Although there are many things that contribute to who I am and who I'm still becoming, the most influential thing has been the guidance and love from my best friends Chelsea and Max. Both have been the greatest gifts I could have ever asked for.
I first met Chelsea in 4th grade, when I moved to Andover Minnesota. We were neighbors and coincidentally became best friends. As the "new kid" it was amazing to not only have someone to hang around with but someone who was so loving and caring. She is very committed to her faith and her family. Myself, being sort of committed to my faith and sort of committed to my family, always envied that about her. She's able to put a smile on even in the worst of times, and even better she's able to put a smile on my face in the worst of times. Every day she reminds that she loves me and that each day is a gift to have, especially when we get to spend it with those that we love. In turn this has made me realize so much about myself, like my ability to love a person and my ability to have empathy towards others. Both things I really struggled with before I met her. Because of Chelsea I'm able to connect with my family more easily and I'm able to find love in everyone. It still amazes me how she is able to put down anything she's doing for a friend. She's always inspiring me to do better, love better, and live better and I'm so glad I got her as a best friend.
Max's (pictured above) story is a bit different. When I met him, he was not at all in touch with his faith and pretty rocky in the family department. So at first I was skeptical about the sincerity of his friendship but as we got to know each other he really started to earn my trust and we soon my friendship. He shared his ideals with me as I shared mine with him, and so began not only myself growing from this, but he as well. I think that's what made the biggest impact on me, the fact that it was not only me growing up and learning but he was doing just the same beside me. The things I envy most about Max are starting to reflect back in my personality. Like becoming more outgoing around not only close friends but everyone I meet. Without Max, I would never be able to strike up a conversation with anyone I meet. I've also learned to be a leader from Max. He's shown me that sticking to my own ideals and values is what will make everyone else believe them too. Without him I would not be able to share with others who I really am.
My love for Chelsea and Max is so great. I could have never imagined I could love two people more. Because of them I have been able to discover who I am and so far I'm loving who I'm becoming.
Although I have not had steady friends like this for an extended period of time, I understand the importance of friendships in shaping who we are. I think that of all people in my life, friends have influenced me the most through time. Parents are also very important, but as you noted it is not always easy to have a very open and happy relationship with your parents. I liked reading this a lot because it made me look back on my life and my friends and think about the way they have changed my life.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend has changed my life just as your friends have changed yours. It’s amazing to think about how one or two people can make someone such a better person. My life has changed for the better thanks to my best friend and the way he is always optimistic, supportive and honestly just himself. My friend is the most amazing person I have ever met and your friends seem pretty amazing as well. It’s nice hearing how your life has changed thanks to some people and how their actions have helped you as a person.
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