have flourished because of it.]]> 2020-09-15 21:02:12 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/749682408 gs2102008 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/753677652 This picture is from one of the many summers I spent watching my brothers play baseball. Every summer all summer long I would travel around to go watch my brothers play baseball. As a ten year old girl watching her big brothers win all the time, I wanted to be just like them. The constant competition going on around me drew out the competitive side of little 10 year old me. I played every sport I could and I even played baseball for a while Once I got older and into middle school, that's when I started playing softball. This is the sport that has showed me all of my closest friends, and so many life lessons along with it. I can't wait to continue down this path and learn more along the way. ]]> 2020-09-17 01:16:12 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/753677652 mm2102003 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/753888661 This photo is from last years homecoming and it accurately depicts how my life has changed since then. My friends are a huge part of my life and are so important to me. These past few months have shown me how valuable they are to me. We used to be able to go to big events and party before covid, such as homecoming, but now much has changed. We now have restrictions on how much we are able to do and interact and as much as I hate it, it has brought me closer to my friends. Since these boundaries have been put in place I've had more time to hangout with  my friends. We had nothing to do for months, besides hangout with each other and it was one of the better things that happened to me during quarantine and it made me realize how crucial and important they are to me. ]]> 2020-09-17 02:54:40 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/753888661 jm2102056 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/753909010 This image of me depicts a moment in which I received a first place trophy in a dirt bike race. Ever since then, I have always had a passion for riding anything with an engine. I have ridden motorcycles for the majority of my life and I continue to ride them today. I no longer race, but that's the important part. keeping this hobby alongside me is crucial because I may want to get back into racing. I used to have tons of fun at the race track and theres something about the atmosphere there that keeps you longing for more. I have been aiming to seek that sensation for quite a while, and keeping this as a recreational hobby for now is a great way to ground myself. At this point in my life, I use my motorcycle as my main form of transportation, despite the fact that its extraordinarily dangerous. However, the only places I really need to go now are school and work so I think I will be just fine. ]]> 2020-09-17 03:06:23 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/753909010 mc2101039 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/753996770 This picture is from two years ago, when my family decided to take a trip to Savannah, Georgia. During this trip, I attended my first college tour which was an amazing experience to me. I had always had a vague idea of what I wanted to do going into college, but this trip really helped me pick between the two. Before I had attended the trip, I had really struggled to make a decision between architect or engineer, but after listening to real architects speak and talk about the extraordinary things they can create at their job, my decision was so much easier to pick. Getting to listen to people who create and build massive building and  houses was really eye opening to me and had me in awe that people just like me could make such beautiful designs. Speaking to them one on one and learning that they had to make the same choice that I had and ended up loving what they pick was very reassuring to me, and had me realize that pursuing a job an an architect was the right thing to do. Thanks to this wonderful experience, I have even further developed my love for architecture and design and can not wait to go to college to become one. ]]> 2020-09-17 03:59:32 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/753996770 co2202065 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756067985 This picture showcases something I am truly passionate about, and that has had a large affect on my life. Soccer is mainly just an activity to most people, but this sport has allowed me to see and accomplish many things. I have made some of my lifelong friends from the different teams I have played for. I've been lucky enough to travel all over the country, experiencing many different places. This sport is going to follow me into college where I plan on continuing to play at a high level. My weekdays and weekends consists of practices, games, and spending time with my teammates. My entire life revolves around this sport, which is why it is so vital to my story. It has made me develop intense drive and dedication to things I care about, and it pushes me to achieve my desired goals in life. I would not be the person I am today without soccer. ]]> 2020-09-17 16:45:34 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756067985 al2302021 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756149267 I took this photo this summer on the beach in Florida. I spend every summer in Florida visiting my family who live in Daytona Beach. This is a huge part of who I am because my cousins in Florida mean so much to me. Florida is like a second home to my family and I. The water is so clear there and the sand is so white and soft. Sitting by the ocean helps me clear my mind. I am so fortunate to be able to visit this beautiful part of the country each year. I visit many tourist attractions like Disney world, the Florida intercostal and the many natural springs located near my cousins. Florida is a huge representation of my childhood and one day I hope to own a house there and continue to make memories with my cousins. ]]> 2020-09-17 17:01:30 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756149267 ed2101053 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756172719 This photo was taken at a beach in Cape Cod and it holds much sentimental value. I go to this beach every year with my family as I have been doing since my childhood. I always take pictures when I visit and I always get inspiration from the beautiful scenery. It is a place where I can clear my mind and appreciate the familiar landscape. I enjoy the ocean and walking on the beach during the summer because it is fun and relaxing. This place means a lot to me because of all of the memorable experiences I’ve had there and will make in the future.

