Alana Coles

My first memory is anxiety. I couldn’t even really talk yet, and I remember sitting with my grandma and the flicker of the TV into the dark room where we sat. My parents had taken my brother to an amusement park, and under the age of 2 years old, I was worried they wouldn’t return. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression my whole life, but as I have gotten older, a stillness has entered my spirit and I am finally at peace from the noise of my own thoughts and sit in the joy NOW.

I stay “fabulous” by spending time in meditation at least twice a day, and making sure I exercise and eat healthy foods. Also, I have learned to make time for the people I love because time is a precious commodity. In addition, I have learned that the more grateful I am with all the things and people in my life, the happier I am, for gratitude is spiritual currency that has a miraculous return. I stay fabulous by appreciating the small things and giving up trying to control the big ones.

First, I would pay off my student loan debt of 28 thousand dollars. As a public teacher, my loans will be forgiven in ten years if I stay working in a high poverty school, but it would be nice to have this burden taken away. With the rest, I would pay off my mother’s medical bills. Since she retired from managing a post office, she has had several surgeries and hardships, and I would just like to help in what little way I could, for she deserves to have peace of mind in the autumn of her life.