Ashley C. Fletcher

              G.P.A.: 3.2
School: Salisbury University

Obtaining and furthering my knowledge is my main focus. What I learn today determines what I know in my future. I have not and will not allow anything to stand in my way, including my financial hardships from living in a single parent home. Two of my strongest qualities are that I am determined and ambitious. When I come across obstacles I try my best to conquer them, if my best turns out to be not good enough, I get back up and try again. I am a very realistic person, which helps me set goals for myself. I know that if I want to be successful, then getting average grades and taking average courses will not cut it. Therefore, I challenge myself by taking Honors and Advance Placement courses. Being in French Club, Key Club, and Yearbook Editor, keeps me highly involved in my school community.

Growth is something I have noticed in myself throughout the years, not just in school but also in my personality, at home, and from new experiences. I have become more aware of the effects of the decisions I make and how they affect the people around me. My mother no longer has to check behind my homework or what she has asked me to do. I am mature enough now to handle all my personal responsibilities and acquire new things. Learning how to drive and my determination to succeed, showed major growth; practicing for the driver's test brought along more patience for tedious things like the timing of pulling into a parking space. From my two years in Air Force JROTC, I went from a basic cadet to an assistant Flight Commander. I was asked by my instructors to be a Commander at our Annual Summer Leadership Camp. Being placed as a leader I have discovered new ways to communicate with others, as well as learning a lot about my personality and how it can impact others.

The greatest result of growth is gaining of personal responsibility. Aware that as I get older my responsibilities increase as well as my independence, I obtained a job at Pump It Up so that I could help pay for senior, college and other expenses. Working part-time has taught me how to monitor and save my money, how to have a tolerance for people, and prolonged my passion for helping others. After graduating from high school, I plan on attending a four-year college, studying Business with a minor in Graphic Design. Upon graduating from college I plan to be an intern at a magazine company, preferably a fashion magazine, while pursuing a Maters Degree in Marketing. Slowly but surely I am beginning to find myself, I believe that attending college will help me fully discover who I am and bring me a few steps closer to accomplishing my goals.