I believe that although romantic proposals and whirlwind relationships are fun and exciting, they may not necessarily be realistic. As I read, the article gave me a different point of perspective when considering engagement and the roles of gender in marriage and in life. I believe females are sometimes stereotyped as waiting for their boyfriends to propose because they just want to plan a wedding, that they only care about getting the ring. I believe males are sometimes stereotyped as commitment-phobes, afraid to propose and give up their single life. Maybe it is true in some cases, but certainly not all. I think if their is true love between each person in the relationship, the how you get engaged shouldn't matter. It is about who you're getting married to. When reflecting back on my parents' engagement, it was casual and thoughtful. There was no ring, no flowers, and no grand gesture. They simply decided that they loved each and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They could have gotten married in a dumpster and they would have been satisfied as long as they were together.

As someone who has been going to Catholic School her whole life, I am familiarized with the Church's teachings about our sexuality. Throughout all my experiences, I have noticed that a common theme the Church presents is that we are all made in God's image and likeness. There is something mysterious and wondrous about the way God presents humans with the gift of life.The article talks about how the Bishop believes our sexuality is a "wonderful gift," a concept that many people don't really understand. As a teenager, many believe the sexuality can be a burden. In the Church's eyes, it is merely part of God's plan, an important, yet not complete, part of who we are as humans.
From reading this article, I have come to understand the Church's reasons for the view upon sex. After reading the article, I now know, respect, and understand the Church's "unitive dimension" and "procreative dimension" in regards to human sexuality. I also recognize that each individual is learning, growing, and evolving along with their sexuality. That is a part of God's plan.

Mission Statement
I, Brigid Corcoran, believe in myself. I vow to always think before I make judgments. I vow to always remain a loyal friend. I hope to be a daughter and sister my family members can be proud of.  I promise to never let my worries or insecurities get the best of me. I promise to always be willing to participate in some kind of adventure, whether little or big, for it is from those memories are formed. In the future, I hope to be less concerned with looks, or things, and more concerned with actions and words. With my love of books and fashion, I am confident in my abilities as an individual, taking pride in my own independence. It is through this self-discovery I have discovered what it feels like to lend a helping hand and to always be myself.

In life, many things shape the way we are. For me, those things happen to be my family, my friends, and my love for pop culture. My family, loud and crazy, is a big one with lots to do and more to say. We are not afraid to speak our minds, yet, at the same, we are caring and compassionate towards each other. With seven of us, I have learned to look out for other people. With such an large assortment of cousins, aunts, and uncles, I feel most comfortable surrounded by lots of people. My parents, married for 25 years, have taught me that love, trust, and communication (and a good sense of humor) can get you through anything.

My friends, an equally important part of my life, also contribute to my ever-evolving identity. Throughout my life, my friends have taught me the value of loyalty. Over the years, I have had good friends, best friends, and friends that don't always stick. I have learned that sometimes people are sent into your life in order to teach you something and once you learn it, you slowly grow apart. As they come and go, though, my good friends have always remained the same. It is because of this true friendship I have come to appreciate and understand the value of it.

My love for pop culture, although at times weird, has shaped who I am today. My love for books, movies, fashion, and everything in between has affected me in more way than none. I believe the positive aspects of books, movies, etc. have instilled in me an optimism, a hope that things will always end good. I am creative, expressive, and not afraid to dress how I feel. With this, I have become more of an individual and more independent.