Be True To You
By Olivia Burkholder
Who do you look up to?
I’ve always admired those who find beauty in other’s flaws - the people who enter a room and it’s as if a light follows them wherever they go. They are like rays of sunshine.
Some of my strongest role models have been people who look ordinary on the surface, but who have brought light to my life and made important impacts on me.
My role models include my strong parents, who support every move I make; my sophomore English teacher, who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself; my athletic coaches, who instilled a love of living a healthy lifestyle and moving my body each day; and the love of my life, who taught me how to love myself again.
These people are my world and my sunshine on rainy days. Finding your role models and sunshine people can be hard, but once you do, it makes the journey of life so much better.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about helping others. That’s why I am dedicating my life to becoming a school counselor. I find joy in knowing that I’ll be able to advocate for students' needs. I’m excited to be part of creating an equitable educational system for all students to thrive. There is nothing better than building authentic connections and watching people you care about succeed and accomplish their personal goals.
It’s also important to me that future generations grow up in a world where they feel included, valued, and, most importantly, are able to express their social, mental, and emotional needs and concerns. As a school counselor, I’ll get to be part of building that world.
Additionally, I’m passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle and giving others the courage, bravery, and knowledge to do the same. For me, athletics have been a key part of my healthy lifestyle. Being involved in athletics has taught me so much and has helped create the strong person I am today.
I’ve been a cheerleader for most of my life, and my passion for the sport has only grown as I’ve had the amazing opportunity to cheer at a university I love. It is an honor to represent my school while simultaneously advocating for young women to embrace a healthy lifestyle and be involved in sports - not just at the collegiate level, but at all developmental stages.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be this: being yourself is the biggest superpower you can have.
There are so many times where the world pressures you to conform and to be someone you aren’t. It’s important to remember that being authentic and true to who you are is the best gift you can give yourself and others. Embrace your quirkiness, flaws, and everything in between. There is no one else in the world quite like you, and that’s amazing.
