I was not a high school student who was extremely involved in the community; I focused on my individual needs of academics and athletics. I lived a balanced life and had a balanced schedule; I was still able to spend time with family and friends on the weekends. Never did I lose sight of the people and adventures that I needed in my life. Needless to say, entering college without playing a sport—much less two—left an empty space in my heart and my time that needed filling.

Freshman year, with all of the excitement, my time mainly became hours of socialization. Good times, good times. Motivated international friends helped me get my foot in the door with Intercultural Club (which I am now president of). As my college years continued, I became more and more involved with various clubs as my class schedule became busier as well.

Sophomore year was tough, with being involved in so many clubs, but I gradually became used to having meetings every night from Monday through Wednesday of every week.

I joined Student Government Association as a class representative (now, I am secretary). I became a Christian and devoted myself to attending InterVarsity bible study. I was inducted into the International Honor Society for Education: Kappa Delta Pi. I now write for Odyssey to enable my thoughts to be voiced.

Nowadays—senior year—I feel as if I am a Rubik’s cube, a polygon. I have many facets and faces that can be seen differently depending on the angle. One minute, I am the secretary, quietly taking notes and smiling behind my computer screen. The next minute, I am energetically and boisterously trying to get international students to have the best US experience possible by going to fun events.

I wear many “hats” or badges—literally! I have a badge for when I am student teaching, a badge for International Education, a Student Government Association name tag, a Kappa Delta Pi pin. I am involved in so much for my college because I want to improve the events on campus. I want to make my college better for future generations. I care about international students, and I understand completely that their experience in the US will change their lives. I want to help suffering communities and create ideas to host fun events on campus. I want to improve children’s lives worldwide. I want to make a difference; I want to change the world.

You may say that it is a fairy tale, but all it takes is three letters—Y-O-U—to make a difference in the world. And just change it one person at a time. So, what do you say, will you put on a badge and be the one to put a smile on someone’s face?