For many, Junior year of high school proves to be an immense mountain to climb. Maintaining a perfect 4.0 average has finally been seen as an obstacle you might not overcome. The millions of AP classes and regents exams is the Goliath that will never fall, even with a thousand stones. "Hooooow will I be able to live through this year," you ask yourself. You don't, you survive and get out with a 3.8 GPA. Sleep deprivation stares you in the face as you add just ooone more plate the your feast of responsibilities.

I've never been a very loud or outgoing person, usually seen with my nose in a book. With the arrival of a rather brave and social boyfriend, was this small little snail finally coming out of its shell. I'd never thought myself at competent in anything, not even school, which would surprise most. Under the facade of a confident teenager ready for anything life through at her was a 5 year old not ready to let go of her mom's hand just yet. I knew above everything else that I had to do something about my lack of activity outside the classroom. So, I did what what anyone else would do, cry my eyes out in the arms of my beloved. Of course, a good boyfriend wouldn't just tell me what I was doing was fine. After comforting me was his speech telling me I could do anything that I put my mind to. Cheesy, I know, but it did help a wondrous amount. I set and planned to join a couple more clubs than I already had, and I thrived and flourished with a newfound confidence, yet I was, and I still am, petrified at every turn of what else was in store. I tiptoed along a rope of uncertainty and approached every opportunity that came to be with butterflies in my stomach.

The trust that was invested in me to do well payed off. I am starting an internship over the summer in a hospital, a definite plus in bulking up my high school transcript. I have a National Honor Society dinner coming up. And last but absolutely not least, I have an interview with my dream school in 2 weeks. This interview will be the most daunting of all tasks to get through. This may be a small list of accomplishments, but this is everything to me...plus I still have my AP exam scores coming in.

Junior year was a testing one. I built up the courage to drop the "friends" I had that never treated me correct. A small fact about me is that I'm not a very confrontational birdy. Although the number of friends I have now is practically nonexistent, my self esteem will never be brought down by the bitterness and hate of others. As of late, I have yet to replenish my friend group, but I am working on it. Just imagine a life where I finally have friends.

The year is approaching its end, and I have no idea where the next will lead. My only hope is that I will seize all opportunities heading my way without an ounce of insecurity.