ANNIKA GSCHNELL

gschnell

Finding Strength

When I was in 7th grade we moved to Mooresville from Columbus, Ohio. The following year, I moved schools again and went to Liberty Prep for 8th grade. That summer, my parents got a divorce. During all of these changes it was diffi cult to stay positive and always maintain good grades. Despite all the things that were occurring, I continued to push through the struggles, and I really dedicated my time to school and cross country. Since I struggle with depression, these events were even harder to deal with and I self-harmed. I started to attend therapy to get the help I needed. Throughout all the change and adversity, I focused a lot of my time and effort on school, cross country, singing, and art to overcome all of these obstacles.

Shaping Minds

As for college, I would like to explore different options within the state of North Carolina; however, Appalachian State and UNC-Chapel Hill are currently at the top of my list. I would love to be a kindergarten teacher … I babysit a lot and believe that elementary school is a fundamental time in children’s lives. Tackling Challenges

With guidance from my family, professional counseling, and my savior Jesus Christ, I have worked through depression and anxiety. I’ve learned better coping strategies during times of stress — such as fi nal exams and juggling cross country season with the demands of school and other extracurriculars. This summer, I’m working on a plan for a program I hope to start in the fall, where I go to middle schools in the area and talk about suicide and selfharm prevention. Annika Grace Gschnell, 15,

is a 10th grader at Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy. She lives in Mooresville and has two brothers, Alex and Andersen, and a dog named Hunter.

Savoring Life Lessons

I learned that although there are many challenges in life there is a positive in every situation and that I am more capable than I believe.

Worldly Inspirations

I’ve traveled to the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Florida, South Carolina, and Colorado. I would love to travel to France and Italy to witness the old churches and architecture. Peace Through Perseverance

There will be diffi cult times in your life where giving up seems like the right answer, but in those times remember that you can do hard things, and that this is just temporary in your life. Jesus loves you and is always there to help aid you! I would like all girls to remember that you are strong, beautiful, capable, and worthy. Be kind to others even when they are not kind to you, and always remember that you are loved. w