Family

When I think about who I am today and how I got here, one thing comes to mind- my family. My family is definitely the biggest contributor to why I am the way I am. They are the ones who raised me. They are my role models. They taught me what is important in life and what isn't. They've been there throughout all my major life lessons. Growing up in the family I did has made me, me.

My grandparents have been married for 52 years. They still love each other more than anything, and I think that is amazing. They've taught me how to make a relationship last and how important it is to be loyal. I look up to them so much because they haven't always had the easiest life, but they are the ones who have really shaped my family and made us as strong as we are today.

My parents have always supported me in everything I've ever wanted to do. They want me to succeed and be happy, and I do everything I can to make them proud. They've always been there for me and have taught me so much about how to be the best I can be. My dad is absolutely crazy. He's the funny guy at a party who always wants attention. He's taught me the quickest way to anyone's heart is to make them laugh. He was my coach all through elementary school and my biggest cheerleader throughout junior high, high school, and college. My mom is one of the sweetest, most hardworking people you will ever meet. She's taught me that working hard now will pay off in the long run. They've always pushed me to succeed, so without them, I would not be nearly as ambitious as I am today. In my house, we always had family dinners. My mom, dad, and I would sit at the table and tell stories about our days, so we always had time to talk and catch up. I feel that having family time is very important in maintaining a close bond. My parents have taught me about work ethic, the importance of having fun and enjoying the little things, and how important it is to spend time with the people you care about.

My brother, sister, cousins, aunts, and uncles have all played a huge part in my life as well. They've taught me who I want to be and who I definitely do not want to be. I don't mean to make it sound like I have a perfect family. No one does. I'm just saying without having these people in my life when I was growing up, I would not be who I am today. They've taught me so much throughout life, and if I wouldn't have had them there for me, I would not be the ambitious, loving, trustworthy, caring, happy, goal-oriented person I am today. I would be extremely different.

In my opinion, families are what shape our lives. They're the people who make us who we are. I was blessed with a wonderful, loving, supportive family, and I know if that were different, I would be a lot different, too.