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Getting A Dog
My dog, Sushee, was the first animal to enter our home other than the typical gold fish or hermit crab. I was 12 at the time, and it was a huge responsibility entering our house. It took ages to convince my dad to let us get a dog, and when he caved in it was important to keep our promises on taking care of her completely. Sushee taught me to keep my room clean, otherwise she would steal and rip apart any socks or clothing. She is now 8, and still continues to make me laugh and keep me company. -
A New Home
I used to go to RI to our family friend's house growing up. It was my childhood, I basically grew up there. From the beaches, surf shops, the golf course, and town, I'e made so many memories. We ended up buying a house there in 2010, a block away from our family friends old house. They sold that house a few months later. Yet I still go up there often to enjoy the beach and the quiet town it is. I like to spend hours on the beach with my camera, sunrise and sunset. Its where I found my solitude -
Hard Times
In 2014 my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The following months my family really struggled without her. We realized all of the little responsibilities she took on in which we took for granted. Dinner was a struggle to get on the table, keeping the house clean was hard, and getting everyone to school on time was difficult. The house was stressful. To this day I thank her daily for everything she does. Although it was a tragedy, it made my family and I much stronger and grateful. -
Mac Miller Concert
This concert was my first concert in the city. Getting to go was a privilege itself. Mac Miller was my favorite artist growing up. He passed away this fall, so this experience means even more to me considering it would be the last time I could see him live. Mac Miller inspired me growing up, all of his music was very happy and fun. He had bright spirits and had a sense of humor. I think his death caused me to cherish his older music even more. His music will always pump me up throughout my day. -
First Varsity Hat Trick
In our semi sectional game at Yorktown I scored my first Hat Trick of my Varsity career. Not only did I score three goals, but I recieved player of the game. This award really proved to me that I needed to be more confident in the game. Not sure what I ate before that game, but it was the first time on a high school sport where I showed my true colors. It also set the bar high for my coach, to this day she still pushes me hard after seeing my true potential. -
Deep Sea Fishing
The Summer before my grandpa passed away we went deep sea fishing. We spent the entire day fishing together, arguing and competing for the biggest fish caught. My Grandpa had always been a really lucky man so it was fun to watch him catch all these exotic fishes. I didn't know at the time, but it was gonna be one of the last chances to spend time with my grandpa. This trip taught me to be grateful for family and friends. Now I can look back on it as a good memory of my grandfather. -
My Brothers Surprise
My brother went into the army after graduating. He was stationed at South Korea for his first year. When he went away it was scary and weird not seeing him as much. Every summer my dad has a pig roast, and this was the second one he would be missing. I was a little upset as it was a family event. But he ended up surprising us. I was so happy to see him. This is another event in my life that made me cherish family and loved ones because you don't know how much time you really have with them. -
Bahamas
For Christmas we decided to go to the Bahamas.. At first I was upset, as I am a fan of the traditional Christmas. But, it was my first time out of the country. It was a new experience and it encouraged my love for travelling. It inspired me to want to travel the world and take pictures of all the great landscapes it has to offer. It also made me thankful for family, I didn't need any gifts or presents, the time spent with my family there was enough. We created great memories and laughs. -
Hospital Visit
In 2017 I was in the hospital for a kidney infection. I missed two weeks of school of my sophomore year and it was the first time I was in the hospital for an extended period of time. After ignoring my symptoms all year my body finally gave in. I was behind in school and in sports. However, I was able to keep up and come back to school actually ahead of the game. This was a lesson to me to keep myself healthy, and I learned how to manage my schoolwork outside of school in order to keep up. -
My 16th
I've never been one for big parties for myself. I rarely went to sweet 16s, it wasn't my scene exactly. So for my 16th I had a summer party without the formality of a sweet 16. This party really reflected who I am. It was laid back and all my friends and family went. I didn't want something formal where I would be the center of attention, that's not who I am. It was really fun to also catch up with family I haven't seen in a while. -
Quitting Basketball
Although quitting a sport isn't a usual "accomplishment" in life, this was exactly what it was for me. It took a lot of courage and confidence to finally step away from a sport I played my whole life. However, it positively affected me. I was able to get a job, succeed in school, spend time with my family, and start focusing on my passion for pictures and playing lacrosse. This sacrifice benefited me in every way, and now I realize that this sport was holding me back from being my true self. -
New Camera
I have always had a passion for taking pictures. Last year I realized I needed an actual good camera to bring to college. I started saving everything I could, but I didn't exactly have $500 laying around. But, for Christmas my parents surprised me with a beautiful Cannon. Since that day I take it everywhere with me. Its helped me start my portfolio for college, and capture the moments throughout my life. This camera affected my career, as it started me on my way to becoming a real photographer. -
My First Job
My first actual job was working at Carvel.Carvel was a new experience where I was seeing and talking to new faces everyday. I never was good with communicating with strangers, shy as you would call it. This job taught me responsibility and to become more outgoing. It also taught me to start saving what I earn for down the road. The reason for getting this job, other than a low bank account balance, was because of quitting basketball. I had all this free time to use up. -
Going to States
For lacrosse last season we made it to States in Cortlandt. It was an amazing experience, since lacrosse hasn't made it that far in a while. It was a first for me to go that far in any sport. To play on a college field surrounded by a huge stadium felt awesome. Although we lost the semi states game, it gave me some more motivation to get there again this year. But instead of only getting to go there, I want to win it. It was rewarding for all the hard work we put in throughout the season.
