Sources of My Identity

One of the people who has had a large impact on who I have become is my older sister, Katherine. Her generosity has allowed me to experience parts of the world that I may not have seen otherwise, because she has taken me on trips to Great Britain, Canada, and other, more local, places. For example, the trip to Great Britain opened my eyes to a culture that is similar in many ways to that of the United States, but also different in several aspects also. We definitely experienced culture shock when we had to drive on the wrong side of the road! Also, constantly hearing "Mind the Gap" when we rode the Tube in London became old rather quickly. However, for someone who loves history like myself, walking around the Tower of London, and the rest of London, was a dream come true. Katherine has also served as a role model for myself throughout the years, since she is nine years older than me. Her ambition has compelled me to work harder, and her kindness has inspired me to become a better person. With her guidance, I have learned that I am capable of more than I think, as she has always told me, since I was a little girl, to "be the best Beth you can be."

^This is a picture of us at Big Ben in London. 

A place that has completely shaped my identity is my cabin in the Pocono Mountains, which has instilled in me a love of nature. Spending time at my cabin has made me appreciate just how beautiful, and calming, nature can truly be. My family cannot easily access a cell phone signal there, and we not have a satellite dish, so being at my cabin is a great way to unwind and unplug myself from technology. Since I cannot watch T.V. or check Facebook while I am in the Poconos, spending time there has fostered my love of reading, biking, and hiking. My cabin has helped me learn just how much I value family time, because when my family spends time there, we only focus on spending time with each other, and nothing else. Also, it has taught me that I am capable of doing things that I did not think I could do in a million years, such as baiting a hook while I have gone fishing with my dad. Someday, when I have children, I hope to purchase a cabin also, because I want them to have the same experiences that I have been so lucky to have growing up.

^The Pocono Mountains

The last factor that has majorly affected who I have become today are the friends that I have made in high school. In grade school, I had friends, but I did not feel like most of them would always have my back no matter what. My Mount friends, however, are very different. We can tell each other what is bothering us, and we know that we will listen to each other and try our very best to help each other. We also enjoy each other's successes, which happens often, because my friends are an extremely talented group of people. One of my high school friends, in particular, has taught me to stop being stressed about every little thing in life, and to go with the flow more. Also, the guy friends I have met later in high school have made me realize that I need to watch tons of T.V. shows and movies, because apparently I am "deprived," just because I have not seen Star Wars or Indiana Jones! They, along with my friends from Mount, have taught me the true meaning of friendship, which is a lesson I will always value. 

^My friends and I at Mount's prom