Do you value your successes or failures more? Why?

“I love being successful, everyone does, right? That boost of confidence, the satisfaction and gratification… But as far as value goes, I think I get more from my failures. Failing reminds of my weaknesses, reminds me that I’m not invincible, and reminds me that I’m not humanly capable of succeeding at everything I do. I believe failure ensures humility, if viewed through the right perspective.”  

Is there something that you feel you were meant to do or be?

“I feel like my purpose is to help people, in whatever way that may be. I love people. I love talking and hearing life stories. I have a huge heart. It’s so easy to be self concerned so I believe it’s important to take time to be selfless, and to put myself in someone else’s shoes. That’s what I was meant to do… to be the helping hand, the listening ear, or the shoulder to cry on in any situation.”

If you could watch everything that happened in your life until now, would you enjoy it?

“That’s a loaded question. I’m sure I would enjoy it. There’d be lots of uncontrollable laughs, nostalgia, and even some things that I’d want to rewind and redo. But yes, of course I’d enjoy it, because every event has sculpted the person that I am today, and I’m pretty proud of that person.”  

What drives you to do better at something?

“I’m extremely self driven- partly because I’m OCD and partly because I’m headstrong. It also drives me to know that my friends and my family have expectations for me. Lastly, it drives me to know that whatever I’m working for is ultimately for the Glory of my Lord, so I should work at it with my all.”

If karma was coming back to you, would it help or hurt you?

“I’d love to think that it’d help me. I consider myself a real friend and I’ve never been the vengeful type. I believe in justice, and that things will be handled without action on my behalf.”

What do you want most out of life?

“Contentment. I want to look back and say that my goals were met, that I gave my everything, and that I led the life I wanted to lead.”

What terrifies you the most? Describe a scenario where you would feel this way.

“Probably feeling  inadequate… I’ve grown up with high expectations, at home and at school especially. I would feel inadequate if I didn’t make the grades I was expected to make or didn’t live up to the standards set for me… I feel like society today has fostered this fear in many people, especially in teenagers.”

What would happen if you never wasted another minute of your life, what would that look like?

“I honestly have no idea, it’d be really hectic. And I’d probably have to get up earlier in the mornings. I guess I would spend less time worrying and stressing because I get caught up in that a lot.”

How much control do you really have over yourself?

“I control my actions, my choices, and my words. Anything beyond that realm is also beyond my control.”

When did you last push the boundaries of your comfort zone?

“Probably when I danced and sang karaoke with a friend in front of an entire restaurant. As I’ve grown older my boundaries have expanded, though.”

What have you given up on?

“That’s not in my vocabulary.”

Who are you really? Describe yourself without using your name, or any attributes given to you by society and really think. Deep down, who are you?

“I believe who I am is ever changing so providing a definite answer isn’t possible… There are aspects of myself, however, that I hope I will never lose. I’m open minded, kind-hearted, hard working, accepting, forgiving, and understanding, to name a few things I admire about myself.”

Describe a time in your life where you felt pushed to your farthest physical, mental, and/or emotional boundary.

“When I was about to open the letter that would determine if I was accepted to my dream college. This letter would either bring satisfaction because I had met the expectations held for me, by others and by myself, or would bring a sense of failure and inadequacy. Fortunately, it was the first. I read the word “Congratulations” and immediately burst into tears. College applications are super stressful, especially when all of your hard work is riding on an acceptance.”

What are you holding onto that you feel you need to let go of?

“Stress and pressure. I need to remember that sometimes all I have to do is be still. I don’t have to solve every problem, win every battle, or meet every expectation to be a successful individual. Genuine prosperity does not come without trials.”