]]> 2020-09-17 17:06:02 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756172719 ak2102041 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756288304 This picture, taken a few years ago, showcases what I am passionate about. My dad introduced me to flying when I was 13. He is a private pilot himself and was a captain in the Air Force. He is my role model and is the reason why I want to be a pilot in the military. I started taking lessons 4 years ago and will hopefully be getting my license in the next few months. I soloed 6 days after my 16th birthday, have logged over 50 hours of flight time, and completed a cross country flight. These milestones have contributed to my love of flying. Flying has been a part of my childhood, and I am planning to shape my future and career around it. ]]> 2020-09-17 17:28:25 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756288304 gc2202013 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756351531 This photo was taken this Summer. It shows my whole family, who i spent much time with over this quarantine. The time with my family was very nice, because the boys are both in college and we will never get time with each other like that again. We also got a new dog over the Summer, Samson, who was a 2 year old stray found in Mansfield. It took him some time to adapt and build up his trust for us but he has grown to love us and settle down. He is the perfect fit for our family and we are so lucky to have gotten him. These uncertain times could be reflected on in positive or negative ways, but the time I was able to spend with my family whether it be watching a movie, playing a game, or just a simple family dinner, will definitely be something I am grateful as we grow up and go our separate ways.]]> 2020-09-17 17:41:03 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756351531 ai21050051 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756380728 This picture is of my friends and I from homecoming last year. Before all the craziness with corona happened we were doing everything together and then all of sudden we were in lockdown and I didn't see my friends for like 2 months. My friends are very important to me and these past few months have shown me how to never take things for granted, because the week before lockdown we were competing in the DECA competition and then the next week we were all stuck in our houses. This summer I was definitely a little sad because of the restrictions that were in place. We were supposed to go to a concert that unfortunately got cancelled due to them. Through all of that I still had one of the best summers of my life and I'm so happy that my friends got to be a part of it and I'm so thankful to have them in my life. 

]]> 2020-09-17 17:46:33 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756380728 km2102030 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756473873 I had this photo taken 2 years ago, at the award ceremony for my first art competition. Though it was a small local competition, I did win first in my category- something that heightened my drive to pursue my passion for art. I was half way through my second year in the art program and still viewed art as a side hobby as I was still so new and was still experimenting with it. Now I am entering my fourth year in the art program as an advanced artist in the honors course. After that competition and with the encouragement of these teachers, my passion for art has made it an extremely important factor in my life. It is both an escape as well as a challenge to me and I cannot wait to continue in it as a minor in college. Without this passion that sparked from the original competition, I would not have gone on to win competitions on the state and national level or even received recognition from the state congressman. ]]> 2020-09-17 18:05:26 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756473873 ew2215069 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756501310 This photo was taken this past fall during my field hockey season. I started playing when I was in 6th grade and it has helped me to become the person I am today. Playing this sport has taught me determination and focus, which are necessary in everyday life. I remember when i first started playing, I felt lost because I didn't really have a passion or hobby and I didn't know how to play. The longer I played, the more of a team mentality was created and the more at home I felt. The team at OA feels a lot like a family and it's nice to have something to look forward to after a long day at school. It also taught me to know my body and it's physical limits. I'm so lucky to have found a sport like field hockey and I really don't know what it would be like today without the friends and experiences it has given me. ]]> 2020-09-17 18:11:19 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756501310 db2202004 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756584964 This photo was taken of my closest friends and I before Homecoming of last year. My friends are so important tome because I do so much with them. From school, to sports, to just hanging out whenever we can, I spend the majority of my time we these guys. When we were required to quarantine due to COVID 19, it made me realize how much they actually do affect my life. I went from seeing them practically everyday, to going a couple of months without seeing any of them. Although quarantining was difficult, it definitely made me realize just how important