Significant Life Events
How they have impacted and shaped my life
Kyle's Birth
When my brother was born it was a very hard time for my family. He had several health issues and no one expected him to live. He was born with a hole in one of his lungs and he soon developed pneumonia. My sisters and I were told that he would not survive. To our surprise, a few weeks later he was able to come home. I was only five years old and I did not understand the impact it would have on my life. Now I realize how valuable life is and how thankful I am for my family.
Swan Lake Christian Camp
For the first 13 years of my life, Swan Lake Christian Camp was a routine part of my summer. My mother always helped cook while my sisters were at camp and I remember running around camp before I was ever old enough to be a camper. When I was finally old enough to attend camp myself, I went every summer. In Jr. High, I even went during the winter, too. Swan Lake helped me develop many important friendships as well as encouraging my faith and knowledge about God. The memories that I made there will never be replaced because they had a very deep impact on my life.
Grandpa's Death
On the evening of my seventh birthday, my mother received a phone call from my aunt. My sisters were hiding on the stairs as they sternly told me to go sit in my room. They were ease dropping on my mother's conversation. Soon enough I discovered that we were no longer celebrating my birthday, but rather planning a trip to Kansas City. I discovered that my Grandpa Burke was sick and that he wasn't expected to live more than a few more hours. The next morning we left and spent the weekend with my family as we planned and attended the funeral for my Grandpa. I was only seven and I had lost two of my grandparents. I was once again reminded of how important family is and that I need to cherish the time I get to spend with them.
Manna Camp
The summer before my freshman year of high school I attended Manna Camp with Sam and Sara. It was one of the most enjoyable weeks I have ever had, so I also attended the next summer. It was energetic, busy, and encouraging. I loved every minute of it. It helped me focus on my Bible as well as improve my faith. The friends that I made are still important in my life. I am very thankful for this impacting opportunity because it helped me mature and develop in my faith and friendships.
Nebraska Leadership Seminar
I attended NLS the summer after my sophomore year. I expected it to be pretty cool but I had no idea what the next four days would hold. It was truly a life changing event. Everyone was so happy and appreciative. I was surrounded by other leaders who understood me and my goals in life. I made many friends and I now have connections with people from all over Nebraska. I not only learned more about my talents, but I also learned how to use my them to be a good leader.
Girls State
When I left for Girls State I didn't know what to expect. I knew that I would have fun, but I was also very scared. I didn't know very much about government and I was surrounded by 400 girls that I didn't know. It didn't take long for me to realize that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only did I learn and grow as a person, I also learned a lot about others. I learned how to face diversity, debate with reason, and love people that I have nothing in common with. I also made some of my best friends and they have been an inspiration for me to succeed.
Camp Electric
Camp Electric is a Christian Camp held in various locations around the United States. Last summer I attended Camp Electric in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a week full of wonderful opportunities. We not only attended concerts every day, we also had Bible studies and music lessons. We learned how to use our talents to worship God. I met some very famous people and they truly inspired me. I improved my musical talent, knowledge, faith, and friendships.