Sophia+C's+Goals+for+Freshman+Year+and+Beyond

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=Text of My Speech=

27 gold medals. 11 different homes. Eight years as an only child. Six deployments to Afghanistan. Four friends that have been there from the start, and only one chance to live. My teenage world may be thought of as a rollercoaster ride through another one of life’s forever-lasting journeys. My name is Sophia C and I am freshman in high school. Of course, I hope for good grades and a chance to join my dream college, however I now desire something more than that, I want to be able to make a difference in my generation. At this point in our lives we have to take chances and realize what is most important to us. We can make the world a better place and it all starts right here, right now.

I may not be the greatest student, or the first person to petition against plastic bags, I’m not even sure what my major will be, nor am I close to knowing, but I do know that it only takes one voice to make a change. I want my children and their children to be proud of what I have done I want them to say, “When I grow up, I want to be just like her.” But until that day arrives, I will focus solely on my journey ahead.

As for my social life, I plan on keeping in touch with many of my close friends that I no longer see. Separating from people I have known since the second grade was a difficult task that I am proud to say I have overcome. Friends and family play an important role, and I honestly don’t know what I would do if they were never there to catch me when I fall. They have helped me through the rough patches, and I with them. Though I do realize that there will come a day when we must say goodbye for the last time, I try to only think about every time we say hello. I cherish every moment, every second I am with the people that make me laugh, cry and smile all in the same instant. They will be in my heart forever and always, even when school seems to take over and free time is not an option.

Yes, I do understand that there will be many times when the stress is so great, I will, in that moment, want to give everything up, however, I must always hold close to me my goals and dreams. Juggling school, friends, sports, academics, family, and any other teenage drama, is not an easy lifestyle, but truthfully, I wouldn’t want to live it any other way.