Invention: 3 Ideas

B.R.A.T. Camp
When I lived in Rammstein, Germany, I participated in a camp called B.R.A.T. camp. It was run by USAFE and worked out of the recreation center on base. We did all kinds of activities typical of a summer camp, but for this camp I was at the right age to develop and grow as an individual. I had no problem doing most of the camp activities such as swimming, biking, kayaking, etc. At one point we went on a trip to Belgium to go rock climbing, rappelling, and spelunking (exploring caves). These activities scared me. The heights, the darkness, and being suspended fifty to a hundred feet in the air by an inch thick rope got to me. I was going to chicken out, until the whole camp, all of my peers and youth leaders, rallied behind me and gave me the courage and support I needed to accomplish these activities. I overcame fears for the first time in my life and because of it I developed into the person I am today. Without these experiences I would not be the bold person who is willing to try anything.



Living in Germany
My father was in the Air Force Reserves and he worked for a government contractor. For his job, my family had to move to Germany. We lived in a little town close to the French border near the air base. We were in the middle of Europe and that was a great thing. I travelled to almost every European country and to some places like Egypt and Greece. The experiences and memories I have from these trips have really influenced the person I turned into. Living overseas is an eye opening and enriching experience. I am thankful for how fortunate I was to get to do all of the things I got to do. I learned some French and German. I swam on an international swim team. I grew up there so much as a result.



High School Hockey State Championship
I started playing hockey when I was 6 years old. I played off and on throughout my life but when I moved back to Florida from Germany, I was older and decided to get more serious. I started playing all high school hockey. By my freshman year our team had developed and we were the top team of the league. We won the area championship, and then went on to States. After losing twice we still managed to make semi-finals where we won! Somehow the tides had changed and we made it to finals. I played the game of my life that game scoring three goals. We won Division II States my senior year. I consider this one of my biggest accomplishments in life so far. I worked so hard to get there and for once all my work paid off. Playing hockey and the companionship I experienced while playing will never leave me. I will keep playing all my life.