I have spent most of my life at Amelia Island. Whether it was during the summer every year when I was growing up or every Christmas with my mom’s side of the family. This place shaped me to be who I am. I remember playing in a small tent on the beach as a child learning how to share with others. As a teen, I learned that I may not be as good at surfing as I thought. During the pandemic, my family lived in Amelia Island which is when I learned to cherish every minute with them. This was also when I learned to love reading. I would read John Grisham books all day on the beach hoping one day I could also be a lawyer, and still it is my favorite place to read now. When I was a senior in high school, I wrote most of my college essays on my fall break while I was in Amelia Island. Sitting on the balcony that overlooks the beach provided me with the inspiration to work hard for my future. I wrote my UGA application which required a “funny” essay about one of my experiences learning to surf at Amelia Island, which eventually led to my acceptance letter. Now, I am writing this essay the week of Thanksgiving break, sitting on the balcony at Amelia Island, wondering what this place has in store for me next.