Day I was Born:

I was born on June 16th, 2003, in the Vassar Brother’s Hospital in Poughkeepsie. Though it looked like I was a healthy baby, being 21 inches tall and 8 lbs, my bloodsugar was way to low and I was rushed to immediate care. What’s special about that day, was that my mothers birthday was the day after. She said she wanted to have 3 kids before she turned 30, and I was born just in time.

First day of Kindergarten:

I remember standing with my mom at the bus stop with my little backpack and a name tag on my shirt in the shape of a dog bone labeled, “Maija.” I wasn’t nervous at all, I was really excited, until I realized my mom wouldn’t be on the bus with me. I didn’t cry, I just didn’t talk too much. When we got to the school, I was overwhelmed with the amount of people there, but I was always taller than the kids so it wasn’t too bad. I made a lot of new friends and by the time I got home, I had quite the story to tell to my mom about my day.

Elementary School:

As I entered elementary school, I was introduced to many things. Such as, clique's, crushes, and of course, learning. I didn't exactly have a friend group because I either hung around the popular girls or the non-popular guys and girls. I remember learning being really difficult because of how unorganized I started being. My mom and I would always have to organize my little blue folder once a week and she'd also help me with my math.

Middle School:

This time in my life has so far been the most stressful. Lots of homework, many friendships, many clique's, and lots of trends. The beginning of 8th grade, playing 3 sports made managing time for my homework extremely difficult. I now have a mental schedule for my responsibilities. As for friends, i've learned that being cool isn't going to get me into college, so I surrounded myself with good people I share interests with.

Graduation:

During graduation, I hope i'll be noticed as a kind-hearted, honest, outgoing person. My grades won't be perfect, but they will be A's and B's because of my dedication. As of right now, i'm not yet sure what highschool I will be attending to, but I intend to find one that includes my interests in music.

Volunteering and the Elks Lodge:

Every year during the summer, my siblings and I always volunteer at the Elks Lodge. The Elks Lodge in Brewster is a place where members have fundraisers to either raise money or awareness. My mom is a member and so my sister and I always waitress during dinners while my brother washes dishes. Even though we only volunteer there, many people like to give us tips. That;s probably the only reason I go back.