The Trials & Triumphs of Miss Annemarie

         On June 6th, 1994, I was born into a perfect life in sunny San Diego, California. I grew up blessed with a loving mother and father, a half-sister, a big house, and just about everything I could want. It was just like a fairytale for me. My mother had a crush on my father in high school and they sent each other long distance love-notes while working on opposite ends of the country. And of course they ended up together. My sister was born during my father's first marriage, but I didn't understand that until many years later.

         I was an outspoken, extremely hyper, slightly annoying, but overall sweet child. For the first few years of schooling, up until first grade, I wasn't the sharpest crayon in the box. In first grade, my parents decided to start me on "Hooked On Phonics" and help me find ways to enjoy learning. I was much more into play time than learn time, so it wasn't easy. My competitiveness is what pushed me to want to do better on the "Hooked On Phonics" games, eventually getting me up to fourth grade level by the end of first grade. Thinking of learning as a challenge, instead of as a chore, initially started my interest in school. I got the highest reading test points in the grade, finished the 1st Harry Potter book in first grade, worked my hardest to always be the best.

         Middle school were the toughest years for me. I was just plain unusual, so I received the generic mean girls bulling that's often seen on TV. It broke me down little by little, and still does even now. And although it was extremely hard socially, I expanded my talents and passions so much, that it makes the years still positive for me. I started playing instruments, directing films, story boarding plots, and even writing in just a few short years.

         Middle school was also when I discovered writing.com by sheer dumb luck! The instant I looked around the site, I signed up and bought a basic membership for 3 months. I was extremely active for about a year and half, always writing, reviewing, and entering contests. I had fallen in love with the site. My main Christmas present was a full year of an upgraded membership, which I wanted more than anything at the time. My writing blossomed within those few months, and I'll never forget WDC for that opportunity. But then my membership expired, and I didn't have the money to repurchase one, so I simply tried to forget about the site. I continued writing here and there, but it wasn't the same. Now, I'm back to being active, and saving up for an upgraded membership.

         Now I'm in high school! Currently a junior at one of the top public schools in the state, it's been a busy three years so far. But I'm excited for the future and for what I hope to become some day. I'm a part of numerous clubs, on JV golf team, straight A student (except for PE last year, but it shouldn't count), and just enjoying life. I'm currently single, still haven't had my first kiss, and looking for a guy for me.

         In sophomore year, I joined Youth & Government through the YMCA, and it has changed my life ever since. I have grown to be a leader in the program as well as in my community. Not only have I participated in the Model Legislature and Court statewide, but I was also selected to attend the Conference on National Affairs, which involves the best teens from across the country. The experience has taught me about the inner workings of our government, a variety of national issues that our country faces, and most importantly, the qualities a leader must posses. Due to this amazing program, I now aspire to work in politics or government in our country.

         For me, writing is such a way of life. It's when you're the only student in English class who enjoys writing an essay, or the person who often narrates his or her life like a novel in their head, or someone who would rather have an upgraded membership ten times more than a designer purse. I will always be a writer in that sense. I hope that at some point in my lifetime, I can publish some of my writing, so I can influence someone's life positively.