I've been raised on meats, veggies, nuts, and different plant oils for as long as I can remember. I mean, my first food was avocado! As I grew up and started making my own decisions, I decided to try different foods. So, I tried pizza, ice cream, pasta—stuff that was NEVER in our house. You know, like Cheetos and Ritz? Well, every time I ate one of those, I realized exactly why I was raised the way I was.

So, I learned about this last year, and my skin is so much clearer than it used to be! It’s an apple cider vinegar DIY toner—just TWO ingredients: water and apple cider vinegar. The acid in the vinegar helps tighten your pores, while the water dilutes it to prevent irritation. Why add water? If you don’t, the acid can make your face really red. Make sure to use it after washing your face and before applying serum.

People of every age, in every era, have always had moments of stillness—times of quiet to think, ponder, and dream. But today, that seems to be disappearing. Most people are consumed with countless ways to always "be on." Think about it: you could be listening to music, scrolling through Facebook, texting friends, and keeping up with the latest gossip—all at the same time.

Have you ever felt like you just can't get it right? Like you're constantly messing up? I know I have. Sometimes, when I make mistakes, it feels like they stack up ten times higher than my accomplishments!

God places specific people in our lives for a reason. He might place a person in your life to grow with, but that relationship is just a moment—a small moment in time given to teach you a lesson. This happens—and will happen—quite often. It’s an unavoidable fact that people come and go, but remember, it’s for a reason. That moment might hurt, make you sad, or even angry! But like any moment, it will pass, and the next one is right around the corner.

Have you ever dreamt about what your future husband will be like? I know I have, and it excites me every time I think about it. You have no idea who he is! What are his hobbies? What’s his eye color? Is he 6'8" or 5'4"? The truth is, you don’t know him yet—but imagining what he’ll be like can be so fun!

I can't say I've ever been in love, but I can tell you I've experienced moments of pure love and happiness. Let me explain what I mean. Like that time my friend called me exhilarating, or when they said, "You're my closest friend" or "If you ever need someone to talk to, you can always call me." Or when your dearest friend, the one you can always depend on, becomes like a sister. When a boy tells you they’ve learned so much from you, or compliments the dress you’re wearing. When a girl you’ve just met says she loves talking to you. When a friend genuinely asks how you’re doing and takes their time to listen. When you and a friend spontaneously decide to lie on a trampoline and gaze at the stars. When you and your dad go for a drive and scream the lyrics to an Aerosmith song, or when you’re lying on your mom’s bed, pouring out your emotions, seeking her advice. Or when it’s 11 PM, and you're laughing uncontrollably with your siblings.

When you look in the mirror, do you ever find yourself thinking things like, “Great, another pimple,” “Why is my body like this?” or “I wish I looked more like (someone you know)—she’s so pretty,” or even, “I’m ugly”? These are the kinds of thoughts we often have, but here’s the thing: they’re all based on some standard of perfection that isn’t even real.

It’s so hard to keep up with all the trends and fads, especially when there are like 5 to 10 new ones every day across different platforms. And they come and go so fast—once you catch one, it’s already gone! You’re just left chasing them. So don’t feel bad or less because you didn’t get the newest shoes, perfume, or you’re not doing the latest makeup trend or diet. Honestly, so many girls are starting to look the same.

If someone were to ask me, "What does it mean to be human?" I'd say... It’s to recognize that you were created by a force far greater than anything you could ever fathom. It’s to live, to fail, to love, and to grow. It’s to understand that you were made with purpose, for a purpose—different and unique, perfectly crafted for you. It’s to make mistakes and create messes, but not to stay in the mess. It’s about learning, growing, and moving forward. It’s to love, just as you were loved. It’s to learn every day from those around you, and from the one who created you. It’s to admire the beauty around you—the sky, the trees, the person sitting beside you—and to find moments of quiet to truly be thankful for what you have. Life only gets better when you take time to appreciate it.

I’m a confident 17-year-old who’s been searching for greatness my whole life. I always tried to be the best at everything—sports, being a daughter, being a friend, acing my classes. But like everyone else, I kept failing and making mistakes. I wasn’t the best... I wasn't perfect. I’d get so frustrated and disappointed with myself that, eventually, I stopped trying. I stopped doing the things I loved, I got stuck in my head, and I shut myself in my room. My motivation to achieve greatness fizzled out, and I lost what made me, ME—my confidence and faith.