Poonkla's 1998 Dodge Ram

I was saved at a Christian summer camp in between my 8th and 9th grade year. I had a really rough time in middle school, and to find God, I had to hit rock bottom. I had always been raised in a Christian family and I didn't do drugs or drink or anything, but I had to be humbled to see God for who he is.

This wasn't the lowest that I would go, on Dec. 24 of my ninth grade year, my father died of liver failure because of alcoholism. He was a Christian, so I know I will see him in heaven, and I feel blessed for the time that I was able to spend with him.

To help me through this lowest point of my life, God sent me my wonderful, strong girlfriend. She helped me through that difficult time, and we are still dating today almost three years later.

Through my empowerment through Christ, I have tried my hardest to steer high schoolers away from alcohol and drugs because I know personally how that can affect a life through my father.

I have now just started college (community college), and I am working with my local church to be a small group leader for mid-highs where I hope to help guide them through some of the most key years in their lives.