I was the kid who always smiled and had the loudest laugh in the group. I was the kid who would talk with her friends while the teacher was talking because what I had to say was more important. I was the kid who was always testing the teacher's patience with my sassy attitude. Yet, I cared about school and worked hard to be where I am today…

My joy was contagious, making me a magnet for friends. I was proud of who I was and I have always been a people person ever since I was young. My laugh echoed through the hallways, the classroom, and the cafeteria making it so everyone knew where I was and knew that Alyssa never stops laughing. Oh, Alyssa.

My curiosity and eagerness to connect with others often got the best of me, leading me to speak out of turn. I was the gossiper, always knew what was going on in the classroom next to me and I didn’t even need to be in it. All of my friends were the girls who would follow me from playground to playground, and fight for a spot next to me at lunch. Who knew elementary school would be aggressive?

But I was the kid who tested my teacher's patience with my sassy attitude. This wasn’t just rebellion; it was my way of expressing my confidence and standing up and questioning the things I didn’t agree with. My interactions with teachers were mixed with boldness and respect, which sometimes led to amusing exchanges, and admittedly, and few lectures.

Despite these traits, I deeply cared about school and worked hard to get where I am today. My commitment to education was strong, even if my approach was uncommon. I spent hours on my studies, driven by a genuine love for learning and curiosity that extended beyond the classroom. 

If I were to go back, I wouldn’t change anything. Every smile, every laugh, every sassy comment helped me shape who I am today. That little kid who always smiled and had the loudest laugh is still the girl sitting in front of you today. She has grown up, but her essence remains the same. The joy, curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking are still very much a part of me. 

Looking back, I see that my seemingly distributive behavior was a sign of passion and engagement with the world around me. I discovered important lessons about balance, self-expression, and staying true to myself. These lessons have helped me succeed academically and become a well-rounded person. They remind me that being authentic is important and that the traits that make us should be celebrated, not suppressed. 

My childhood experiences were not just phases; they were key parts of my growth that have stayed with me. The kid who smiled and laughed loudly, who talked out of turn and tested patience, learned to turn those qualities into strengths. Today, I am proud of that journey and the person it has helped me become. My past is full of colorful moments that have come together to create the confident, curious, and joyful individual that I am today.