March 18, 2023
By Kayla Oglivie
Staff Writer
My family and friends have changed my life in various ways for the better. Their presence can instantly transform my mood from being pessimistic and sad to being hopeful and joyful.
First, there is my father, who constantly shows his care and concern. He is the first person I go to when I encounter a problem or need a shoulder to cry on. He makes it known he is always on my side and fully understands where I’m coming from when nobody else does. Everyone needs a person who can provide comfort regardless of the situation, and for me, that is my dad.
Next, my mother is the woman who brings happiness to my life regardless of the predicament I am facing. She finds ways to lift me up even when she is feeling down, and that is something I appreciate. She is super caring, and I am grateful for her presence. My mom and I have shared so many memorable experiences together such as vacationing in California and Florida, eating together at restaurants and visiting museums. I’m so thankful for the perfect experiences she has created for me.
It’s hard to find solid people in a building full of so many personalities, but I’ve been able to do just that.
Then, there is my best friend Kaaliyah. I am a person who too often compares myself to the “perfect” lives people portray on social media, and I am lucky to have Kaaliyah to tell me how pretty and kind I am. Her reassurance helps me tackle my insecurities.
My male best friend Jonathan makes me smile all the time. Our hours-long Facetime calls bring laughter and lightheartedness to my life. We went from meeting on Snapchat through mutual friends to sharing a friendship I am confident will last a lifetime.
My school friends help me make the most out of my day. They influence me positively and are helpful when it comes to motivating me to do well in my classes because they boost my confidence by telling me that I am smart and encouraging me to keep my grades up. It’s hard to find solid people in a building full of so many personalities, but I’ve been able to do just that.
My friends on social media have also played a role in my happiness. Facetiming them when I am in need of company and venting to them about daily obstacles relieves my tension. They relate to me in so many ways, and meeting up with them in person in New York City has been so much fun.
I don’t always do the best job of expressing my feelings, but I want these important people to know how much they have impacted my life. They bring a smile to my face and help me tackle challenges with a good attitude. I love all of these people dearly and am thankful for their presence.
