Live Free or Die Hard

Today we learned about the Jewish mass suicide at Masada. Of course, reading the story was sad but nevertheless, uplifting. Their determination and dedication are astronomical examples in everyday life. If I were an 8th as much determined and dedicated as them, I would be happy. Throughout my life my determination has been tested through a number of trials but I think I have done a good job persevering against adversity. As a girl on the verge of becoming a teenager, the hardest years of a girls life, I lost my father because of a drunk driver. I could have given up and let my head hang low, but I chose to hold my head high. I went to every court hearing to gain respect from the man who made that horrible mistake and make it known that I would be okay. I wouldn't let this defeat me.
I sometimes regret my lack of emotion during that time but as my moms only child I felt compelled to make it my job to keep her happy. Looking back now, I know that that wasn't my job but I did a good job. I had tough choices at a tough time in my life but I am proud of the person I am today and the decisions I made. The process was by no means easy but I pride myself in my zeal and strength to carry on and live free. I couldn't let my life spiral down, I had to live the way my dad would want me too in order to feel free. My goal was to always do the things that he would want me to be doing. Even though he isn't physically here I still base a lot of decisions around what his opinion would be. I chose to go to a private high school because that's what he would have wanted. When I was faced with the decision to quit basketball I chose to persevere partly because that was our bonding time. My dad was the one who taught me how to play basketball and introduced me to my love of sports. He didn't know it at the time but he influenced my life in so many ways. I now want a career behind the scenes in athletics and I am a college athlete today.

He would be incredibly proud of me and my accomplishments. I still carry his watch with me to every competitive event for good luck. Every person has the opportunity to make an impression on someone everyday. Be aware of the fact that you could be shaping someones future with your actions. You never know!