1. Relationships

The moment I realized I wanted to have more few meaningful relationships than many unmeaningful ones. I realized I want to have friends that I will talk to in college, and be friends with later in life.

2. College plans

I also grew when I realized that there are so many options for college and I started to explore more options and look at all the colleges out there all across the U.S.

3. Hard Work

In 2013, I grew when I figured out playing softball and being the best takes a lot of hard, focused work. I realized there is so much competition for spots on college teams and that I would need to become serious ASAP if I wanted to take the athletic route to college.

4. Happiness

I realized that in order to be happy, you need to accept yourself for who you are and be your vision of perfection not someone else’s.

5. Growing up

I grew so much in 2013. I became smarter and realized everyone makes mistakes, it’s not just me. Teachers screw up, parents screw up, and how you prove what kind of person you are is what you do after you mess up. That’s what matters.

by ABI BROOKS