my friendships are. Even though we could not physically see each other, we were still able to connect through things like video games, and face time. I could not be happier now that some of the restrictions have lifted, and I am able to see them regularly again. ]]> 2020-09-17 18:29:25 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756584964 ei2115038 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756907158 This picture, that was taken about this time last year, is me and my friends on the bus home from a cross country race. This picture is important to me because it is a representation of how happy and fun the season was. Junior year was my first year on the team as I played field hockey before but had not enjoyed it at all. Switching to cross country was a big change because all of my friends played field hockey and I was not close to anyone on the cross country team. The change was something that was challenging and put me outside my comfort zone at first but payed off in the end because I made so many new friends and became close to people I had never expected to. Cross country not only became something that I grew to love to do but it also became rewarding in so many other ways that I hadn't expected. ]]> 2020-09-17 20:07:52 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/756907158 ea2215008 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757004516 This picture was taken on a trip to Disney World which I went on in 6th grade. I believe this picture represents my story as it is indicative of one of my favorite places which I have been multiple times due to my love of creativity and imagination. I've always wanted different ways to express myself and I found Disney to be a place where people could turn their ideas and wildest dreams into a physical place for people to enjoy. I most likely want to do something with the arts when I graduate from college, therefore the ability to translate ideas into something real has always fascinated me. This was also my first trip to Disney, so it sparked my creativity to fully encompass itself as a part of my personality; I finally realized you could make something productive out of it!]]> 2020-09-17 20:49:34 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757004516 es2101076 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757044472 This picture is from my family trip to Mexico. We aren't usually a t-shirt family, but that year my grandmother discovered CustomInk, so she insisted. All of my family members live in different locations across the world, so once a year we pick a place to travel to together. Traveling has become a large part of our lives as it is our way of connecting face to face. We have been used to FaceTime as our main source of communication, and now in these unprecedented times, we rely on it more than ever. During this pandemic, I’ve cultivated a greater appreciation for life and all it has to offer- which I used to take for granted. When life allows it, I plan to continue immersing myself in different cultures and experience the different ways of life beyond Easton, Massachusetts. I hope that one day I can travel the world with a family of my own.

]]> 2020-09-17 21:07:39 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757044472 ea2210008 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757051477 This picture from 2011 was my first season ever playing baseball. When my mother originally made the decision to sign me up for the team, I did not have high expectations. A feeling inside of me knew that it was going to miserable and boring. However, I realized shortly after that nothing could be farther from the truth. I immediately fell in love with the game, but more importantly made so many friends and connections in the process. Baseball has given me the feelings of confidence, mental strength, and acceptance over all the years. It is very unfortunate the pandemic cancelled the season this year, but that does not change my passion for the sport. In the bigger picture, this experience taught me to never be afraid to try new things.]]> 2020-09-17 21:11:11 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757051477 ac2101010 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757079701 This photo is from my first year in the OA color guard back in 2017. In eighth grade I was a part of a cheerleading team and I had become the captain of it. During the marching band’s band camp that year though, I had gotten a call from my older sister asking me to join the color guard because they needed more members. I had to make a decision between the two and I went with color guard, and honestly it was the best choice I have ever made. I’ve made, and reformed, some really close relationships with friends and I’ve learned so much more about myself because of it. The group taught me to persevere through tough mental blocks and to just keep trying at a skill because eventually it will come to you. I don’t know what I would be like today if I hadn’t joined the group.]]