My Identity

A person's identity is shaped by the experiences that she encounters everyday.  My identity is affected everyday.  However there are three specific factors that have had a profound impact on the person I am today: my family, books, and Mount Crew.

My family is small and large at the same time.  My immediate family consists of my mom, dad, and older brother, Geoffrey.  However, my extended family is composed of 27 cousins and 24 aunts and uncles.  Coming from large families, my parents were not very wealthy and had to work extremely hard to get where they are today.  My mom worked as a teacher for 25 years and a principal for 6 years; meanwhile, my dad worked his way to being a successful businessman after starting his own company from scratch.  My parents have taught me to never give up no matter what people tell me, as well as to be a leader in life and never a follower.  Geoffrey is one of my best friends, my partner in crime, my mentor for life, and someone who I can always go to for support or advice.  He teaches me to have fun with life and not care about other people's opinions.

From a young age, books have always been an integral part of life.  My mom was always very adamant that my brother and I read for an hour every night when we were younger.  From the Chronicles of Narnia to the Book Thief to Pride and Prejudice, I have learned something new about myself or life in general.  C.S. Lewis showed me the power of creativity, how far a mind can stretch, and the many places a book can me.  Marcus Zusac taught me the power of words and the impact they can have when strung together in a novel.  Jane Austen asserted the power of women and the importance of speaking your beliefs and not what someone else tells you to believe.  The many books I have read throughout my life are the reasons that I want to be a writer.  I want to create something so powerful that it teaches others a lesson, takes them to a new world, or shows them a person they can strive to become.

Finally, I believe that becoming a member of Mount Crew was one of the best things that could have happened to me, not only in high school, but in life.  Rowing has taught me to be willing to push my boundaries, to step out of my comfort zone, and to step up and take the lead especially if those actions will help me reach my potential.  My coaches and teammates have taught me to always believe myself and strive to be better no matter what situation I am faced with.  Mount Crew has shown me what a true team looks like.  Every girl is dedicated to working hard and doing whatever it takes to make our team the fastest. Many rowers on Mount Crew have become my sisters who will always be there for me on and off the water.