Who am I?

My name is Dena, but most of my friends like to call me Deans. I value everyone who has crossed my path, for they've taken part of the ongoing process that continues to define who I am. My purpose in life is to experience more; by doing so I must get more comfortable being uncomfortable. I want to gain confidence with being unsure of things. I'm not so concerned with being right anymore. I simply would like to inspire people to question everything and come up with their own truths. As Socrates quoted "in order to find yourself, you must think for yourself first."

Although we are not blood related, my mother and I share a special bond. I like to think she is the main influence in my life. I follow her morals and core beliefs; furthermore, we share extremely similar personalities. I love my mom unconditionally. No matter what happens, no matter how much we disagree or fight, I realize at the end of the day she will be there for me. Children or young adults spend years wishing their parents would get off their back, only to realize that they were one of the only ones who ever really had their back. My parents have always been my support system. They support all the choices I make, even if they aren't the best. Both guide me by recommending specific decisions I would prefer not to choose; overall, those decisions will always benefit my future. I am so grateful and appreciative of all the opportunities my parents have been able to give to me. Without them, I wouldn't be nearly the wonderful person I am today.

Having a job, working with special needs students, and participating in a sport are all learning experiences. Each one of them has shaped the way I perceive others on a more intellectual level. I have become more aware of my surroundings and other people's feelings considering these opportunities have changed my perspective on humanity as a whole. I've learned that if you ask the right questions you'll discover how fascinating people are. Working with all kinds of people, of all different ages has taught me how to think and act regarding specific situations. Working as a team means all for one and one for all. Influencing myself and others to work together cohesively is one of the most crucial parts of maturity.  Collaborating with others is something I have to do everyday and because of this, I have adapted the ability to read body language. Someone's body language can tell you more than that person ever will.

Something I've struggled with my entire life is knowing that it's appropriate to put myself before others, rather than always putting others before myself. Sometimes it's okay to be selfish. I've always been told that in order to love others and to be loved, you have to love yourself first. Too many people waste their lives trying to make everyone else happy before themselves. Some may say that this is a weak characteristic, but in my opinion this is one of my strongest traits that differentiates me from being just another person. 

I was involved in cheerleading Freshman and Sophomore year, but the time commitment started to overwhelm me. After taking a break, I realized I couldn't sit around and let myself go crazy. I have a ton of energy and I consider myself to be an active person. Something I enjoy doing in my free time is going to the gym. I am passionate about exercising not only because it affects my health in a positive matter, but it truly takes my mind off of any problems going on in my life. Being an assiduous girl, I've learned that in order to get what you truly want, you have to be willing to do things you've never done before. Sometimes I have to step out of my comfort zone to accomplish my goals. I am both physically and mentally flexible. It's not difficult for me to adjust to new situations quickly. I'm an extremely straightforward person and I do not hesitate when I'm confronted with making a decision. 

Optimistic should be my middle name. Just like Marilyn Monroe, I believe bad things need to occur in order for you to appreciate things when they are good. You create your own happiness. I've concluded that if you wake up every morning thinking it's going to be a great day, then it will be. Happiness is a choice. Yeah, things in life make it difficult but at the end of the day I know I control my own happiness. I typically chose to look at the good things in every situation instead of dwelling on the negatives. People are going to have their opinions of you no matter who you are or what you're capable of. They will have their ideas about you and the details in your life, but it's up to you and how you react. I simply allow it to make me better rather than bitter. I surround myself with people who bring out the best in me, not people I have to bring my best out for. I appreciate people that support my dreams. You can feel a free energy around people who are comfortable and confident with who they are and where they are in life. When I was told someone had felt that free energy around me, that was one of the best compliments I've ever gotten. I recognize that in order to move onto greater things in life, I must let go of past mistakes. I refuse to get upset over things that are out of my control.

Recently, I broke my ankle and fractured my foot. This is my first major injury and it's something that I have to accept because I have absolutely no control over it. Being crippled is a struggle when one can not accomplish activities or things usually enjoyed in their daily life. I realize giving things time heal is more important than jumping into anything because in the end, it'll only make things worse. I could take my boot off at any given moment; I just chose not to. Comparing this to patience, I concluded that it is difficult to wait, but the outcome is rewarding when the time finally arrives.

The other kind of patience is the one you give to others the time of day. "Patience is a virtue". I can tolerate a lot before I start to get frustrated. Working with children, the elderly and special needs students has helped me grow an understanding on how to become more patient. You need to learn to walk before you run. Being patient has become rare because this generation is so used to having everything at their fingertips. Personally, I love giving others the time of day because depending on who it is, it could mean the world to them.

If you don't respect others how do you expect them to respect you? You don't need a reason to be nice to someone. The smallest actions can make someones day. Being polite is a trait I've developed on my own. Yeah, as a child I was taught manners but I choose to take it to the next level. I go out of my way to hold doors for everyone, even if they are a substantial distance away. No matter who it is, I always smile at others to show acknowledgment. I believe making other people happy is the key to your own happiness. I am always there for anyone who needs someone to vent to.As a result, not only does this help grow my understanding on others, but myself as well.