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\u00a0Anna Poruks<\/em><\/p>\n

I lost a lot before I got to middle school: our family business, my parents\u2019 marriage, my childhood home. \u00a0This series of big losses were not enough to prepare me for losing my relationship with my father and most of my mother\u2019s guidance.<\/p>\n

Although bad decisions, mental health issues and probably some plain, old-fashioned bad luck took these things from me before I was even 13, they left me with something far better. \u00a0 Take a look:<\/p>\n

1) \u00a0Science tells us that feedback from facial expressions affects emotions and behavior; a simple smile can work wonders. \u00a0Even if you\u2019re feeling sad, smiling and staying upbeat can significantly improve your mood.<\/p>\n

2) \u00a0No matter how hard I try, some things are just out of my control.\u00a0 Instead of grieving over things that I cannot change I try to see the positive. For example, in a life full of abrupt transitions and unpredictability, I have naturally become accustomed to change.\u00a0 I choose to love and embrace it.<\/p>\n

3) \u00a0I believe that success in life is not just handed to people; we must make the choice to do \u2018whatever it takes\u2019 to achieve goals.\u00a0 I have made the conscious choice to chase my dreams and become something great. \u00a0I take pride in being positive, open-minded, and original.<\/p>\n

4) \u00a0I was an incredibly shy child, which was a big disadvantage.\u00a0 I missed out on many opportunities simply because I was afraid to \u201cput myself out there.\u201d \u00a0When circumstances required me to change that part of my personality, I made amazing friends and am happier than ever.<\/p>\n

5) \u00a0Even though some routines are necessary, it\u2019s important to get away, try things and immerse ourselves in something totally new.\u00a0 I call monotony \u201clife\u2019s kiss of death\u201d and believe that the \u201cdaily grind\u201d is what weighs people down.<\/p>\n

6) Growing up I endured many unpleasant experiences and those memories will stay with me forever. However, I have become incredibly thankful for them because they have forced me to mature and molded me into the strong, motivated person I am today.<\/p>\n

While I would not wish this sort of upbringing on anyone, I am profoundly grateful for its gifts and lessons.\u00a0 They make up a foundation that nobody can ever take from me.<\/p>\n

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Anna is a first year student at The College of New Jersey<\/a> where she is majoring in psychology and plans a career in psychiatry. \u00a0In her limited “free” time she plays club volleyball and is active in a variety of campus groups.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"