There are a lot of things you have to do in life that you don't necessarily want to do, but I have learned that you will only make it worse if you go into it with a bad attitude. Over the past few years, a lot of instances have occured where I have had to do something I didn't want to. The end result didn't have to be as bad as my feeling going into it though. Rather than going into things with a bad attitude, I have learned to go into things open minded and positive.

All the time spent dwelling on reasons not to have fun and enjoy myself, could have been used more productively on other topics. Since I made an effort to go into everything more positive, I have enjoyed and done a lot more things that I thought I ever would have. Instead of passing up opportunities to do things I normally wouldn't have done, I have participated in them, and gone into them with positive thoughts.

When going into things like this, it is rare not to find something I liked about it. And even if it wasn't something I liked, I usually enjoyed myself with the people around me. Too many people seem to focus on the negative of everything instead of looking on the bright side of things. The more time spent on the dark side, the harder it is to get into the light and have fun.

Being a Part of a Team

Teamwork makes a dream work. It is hard to believe that just four months ago, I did not know a single person on my team. Now I not only consider these girls teammates, but family, my sisters away from home. We have all been through a lot together these past few months that has bonded us together forever. Pushing each other through practice, to helping finish schoolwork. Laying in bed for hours laughing and talking getting to know each other, and yet being there for each other when we have needed a shoulder to cry on.

It is so hard to believe that five of these girls will not be back on the field with us next year. Each person on our team brought a different quality to the team whether it be the funny joke, or heart warming story. Coming from three different countries, and eleven different states, we have a wide variety of people coming from various backgrounds, yet everyone gets along as if we have known each other for years.

Being part of this team has been such an enjoyment for me. I thought I would be homesick because of going so far from home, but the girls have made Memphis my new home. If it wasn't for all their love and respect they have given me, I don't know if I would still be here, but because of them, coming to Memphis was the best decision I could have ever made.

St. Jude's Marathon

This morning I woke up early to go cheer on people at the St. Jude's Marathon. I originally planned on running in this event, but due to being sick, I decided to just go watch because I wanted to be part of such a good cause. Even though I was disappointed not being able to run in the event, it was an extremely heart touching experience I think everyone should endure.

I understand that everyone has very busy lives, but events like the St. Jude's Marathon are important to attend. It was truly amazing to see all the people come together to run in the marathon and half marathon events, and also all the volunteers and fans cheering on the sides.

Each year thousands of children with a variety of diseases and illnesses are saved by St. Jude's Hospital, but none of that could be accomplished if it wasn't for the support of the community around it. Because St. Jude's runs soley on the money and time people donate, this hospital would not be a success without our support.

It was really nice to see how excited everyone running in the race, and watching was. This is one event that I wish everyone could experience.