We all have different lives and significantly different challenges from one another. We all have different things that we love that can motivate and help us get through any challenge. We can use our interests to have things to look forward to, and connect us with friends, family, and other people we meet. The things that help me get through my challenges in my life include watching movies, collecting items, and going to theme parks such as Universal Studios and Disneyland. All of these activities bring me closer to the people around me and motivate me to push through my own difficulties.

One of these activities that I do the most is watching my favorite movies. Franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel make up a significant part of what I enjoy. I’m always looking forward to the next Marvel film or the next Star Wars TV show. I’ll never forget the week leading up to the release of Avengers: Endgame when all of my friends and I were desperate to see what would happen after all of the trailers were so vague. I often express my love for movies in my large collection filled with Funko POP! Figures, LEGO models, sculptures, and artwork. I’m really happy with the ability to own so many things from the movies I love and collect them all across so many years. My interests in different movie series also have the ability to bring a closer connection between my friends and I. We constantly talk about the things we’re excited for and our hopes and theories on what’s going to happen in the next movie.

Another thing that I’ve always loved doing is going to theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios. Early on in my life, my family began taking me to Disneyland and other theme parks in Southern California and I’ve loved it ever since then. No matter how many times I go to the same theme park, I always enjoy walking around looking at the scenery, going on different rides, eating the food, or watching the shows. I can have a week at school filled with tests and a lot of homework, but I know that if I keep trying and working through the challenges, I can look forward to the weekend where I can spend a Saturday having fun at Disneyland. Memories such as waking up in the morning to get to the entrance of Disneyland early to experience the newest Star Wars ride or eagerly waiting in the car ride before my first visit to Universal Studios will always be unforgettable to me. It also allows me to connect with my mom because she often brings me to the theme parks over the weekend.

Many of the things that I love bring me closer to my family and friends, and motivate me to keep pushing through my challenges. No matter what your interests or passions are, you can always use them as an outlet to spend time with the people around you, or even simply enjoy yourself. Whenever I’m having a rough day, I can easily look towards the things I love to cheer me up and to get me to survive my challenges.