What is my Purpose?

"I don't know what my future holds, but I'll trust in God as it unfolds."

What is my purpose? Sometimes I wish someone could hand me a book that would explain my future. Unfortunately, that's not how life works. I believe everyone has a purpose in life. The key is finding yours and making your dreams come true.
My purpose is being a daughter and sister. I want to always be someone everyone can rely on, especially my family. I am so thankful for growing up with loving parents and siblings who have always been there for me, and instilled in me values that shape who I am. Words cannot express how much i love my parents. From day one, they have been patient each step of the way and nothing can break the bond i share with them. My brother and sister are indescribable. We have our ups and downs on occasion, but they will always be my best friends. The older we get, the more we appreciate one another. It's important to me to fulfill my roles as a daughter and sister to the best of my ability.
It's my senior year, and a big part of it is planning for my future outside of AHS. I have mixed emotions about this. It's scary not knowing for sure where I'll be and what I'll be doing a year from now. As of right now, I plan to go to the University of Nebraska Lincoln. My major is undecided, but I know that i want to work in the medical field and with children. I've always loved serving others and helping improve the lives' of people in any way possible. Also, I enjoy working beside little children. I discovered this last year while helping student aid for Mrs. Phillips in the elementary. Each day is a new adventure and learning experience for both you and them, and it's fun to see them grow. I plan on joining a sorority as a way to meet new people on campus and get involved in activities. My brother lives in Lincoln and claims he will show me all the ropes if I go to college there. We'll see if that happens. Ha. Ha.
Another reason why I want to go to school in Lincoln is because of the "big city" atmosphere. Ever since I was a young girl, I knew the city was for me. I've always been a small town girl, with big city dreams. I love the crazy, busy life of people who live in the city. Ya know, like the movies always show the businesswomen walking to work with coffee in hand on their way to their job as editor of the most popular magazine. At the end of the day, they wave their hands flagging down the next taxi, and then going home to get ready for a night out on the town with the girls. This is my dream.
While finding your purpose in life, I believe it's important to stay close to the values that represent you. My faith, family, and friends help define my purpose in life. I've grown up believing that no matter what comes your way in life; God will always help guide you on the right path. Each day I am growing in my faith, and learning more about what my purpose is in life. My family is my number one support system. They have always been there, and will always be there for me no matter what. My friends are amazing. I don't know what i would do without them. We always have so much fun together. No matter where life takes us, we always have each other to lean on. I strongly believe that no matter who you are, where you come from, and what your purpose is, it's important to find beliefs and priorities that will guide you through life's unexpected journeys.
With each coming day as I prepare for my future, I think about my purpose in life. I may be unsure of many of the decisions that lie ahead of me, but I'm making it my goal to make a positive impact on the lives' of others. Through the people I meet, the experiences I endure, and the places I go, I want to leave a lasting impression on others that will bring a smile to their face. I want people to look back and remember me as someone who was always looking out for others in need. This is my purpose.

Where Am I?

Where am I? To me, this is such a broad question. I could be one place one minute and a different place the next minute. It’s a question that can be narrowed down in a unique way by the life you live. I believe everybody is from a place of their own. For me, that journey begins at home.

            As the saying goes, “home is where the heart is.”This couldn’t be more true for me. My home has always been my getaway from the rest of the world. I’m from a home where family will always be there. My home is warm and welcoming. From the smell of my mom’s cooking, to the smiles and laughter at family gatherings. I’m from a home where Saturdays are dedicated to home improvements, and Sundays are spent at church and relaxing. I’m from a peaceful street, in a well-developed neighborhood. I’m from a golf course view through the trees, and streets filled with children playing. My home is newly sided in a rich, charcoal grey, paired with fresh white shutters. I’m from planting flowers in the spring, and gardening in the summer. From countless hours of shooting hoops in the driveway, and games of baseball in the open lot across the street until dark breaks. I’m from childhood memories on a farm just south of Hampton where I helped my dad as much as I could. I’m from adolescent years spent living in town. I have always appreciated the home I come from and I couldn’t have been blessed with a better place to live.

Along with my home, my school is another big part of where I spend my time. I’m thankful to have grown up going to Aurora High School, home of the huskies. Red, White, and Black bring about a positive atmosphere as you walk down the halls of AHS. Each day is made a great day to learn, through the teachers who put passion into what they do. In my case, I feel like I spend just as much time (if not more time) at school during the school year than I do at my own home. Sad, I know. Between classes during the day, and practice in the afternoon, it’s a good thing I enjoy being there. I’m from the middle school track practices where Coach Thompson always ended the practice with, “It’s a great day to be a Husky”, and us track athletes responded, “It’s always a great day to be a Husky, Coach Thompson.” This was the first time being a Husky really sunk in for me. As I enjoy my senior year, I think about the privileges that come with being from Aurora. There are countless. I’ve been taught so many good values and skills that will carry me through my future.

