I volunteer at a charter school, called the Renaissance Learning Center, whose purpose is to teach children who are developmentally disabled. Together, we bring the children to The Gymnastics Revolution. I use my experience in gymnastics to help teach the children simple skills. I also use my experience with surfing to teach children of all ages diagnosed with autism how to surf. I have participated in Surfers For Autism events up and down the east coast of Florida for the past three years. I started an Autism Speaks club at Suncoast High School and am currently club president. Our goal is to raise funds and awareness for those who are developmentally disabled. My goal is to provide them and their families with the opportunity to recieve therapy for their conditions. Additionally, the past three years I have participated in fundraising events for the club Operation Smiles, which funds money that is donated to children who desire surgical assistance for cleft lip and/or cleft palate.

I want to send the message that people who have autism or family members diagnosed with such are not alone. Help can be offered to any person and our community has the amazing power of providing it. To see so many people come together to make a difference demonstrates the capabilities we have when united. With time, I hope to stop hearing people say others "suffer" from developmental disabilities, such as autism, and instead, start hearing people shout of joy due to the love that has surfaced from such circumstances. Although developmental disabilities come with many challenges, they can impact lives in positive ways. This community service not only gives light to the families in these situations, but also opens the eyes of the volunteers.

My whole life, I have done gymnastics. My motto was always to win, but I knew that winning takes ample amounts of time and practice. Currently an IB Junior at Suncoast High School, I realize that sometimes, some of that time needs to be contributed to school work and, ofcourse, family and friends. Now, doing Suncoast Varsity Swimming & Diving in addition to club gymnastics, I have found that healthy balance. Sports are my release from school stress, and family and friends are my chance to breathe. In combination, all those elements are what help me to perform my best.