My whole childhood has been on the water. This meant that everyday during the summer was either spent on, near, or on the water. Taking in the beautiful sunsets that would set over the water around seven at night was the best. My family would eat dinner on the deck, and talk about our day(which was usually spent together on the water or somewhere traveling for sports). 

Water sports where also huge in my very active family. This meant constant competitions to see who would fall off the tube first, and who could do the coolest tricks on the waterskies. 

However what living on the lake taught me the most is that life passes by in the blink of an eye. If you don't stop to take it in every now and then you will miss all the amazing things life has to offer. Being a family that is on the move 24/7 is one of the most exhilarating, but tiresome things in my opinion. With very little time to take a breath during the year, the summer is always a nice break(for the most part.) 

With my future looking very busy as I will be entering NC State as a student athlete; I will certainly take with me the life lesson to take a step back every now and then. Life can get overwhelming, but prioritizing you, and your mental health sometimes is more important that just pushing through all the time.

I couldn't be more happy to move down to North Carolina to start my new chapter, but I also can't wait for summers on Oneida Lake when I return home. To take a break, breathe, and relax.