Chances and Choices

you never know unless you try, right?
So take that leap of faith, take a chance,
it might change your life but you will never know if you don't!
There will always be risks involved,
but look beyond them and try to see the reward,
it might just be the best decision you've ever made!
Choose truth AND dare,
be bold
and take those chances!
It's not easy,
but if it was,
you would have done it already.
Dig deep and find the true meaning of life
don't let other change you, conform you
be yourself, be strong, live your life
not everyone else's, not the life others want you to live

if you're unhappy
change it
do what you have to, appreciate what you have
never forget what it is to have nothing
be grateful, show your love, your appreciation

don't take others for granted,
you never know how long they'll be in your life
live in the moment
don't dwell in your past
your mistakes, your regrets
keep your chin up
and look forward
move on, grow, and learn

think about what you can do for others
not about how you can use others
be independent, be a free spirit
use caution and wisdom

the road is not easy
you'll get lost
you'll stumble and fall
don't lose your ambition
keep going
get up, move on
the journey is worth more than the destination

My Most Memorable Moment

        This is the essay I submitted for a scholarship essay, asking what my most memorable moment was:
         Life is composed of memories. Each memory is unique and irreplacable. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all there to stay. This can be both a good and bad thing. The good thing about always having memories at hand is that people can think back on the good times in their lives. One especially meaningful memory I have is from when I was eight years old.
I will never forget the mission trip my family and I took to Mexico to help at a children's orphanage. My family and I helped the orphans with their daily chores, helped clean up the orphanage, and did what the orphan kids did. The whole experience was eye-opening, even for an eight year old. It is difficult to pick just one memory from the multitudes that I made while staying there. However, my most meaningful memory from our stay would have to be seeing the orphans' faces light up when we bought a pinata for them. The orphans thought it was the best thing ever! This particular pinata was in the shape of a unicorn, and even I was enthralled by it. I was used to having many things, even though my family was considered "poor" in America. These kids rarely even got candy, they were so very excited and happy to have a pinata full of candy! The orphan kids, my family and I, and the orphanage workers all had a great time beating that majestic unicorn until candy rained down on us! The affair was filled with smiles, laughter, and of course, candy!
That was just one fun and memorable moment though, out of many. I also enjoyed going to church with the orphan kids, playing marbles with them, letting them do my "golden" hair, and other simple things. I learned so many valuable lessons from that trip that I will always remember. I learned to appreciate what I have, no matter how much that is. I learned that no matter where a kid is from, they all have similarities and have the same needs. I learned a few Spanish words, tried many new foods, and expanded my world as well as my heart. I was forever changed by that one month ten years ago.
Today, I still want to help people in need. I want to study Baking and Pastry Arts and Entrepreneurship. Although this doesn't seem significant, when I can open a bakery of my own I will donate day old food, and make monetary donations to charities whenever I am able to. I want to be a force for good in my community. I want to inspire others, help those in need, love deeply, and show compassion to everyone. Everything I learn I want to pass down to other people someday, whether they are family, friends, people who wish to learn about baking, or people who need a skill to survive off of.