My name is Kayla Sterling, I'm 15 years old and growing up in California. I have always enjoyed being outside, spending time with friends and family, and helping anything or anyone whenever I get the chance. Whether I'm volunteering at a barn, listening to music, or writing, I'm always able to find something enjoyable about it.

 

I enjoy many things, but my favorite thing to do in my free time would be horseback riding. I wasn't raised with horses, but since the first time I got on a horse when I was 12, I knew it wouldn't be the last. I feel the same about writing and reading, although I don't read and write as often as I wish, when I write, I enter a zone where I can picture everything before I even type it.

 

Writing is something I've always been able to do without having to try or stress about it. Similar to when I type. When I type the words just come together before I realize they do. The only reason I don't write more, is because I have to be in a specific mood. The times that I am, I picture the story in my head. Sometimes it'll be based off a dream I had or even just hearing the sound of rain. 

 

 Although there were many things I grew out of, such as drawing, soccer, and gymnastics, horseback has remained in my life. When I did those hobbies, I always wanted to learn independently. That hasn't completely changed, but I am working on being able to focus with others. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy learning with people, it was just very difficult for me to learn and focus. That is one of the reasons I switched to online school in 7th grade. 

 

 I'm always able to find beauty in everything. Having such a gift as this, I feel this might be where I found a love for photography. Taking pictures and videos has always been something I've enjoyed. It feels as if you're capturing the moment, and being able to look back on it makes it even more special.

 

No matter what it is I'm doing at the time, being outside has always been one of my favorite things. Ever since I was young it has been a struggle to get me to come inside. Whether I'm at the beach, in a tree, or in a desert, I've always loved being outside. 

   

As hyper of a person as I am, I'm thankful for every time I see my friends, even if we don't do anything. I always am looking forward to seeing them on the weekend.

   I have always found that there is a certain way to always be happy and enjoy the moment. If there's a time where you feel you're at your worst, it can only get better from there. Being an optimist has really helped me throughout life, and I know it will continue to do so. 

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