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fAMBly!

Our lives are not complete without a goal to pursue and a dream to achieve.  Waking up with a plan of success in mind, spending the day sketching future plans, sleeping with a lot of dreams about that next big step.  Having that spark of hope, the attitude of positivity, and the behavior of a respectful and joyful person is why we believe that everything is possible once we work hard towards a better tomorrow, not only for us, but also to the whole world.

This past week was definitely the most stressful week of my time in college.  I had to prove myself to my peers, to explain why I stand for my "yes" when the whole world says "no", and to use my words and past experiences to help me walk a new journey for a different future.  I decided to apply to the Appalachian Student Ambassadors since day one on this campus.  Those ambassadors set the standards for me for what I wanted to do in college.  The way they looked, talked, and behaved was so perfect to me that I had a hard time picturing myself as one of them, but I was extremely determined that I would work my hardest to join this respected organization.  I had to wait for four months though to apply, but I still admired how professional they looked and acted whenever I saw them on campus.  Those 45 ambassadors reflected the true image of the 18,000 students in our universities, and I used to walk past them and daydream of the moment I would carry my university's logo on my chest with a lot of pride, as I walk around to represent it.

So, I applied!  I had to put together a decent application that would reflect as many things about myself as possible.  I thought of the many things I've done, and I asked myself "Is this enough?"  Yet as I continued to finish my application, I realized that everyone applying to be an ambassador is different, and that is the thing that would unite all of us.  We're meant to be different here, because that is the unique thing about the organization. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, because the moment you realize that you "can", then surly enough you "will" achieve something one way or another.  Doubting your ability to succeed is the first thing that's going to take you a step back.  So, I told myself "Yes, this is enough."  I smiled to my unknown as I submitted my application, and I simply thought of a good, happy future whether I make it or not.

Then I moved to the next stage!  I was invited for the first interaction, and I couldn't feel any happier.  I went there, and I tried to do my best as I promised myself at the beginning of the journey.  I put a smile on face, and I made sure that I enjoy my present regardless of the outcome.  I took a moment to look around the room, and I got this great feeling of satisfaction, because I really was there, I was making it happen!

After five long stages, it was finally time to know about the results.  Did I make it?  I didn't know what to expect.  I knew that I gave it my all, and I knew that I can still do more, but it was all done.

Sunday morning though, was a completely different story.  I made it!  My dream turned into a reality, and Sunday was truly the happiest day for me since I began studying here. I cried and laughed at the same in surprise of the great news I received.  My father's last wish for me was to go to a prestigious university and go back home with great accomplishments, because he wanted to tell everyone he knew "That's my daughter."  At the end of the day, and when this dream comes down to my personal feelings, I am doing this to follow my father's footsteps. He used to say "You have to be part of something greater than yourself so you can learn more." and I used this statement in my interviews.  He said "Always be humble no matter how high in life you reach, because at the end, we're all peers."  My father taught me how to be an ambassador to my country wherever I went, that is why he said "Traveling is a healthy thing for you."

Here I am, fulfilling his last wish by attending a great university, and finally joining something that is much bigger and greater than who I am.  As the next days approach, I am ready to live for my present between a great fAMBly as we all work together to better our campus and present it in the best way possible.  I am more than honored to being serving as an Appalachian Student Ambassador.  This is the future that I wanted, and I cannot wait to live every second of my current present with great joy and excitement for being part of this great fAMBly!


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