No matter what, the only person who can really track your true progress is yourself. A coach, teacher, or parent can tell you what they think, but in reality, only you know the truth. I know how much progress I’ve made over the years, I know how much I’ve changed. I went from being the shy, insecure girl who didn’t know how to make friends to a confident, independent woman who doesn’t need someone else to tell her who she is. I’ve reached goals I never thought I could accomplish, I’ve earned leadership positions with hard work and dedication, and I learned to love myself through it all. It took a lot of pain and lessons having to be learned, but I think it’s worth it. It’s because of all the obstacles that I was able to blossom. I proved that I can do anything I set my mind to. It led me to where I am now: not only as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the JTC Journal but as well as the new leader of the mariachi group I am a part of. It’s hard to believe that I’ve made it so far, and I still have so much left to do. I wouldn’t have changed a thing about my journey. With my senior year now beginning, I can’t wait to see what I can accomplish in this short time.