I’m from a community that gives back to its people. I’m from a small town not far from a big city. I’m from Aurora, Nebraska. Population just over 4,000 and it’s the perfect size. Growing up here, we always took field trips to the local Plainsman museum, where we learned about the History of Aurora. We come from a town whose roots are deep in the making of our past. From the old, 3-level homes that display charming character to the rustic brick streets that line the town square. The beautiful courthouse serves as the heart of our community’s downtown. Unique shops are built up around it that continue to thrive and drive our local economy. Business owners are never shy of a greeting and smile, and are willing to assist you in whatever you need. Aurora is home of the annual A’ror’in Days parade in June, where the square fills up with alumni and current citizens that take part in food, entertainment, and fun in celebration of our community. This is Aurora. This is my home. This is where I’m from.

            I am from Nebraska, a.k.a “the good life.” I’m from Saturdays spent at Memorial Stadium or in the family room rooting on the big red. I’m from long drives on country roads with my dad, the windows rolled down, the smell of fresh air swarming you in the presence of a cool breeze, and the radio turned down low. I’m from Tornado alley, and lightning storms that radiate the sky. I’m from a place where people still wonder if we have electricity and running water. Ridiculous..right? Nebraska is home to one of my favorite food chains out there-Runza.

            I am so thankful the places I have endured that help me answer the questions I have about where I am. I’m excited to see what the future holds for where I will be.

Who am I?

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." -Coco Chanel

Who am I? I am Emily Ellen Braun. I'm 17 years old. I am the daughter of Dwayne and Susan. I am the sister of Katie and Jon. I'm from Sunday morning church services and a background of strong faith. I am a Christian. I'm from grandma's pork roast dinners and moms recipe box of favorites. I'm from tradition. I'm from the rustic-colored, brick streets and the home the of the huskies. I am from Aurora. I'm from cornfields as far as the eye can see and big red football gamedays on Saturdays. I am from Nebraska. I am from a rich history of values and beliefs where family is the top prioriety. I am from friendships that last a lifetime and friends who share common interests. I'm from hot, Spring track workouts and mid-morning fun runs. I am a runner. I'm from tight budgets and investing money. I am a saver. These are the core values that have helped shape who I am today.

I was born in Aurora, Nebraska where I have spent the majority of my life. I grew up on a farm just south of Hampton, where I lived until I was in first grade. Some of my fondest childhood memories take me back to the dirt roads and breathtaking Nebraska sunsets of the countryside. When we moved to Aurora, I missed the country style of living and the freedom that came with it. Although, it didn't take long and I had adjusted to town life fairly easily. To this day, I still live in Aurora. I'm thankful for the beautiful house that my family has turned into a home and the kind-hearted people that live in it with me, my family.

My dad, Dwayne, is the strongest man I know, both physically and mentally. He stretches 6'3" tall with a big-boned figure. I know, right now you're thinking of some big, intimidating fella. This is a wrong assumption of my dad. He is like a big teddy bear. Warm and soft on the outside and the inside. I have learned so many life lessons from my dad that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. My mom, Susan, is the most beautiful woman i know, inside and out. You will not find a mother more dedicated to her children than my mom. She is passionate about what she loves, and always puts forth her best effort to match. I can always count on my mom to give me helpful advice, share her contagious smile, or provide a shoulder to cry on. When the rest of the world walks out, my mom walks in. My sister, Katie, is my role model. Talk about a girl with a fun, carefree attitude who lives for the beauty in each day. The more time I spend with my sister, the more I want to be just like her. When Katie and I are together, we are never shy of having the time of our lives'. My sister is my "partner in crime," and the "half that makes me whole." Last but not least is my brother, Jon. Where do I even begin? He is the best big brother a girl could ask for. He's outgoing and funny, with a mix of classy and cool. My brother has always been the source of motivation that pushes me to reach my potential. I've always admired his lack of selfishness and his ability to find the good in whatever comes his way. Jon is a blessing to our family and a contribution to why we have so much fun together.

My future is like an unwritten book. I'm not sure where I will end up. The best part is the peace of mind in knowing that I'm the author and I'm in control of how my life gets published to the world. Looking into the future, I'm hoping to make my childhood dream of becoming a cornhusker reality. I want to be involved on campus by being in a sorority. My major is undecided at this point, but I'm leaning towards a profession in the medical field. I've always wanted to dedicate my life to serving others and improving the way people live their lives. I've always enjoyed children and hope to work with them in my dream job that is yet to be discovered. Where I go and whatever I do, I hope to influence lives and make a positive impact in whatever I do. I don't know what my future holds, but I'll trust in God as it unfolds. Each day is a new page of my life story, and I can't wait to keep writing.

Deep Map Picture: iPod

Family Tradition Artifact: The Bible

" I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Life Soundtrack "Iris" By:The Goo Goo Dolls