When I first started looking at colleges, I was eight years old.

I wanted to be a famous
writer\anthropologist, just like Temperance Brennan in Kathy Reich’s’ novels. She was fiercely
intelligent and always quick to help those in need. I had a plan, but over the last nine years that plan have
changed. One thing, however, has remained the same- my passion for success. Attending Samford
University will strengthen my understanding of the world around me and provide me with unique
experiences that will forge me into a successful young adult.

As a Christian, it is important that my spiritual growth be the front-runner in my life. In school, I shine
my light. I talk to my friends about Christ and most importantly I try to plant seeds in people who might
not know Christ. My pastor jokes about my approach- mainly because I like to use the line “So how ya
feel about Jesus?’’ I have learned that every person you talk to is someone you could teach something,
learn something from, or both.

I have always wanted to travel, and when I heard about Samford’s Travel Abroad Program, I did some
research. Not only did I stumble upon an amazing program, but also upon a school that has more to offer
me than any other university in the nation. The benefits I will receive from an international education are
what point me to Samford. Being immersed in a foreign culture allows you to understand the world and
the differences in society and culture. I have done my fair share of traveling with my parents and one of
my absolute favorite things was learning about the historical background and developing an appreciation
for the power of place. My family comes from Bristol, England, so naturally everything about the UK
interests me. I would love the ability to fully appreciate where I come from by studying and living there.

Another important aspect that Samford offers is community. Throughout my research I have read
countless stories about the community surrounding Samford. The cool places in downtown Birmingham,
the friendships that are effortlessly created, and being surrounded by like-minded individuals dedicated to
making their time at Samford a success. Birmingham is a lively city that will make a great home away
from home. Living in West Mobile, I have made connections that will benefit me throughout my life.
With more than double the population, my possibilities are endless in Birmingham.

Throughout my high school career, I have been extremely active and plan on continuing to be involved at
Samford. I am interested in participating in Student Government because I loved the leadership
experience I gained doing SCA (Student Council) in high school. I also plan on joining the ROTC
program while at Samford. In high school I joined JROTC because I wanted to become a better citizen
and gain some experience, but I received so much more. I have decided to join ROTC in college because
of what I learned about in high school, for myself and for my country.

On my first day of high school my stepmom told me that getting involved in school was one of the most
important decisions that would create a positive high school career. In JROTC, I have accumulated over
200 volunteer hours. Every Friday night I danced on the field as the mascot Buzz and joined my
community as they cheered on the Hornets to victory. Saturday mornings, I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to run
with my Cross-Country team, and by Sunday morning I was at church, worshipping Jesus and the
blessings He put in my life.

Being so busy, I always felt like I was running out of time and then my grades started to suffer. The first
couple of months were tough, but trying to find a balance taught me more than just time management. I
learned about the importance of saying no and choosing between needs and wants. I learned how to
effectively do the things I needed to do, and how to save time for the things I wanted to do. God humbled
me. He taught me a valuable life lesson about using the time I have wisely.

Samford is a brand new book with unread chapters that I cannot wait to immerse myself in and make my
mark. I intend to read these chapters just as I did when I was a little girl, always planning and working
towards success. I hope that the knowledge I take from Samford will take me closer to my goal, the
experiences will strengthen my relationship with Christ, and the relationships I make will leave an
everlasting mark.