> 2020-09-17 21:25:15 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757079701 sw2201054 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757082138 This photo is from this past club volleyball season. It was my first year every playing for a club so it was very new and nerve wracking for me. I tried out for this club unsure if I was going to make the team or not and I had already been cut from a different club this year so I did not have the highest hopes and I was kind of down on myself. I ended up making the elite team for this club and it made me want to work so much harder. I knew the other setter was better than me but instead of giving up I learned from her and became the best I have been with a very good mindset. Our team ended up qualifying for nationals in Disney but we ended up not being able to go because of Corona. Even though it was sad we could not go to nationals this season taught me to not give up and to work hard to get what you want. It definitely pushed me to. become a much better person. and player. ]]> 2020-09-17 21:26:37 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757082138 rc2110016 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757172494 This is a photo of my parents and I on a kayaking trip in New Hampshire. (I am all the way in the back). My passion in life is going on adventures, exploring the world, and learning as much as I possibly can. These notions were instilled in me from a young age, my parents being strong role models, and my older brothers showing me the joy of going on adventures. From these wonderful people, I have learned to treat life like an adventure, each new day a lesson and an opportunity. I’ve learned the importance of sharing your life with others - going on adventures like the one pictured - but also remembering to take the time for solo adventures in learning more about yourself and the world around you. I would not be the person I am today without my family, and I am forever grateful that I have them in my life. ]]> 2020-09-17 22:26:30 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757172494 gf2010014 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757194144 This is a photo of me at one of my first ever soccer games. Before signing up for soccer I was super shy and lacked a lot of confidence. After I signed up however, not only did I gain confidence in myself but I developed a passion for the sport and made many new friends. If not for soccer, I never could have made all the friends and connections I have. I've made many connections with different people all over the state. This boosted my confidence and turned me into an overall more social person. My experiences have taught me to trust in what I'm passionate about because good things are likely to come after.]]> 2020-09-17 22:43:15 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757194144 bm2101042 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757251550 This is a photo of a bunch of the guys from my entrepreneurship class last year. This was a very fun class and unfortunately Covid-19 it really broke up the group due to the fact that there were a lot of seniors in this group. This picture really makes me realize how much I appreciate my friends because when Covid his I didn’t see any of them for many months. Even though Covid drove our group apart once summer started and it was easier to hang out outside we were able to see one another again. ]]> 2020-09-17 23:25:16 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757251550 ct2205030 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757496668 This photo is of me and my friends two summers ago at camp. At first, I remember, I was on the fence about going away for three weeks. But, having been privileged enough to attend things like this throughout my life has been key into becoming who I am as an individual today. Values are gained through experiences, and I have been able to learn the importance of fraternity, community, and respect through the opportunities given to me. That constant drive to better one’s self has and will continue to work as an incentive to do my best, always. ]]> 2020-09-18 01:28:52 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757496668 cp2101041 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757634377 This is a photo of me and my brother on family weekend during his freshman year of college. My brother's name is Jamie and I look up to him very much. He does a lot for me and while I may not show it, I appreciate him very much. I chose this photo because this is around the time where I started to become close with him and learned how to begin to become an adult. Throughout our childhood Jamie and I got along, but just because we didn't interact with each other a lot. We each kept to ourselves in our own space. This photo means a lot to me because I see the relationship we have now and wish we had gotten to this point a long time ago. He is the best role model and I wish he knew that's how I feel. ]]> 2020-09-18 02:32:45 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757634377 wt2205031 https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757703512 This is a photo of me freshman year on the lacrosse field during a highly competitive game in which a lot of pressure was put onto me and my teammates' shoulders to clinch a win. Possession by possession the stakes were raised and stress built, but something previously that I might of not handled amazingly. But, due to the repetitive nature of the game and the years I had spent playing it prior, I built knowledge on how to deal with the situation at hand. The same ability to problem solve in a game situation while under pressure has transferred to off the field scenarios. Lacrosse and sports in general have taught me how to become more of a leader and a better peer to ones around me. The sport helped to shape me as a person.]]> 2020-09-18 03:08:05 UTC https://padlet.com/acleary3/m3wwc5fneuux3sec/wish/757703512