It's when you don't win that you learn things about yourself. Everything I have gone through has made me who I am today.

When I do win a national title, it would definitely mean a lot more if (Kwan) is there.

First, you get really dizzy and you learn that you have to center, to stay in one spot.

I was surprised when I learned I would be for sure getting a bronze and even more surprised when I going to be getting a silver. It was kind of like, oh that's nice. But over the last four years, I changed as a person. My focus is not on the medal. For me it's the experience and the process and enjoying it.

Follow your dreams, work hard, practice and persevere. Make sure you eat a variety of foods, get plenty of exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

It was very difficult. I wasn't coming back with an easy jump, with the triple loop, which I also slammed in the warm-up. I was able to believe when everything was dark and gray. The music carried me through. It goes beyond an athletic event, goes to emotional experience.