Olivia Johnson

What I Learned from Giving Back To My Community When I lived in my old apartment, I used to see a couple of homeless people across the street almost every day. They would hang out on the park bench—sometimes just sitting quietly and enjoying the weather. Even as a kid, I’ve always felt like I had a naturally kind spirit. I truly believe in treating people the way I’d want to be treated, no matter who they are or what their situation might be. It was there, at that little park across the...

What Confidence Means to Me When people talk about “confidence,” they usually make it sound like a perfect state of being—like you either have it or you don’t. As a 17-year-old girl in high school, I can tell you that’s not true. Confidence isn’t about waking up every morning, loving everything about yourself, and never doubting a single decision. For me, confidence is a journey. It’s a mix of self-acceptance, resilience, and learning to show up for myself even when I feel small. ⸻ Growing Up...

The Little Things That Make Me Feel Happy and Calm Even On a Bad Day Life as a high school junior can be a whirlwind—homework, tests, college talk, and the pressure to have everything figured out. Sometimes, it feels like my brain is running a million miles an hour. But over time, I’ve found comfort in certain moments and activities that ground me and bring me genuine happiness. They’re not huge or complicated—they’re small, simple things that remind me what really matters. ⸻ Family and...