P1:- Not spec force- Not blasian rel- Many parallels with Alex Thompson- Faced with hardshipso Rarely loses her composure- Death of a loved one (Brian)- Challenged by terrorists- Smother by unwanted partner- Surprisingly calm and proactive- Intel to escape FBI- Greatest vulnerability is her heart’s desiresP2:- Death can change someone- Brian wrongfully shot and killed by int. terrorist- Fort. Never had friend victimized by rus ter, but Alyssa- Fresh year - DD- Sat morningP3:- Upon hearing of her death…- Didn’t cryo Unusual- I wanted more answers than I was given- Unfort. 5 o’clock news- By start of school mono 2 charity soccer gameso restaurant fundraiserso developing community awareness- raised nearly $4,000P4:- another similar way death affected …- ability to confide in others- had to move on, but no interest in replacing- outgoing quiet/ awkward- learned to defeat lingering effects of her deatho but like alex and xian it was hard to eliminate the memoriesP5:- gone through fair share of gf’s- refused to open up to any of themo like I did to Alyssa- Xian wanted Alex to trust himo My exes wanted the same Never got the result they’d hoped- I had no longer looked for anyone to trust or tell my secrets to. I knew that I was a strong, independent woman that was capable of blocking the world off from my feelings.P6:- Like Alexo Greatest downfall is heart’s vulnerabilityo Mourning over Alyssao Healing from 2 year break upo the unexpected and quite honestly, the unwanted happened. I had been friends with my current fiancé for a few years prior, but had never considered dating her. Tried to fill best friend void Shut her down Insisted I was strong enough Started hanging out- Shielded her from my emotionso Alex was on guard around Xian. - Not surprisingly, Alex and I both lost our battle as we promised the person that we eventually let into the darkest depths of our hearts, to become their wife. P7:- selflessness and humility- Chou was removed from the hostage situation safely- Made every attempt to protect Xian o Insisting she should be alone- proved her true character is by comforting Brian’s family and investigating his murder- I also find myself constantly putting others before me. I’d sacrifice everything to give someone something- Alex bravery and military training appears to be far more heroic than my display of altruism- Never been in sito Would know I’d respond though- Although Alex and I desire to protect and care for everyone we love and know, we do so humbly- Bryan Adam’s “Never Let Go”o “Could you close every day…legends are made”o This portion of the stanza is incredibly powerful and is how I see Alex. I also hope others truly view me like this, but more importantly, it’s how I strive to live. Hab for hum in WV Proj man PforPrev  Mission trip Dom Rep Coach Volun. w/ skylaro Want to make someone’s day better No external reward could compare to internal gratificationP8:- not been involved in any multiracialo can’t bond w/ alex on thato dating within my sex- in ch 5, xian is concerned about his perception- alex was almost never concerned o perhaps: didn’t anticipate relationship colorblinded herself to only see Xian for who he was- not narrow eyes- pale skinp9:- not always comfortable with PDA- changed as I matured- less concerned with other’s thoughts- Now, I will hold my fiance’s hand without even noticing the reaction of the crowd around us. Certainly, I’ve received discouraging looks and comments, but that doesn’t change my actions towards my partner- Like alex, we’re too progressiveo For society- All we can do is stay true to ourselves and hope society will soon see people for .... instead….P10:- Shows how I relate to protagonist- Powerful o Learned more about how others view meo Provided invaluable insight  How my opinions compare to societal norms How I’m likely to be