Having the life-changing experience of living in Switzerland with my family, for two years, during my middle school education allowed for me to become increasingly aware of differentiating cultures, as well as various opportunities to become independent. Following our move back to the United States, I decided to live abroad for high school and attend a boarding school for four years in Switzerland. This opportunity presented me with difficult challenges but eye-opening perspectives. That time in my life was a period of immense personal growth and development that I would not have been able to achieve without the support of my family, peers, and faculty that surrounded me. Following my high school graduation, I decided to continue my academic career at the University of Mississippi. Through academic accomplishments and social involvement, I am proud of where I am at the end of my freshman year.