Kelsey Shea Downing
Integrity: Bonfire
In the flickering light of a bonfire, I both lose and find myself. The fire’s warmth ushers in a sense of overwhelming joy. The presence of my family and friends does nothing but heighten the intense bliss. While laughter, storytelling, and music fuel the atmosphere, the flames and sparks entrance me as they dance through the wood and the embers. The very character of this sacred spot reveals my past and alludes to my future; unknowingly, I have entered into the sanctuary of my soul. Like a bonfire, I have grown up from something slight to something with the capability to make a difference by incorporating integrity into my daily values so I may burn bright for others.
Firewood
The edifice of a bonfire is its firewood; without firewood, the bonfire could not burn. In my life, this STRUCTURE comes from my parents and grandparents. Without them, I would not have honesty, humility, and wholesomeness ground into my very core in the way I do today. From the day I was born, they committed themselves to teaching me right from wrong so I may have a solid foundation to build my own thoughts, words, and actions. They instilled in me the ethics and morals so I could go out in the world while staying true to myself. They ensured that I would have the fortitude to resist being negatively transformed by external forces, and this is a promise to them and myself I am proud to say that I have not wavered on or broken. They gave me a head start on becoming the young woman I am presently by showing me the rewards of selflessly helping others in every way I can. As I mature, they guide me with their wisdom to so I may effectively deal with questions or challenges that arise. They also help me fashion my dreams, aspirations, and goals into achievable realities. In the way firewood is to a bonfire, my parents and grandparents are integral to my character.
Matches
Just as matches enable a bonfire to burn indefinitely, so my teachers, coaches, and mentors inspire me to be resilient and go forth in my life with integrity. Throughout my life, these leaders personally invest in not only my academic success, but also my success as a person. Their kindness and passion for life inspire me to perform with honesty so I may experience a more genuine and fulfilling sense of accomplishment. They encourage me to lead a positive life that brings joy to those around me while helping me discover my own passions. Time and time again, they lift me from the darkness so I may rekindle and endure through any adverse situation that comes my way. They provide me with the knowledge and support I need in order to be prepared to enter new challenges with confidence. When I feel like compromising my work ethic during stressful times, I remember these mentors who invest their energy so I may be successful, and this makes pushing through the tough times worth it. Moreover, they have fortified DURABILITY in my plans by ceaselessly reinforcing my capabilities to achieve my ambitions.
Heat
As a bonfire needs heat to unite its parts, so I need my two younger siblings to infuse a sense of COHESION and uniformity in my life. My brother and sister are profound sources of my happiness. My sister is my best friend who I can always rely on. She is the person I go to for advice, and she offers a compassionate heart when I need to escape everything else. My brother is my personal comedian; he is naturally able to make me laugh and lift my spirits despite the chaos that enters my life. Both of my siblings help me look at the “bigger picture” and understand things as part of a greater plan. They exude warmth through their carefree personalities and joyful smiles. When times in my life become overwhelming to the point where I feel like I am losing control, they help me recover. They are also my motivations to live my life with integrity, as I never want to disappoint them but instead wish to be a positive role model for them. Whenever I am with my siblings, I feel comfortable and most complete.
Flames
As the flames of the bonfire grow, so I gather STRENGTH and courage. A major origin of my strength comes from my friends who fan the flame within me so I am not consumed by the stressors of my life. They ensure that I do not dwindle down when times become trying by helping me realize the adventure life offers. They remind me to calm down and enjoy the little things in life because stress is transitory while the present and future promise abundant opportunities for good times. The lessons I glean from the quality time with my friends propel me to be a strong leader. They offer perspective to help me recognize my talents so I may use them to help others. Through participation in lighthearted traditions of roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and playing games, all my stress disappears, and I feel a sense of belonging. I am inspired to be open-minded and compassionate and to impact others by living with a purpose beyond myself.
Sparks
The sparks that fly from the bonfire are similar to the style I radiate while living an active lifestyle. Like the deep blues, oranges, reds, and yellows of the bonfire, I live with a spectrum of exuberance. I embrace opportunities to travel and to be outdoors, and I have always relished in discovering new things. I love to promote spirit in my school and community as a cheerleader as I am able to meet new people. I expand my creativity through choreographing dances and participating in the visual arts. I also enjoy going to concerts and finding hope in music. I do not take my time for granted; I consistently search for enjoyable activities to make the most of my time. I am at my happiest when I am trying new things because I love to nourish my curiosity in the world, and I love to be spontaneous with style.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere of a bonfire guides its nature just as my spiritual relationship with God gives me direction in my life. I find great comfort in prayer, as it fosters introspection and self-realization. I am able to surrender myself over to the beauty of my natural surroundings as I contemplate my personal fears, goals, ideas, thoughts, and beyond. I reflect upon my own position in the grand scope of the universe, and I become more deeply immersed in my relationship with God. The expansive night atmosphere of a bonfire is similar to my blank slate that beckons me to leave a lasting legacy. The billions of stars that speckle the sky connect me to my past, present, and future. With God as the Creator of the universe, I feel inspired to go forth in a positive DIRECTION while staying true to my ethics and morals. My reflection further compels me to spark a quest within my younger sister and brother and to help lead them on their own journey of deeper understanding, acceptance, and revelation of the passions they have yet to recognize.
Bonfire
In the magic of the bonfire I realize that, like the varied sparks and company of the many bonfires I have attended since my infancy, I am ever evolving. The tales of deep-rooted wisdom that my grandparents share fashion the pursuit of my ambitions. My musician friends create raw sounds through their improvised notes, which cultivate my own creative expression. In the conversations that manifest amidst a unique blend of rich cultures and the ebb and flow of diverse peoples, I form new perspectives and discover the essence of my being. The laughter shared around the fire unites me with loved ones in an unguarded and spirited celebration of life.
My flame and zest for life is ever expanding and eternal. As an active lifelong learner, my quest to discover the world around me is unceasing. I aim to be globally aware and to make a positive impact on the world with sound thoughts, actions, and words. I am the legacy of my ancestors, the promise and hope for a lineage of strong work and integrity. I am Kelsey Downing. I have an inextinguishable passion for knowledge and purpose that burns white-hot within me. From the very fiber of my being and with the support of my family, friends, and mentors, I have stoked my fire up from a mere spark to an incendiary inferno, and I will continue to fan the flame as I pursue my ambitions and share my intrinsic light with others.
