Gianna John

I finally realized what was important in life when my cousin went through cancer when she was in fifth grade. When I found out that she was terribly ill, it became clear in my mind that family is the most important bond one can have in life.

The first memory of elementary school that comes clear to my mind is when my first grade teacher's eighty year old dog got put to sleep. When she tried to tell my class, she started sobbing. In elementary school, all my teachers were very open and supportive. They were always honest with the class and always helped me get through my problems. I remember my second grade teacher helping me and my friends make a contract so we would stop arguing. Me and my friends always used to arfue untill the 4th grade, when we became mature and realized that arguing was not always the answer. After that, I learned to always respect my friends feelings.

I was born into a family of 4 with a caring mom, an organized dad, and a loving younger brother who always knows how to make a person laugh when they are feeling blue. A few words of wisdom my family gave me is to never give up because when they got married, they moved to the U.S, which was my dad's dream.

I describe myself as optimistic and thinking of the glass as half full instead of half empty. If I had the chance to change my personality, I would try to stop being so judgmental and be more open to people. This year, I have learned that friends are almost as important as family and I should appreciate what I have instead of wanting more.

My goals for this year is to make more friends, have little to no missing homework, and to stop procrastinating. My plans for high school is to be responsible with my time. I plan to achieve this goal by reminding myself and getting done what is most important because life is all about good decisions and bad descisions.