In July 2006, I went on my first mission trip to South Africa for two weeks. I was only 13, but that trip changed my life. It changed the way I looked at the world. I was able to step out of my comfort-zone, go to another remote country, and touch other peoples lives. We brought food and clothes, but we also brought hope. While I was there, I was given the African name of Tshepo, which means 'one of hope'.

South Africa was the place where I learned two phrases that transformed my life. The first phrase was "Carpe Diem", which means "Seize the Day". The second phrase was "Define the Line". When you die, you will have the years that you lived on your tombstone (ie. 1992-2112). The little line between those two numbers represents your life, and everything you've accomplished. If you want your life to matter, and for people to remember you for something, you must define that line. Define who you are and who you will become. Going to South Africa was just a part of that. There was a change in my entire lifestyle. Everyday, I work towards defining who I am, and who I will be for eternity.