We are given one wish, one moment, one chance, and one life.  Who we choose to be and how we choose to act can determine the fate of our future.  It may not be determined by our challenges, but by our attitude and actions.  Thus, I believe: "Your energy introduces you before you do."

 

I grew up in a little white house, near a big pasture and church.  In this little house, lived my father, mother, and baby sister.  Living in the country had its many blessings, for example: Sunday lunches, endless nights talking with friends and family by the fire, adventures with siblings, exploring in the woods, and more.  I would not trade one minute of my childhood for anything you would define as "perfect."

 

I went to Anson County Early College, while also attending South Piedmont Community College.  I started dancing at the early age of two, my mother coached me from the age of three to eighteen.  She has also been my coach the past two years as a Varsity Cheerleader at Anson.  I have taken part in many community service events such as: Relay for Life and the Special Olympics.

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When I was nine years old, in the summer of 2012, my father died, leaving my mother, baby sister, and me to survive on our own.  We were scared and unsure of what life would be like without our best friend and daddy.  The first year was definitely not the same without him to coach me in softball, ride four-wheelers, or go to the farm.  Traditions changed, and so did our habits.  That year the three of us started... "It will always be us against the world."  Since then, we have faced every challenge together.  Nothing is too big for my family, because we are "survivors."

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I have always been someone who is very conscientious of school and working.  After my father died, I quickly learned that nothing is forever, and we have to work for what we want.  For me, it has always been to be able to travel, make a difference while in the medical field, and to put big smiles on tiny dancers.  It also taught me to never go to sleep without saying I love you and try to never say what you don't mean.  

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My one wish was for a big family.  My one moment was dancing in memory of my dad at the Showstopper Nationals with a solo called "I'm a Dreamer."  My one chance was being accepted into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  My one life is still being taken day by day.  I believe that you should live without fear, live without anger, and live life with desires.  I remind myself of who I am, how strong I can be, and everything of which I am very grateful without excuses.

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Sincerely,

Brianna McCollum