Ashley Jayne
Major Events in My Life
BECOMING A CHRISTIAN
I became a Christian one summer day when I was five years old. I remember swimming in our backyard and asking my mom what becoming a Christian meant. This has impacted my life in many ways. From that point on, I have tried to follow Christs example. This has also led me to take advantage of several other opportunities to put my faith into practice.
PRIORITIZING ACTIVITIES
Coming from 8th grade into high school, I realized that there were too many activities that I wanted to be involved in. In junior high, we didnt have as many opportunities for extracurricular activities, so when I entered 9th grade, it was difficult to pick and choose. My piano lessons and additional "free-time activities" were the first to go. I then prioritized my time and school activities, and after careful consideration, I quit track. This event of having to prioritize my activities helped me to focus on what I truly cared about. Instead of being burnt-out by being involved in things I didnt enjoy, I was able to have more energy to put into the activities I was passionate about.
WORKING AT THE BANK
A few weeks after I turned 16, I applied to Henderson State Bank. I was hired the same day that I interviewed, and I started the next week. Working at the bank has been the perfect job for me. I have had flexible hours, and am able to work after school as well as in the summer. The job fits perfectly with my characteristics. I am very detail oriented and I love following routines. Working at the bank has been a valuable way for me to gain experience in the business field as well as being paid for something I love.
GOING ON TRAVEL CAMP
At Travel Camp, I was able to travel to multiple places, including Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, and Canada. While on these trips, I was able to appreciate the beauty of everything around me. I also met some incredible people and made several new friendships. Travel Camp was a time to get away from the distractions of my life and to focus on strengthening and forming relationships while having a blast.
WINNING FBLA NATIONALS
The summers after my sophomore and junior years, I was lucky enough to attend the FBLA national convention. While there I placed first in both Accounting I and II. This gave me confidence in my test taking abilities. It also helped me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in business. Because I knew I was good at subjects relating to business, I began to like it even more. This experience helped direct me to choose Accounting as my major.
ATTENDING ALLSTATE
This year, I was selected as one of 36 clarinetists to join the Nebraska Allstate band. While at Allstate, I practiced and performed with the best band members from across Nebraska. This convention helped to cultivate my love of music. It also convinced me continue to participate in music in college. Because of this experience, I decided to minor in music next year.
MISSIONS TRIP TO HAITI
In late January, I went on a missions trip to Haiti with a group from my church. I had no idea what to expect, and wasnt ready for the poverty that I witnessed. While in Haiti, I worked at an orphanage, played with the kids, evangelized, and took a 5 1/2 hour climb up two mountains to get to Boucan Michelle. In Boucan Michelle I taught the children several games, sang with them, and attended church. This experience has changed me in several ways. It has helped me realize how fortunate I am to live where I do. I was able to get away from all of the busyness and distractions of my life and appreciate how privelaged I really am. My trip made me realize how because I am so fortunate, it is my responsibility to help others in need.