“When I was in the second grade, my mom died from a brain tumor. Out of her three sisters, only two were really there for me; it was my dad’s side of the family that really supported me. My dad, his mom, my neighbors and countless friends were there for me. As a seven year old, though, it was hard to talk to my friends about this. Not many people lose their mom at such a young age. I did have one friend who lost her dad when she was younger. She was the only real friend I would talk to about what happened. Even though we aren’t close anymore, I am thankful that we will have a bond forever. This situation has really had a powerful impact on me personally. Ever since my mom’s death, I have realized how short life is and I actively choose to not take anything for granted. It made me a stronger, more independent person. My dad has really carried me through this; he is my sole guardian. We were already close before my mom’s death, since she was in and out of the hospital, but this occurrence has made us so much closer. He influences my morals and has shaped me into the person I am today. I have lived with him my whole life; he has just always been there. A while after my mom’s death, my dad started dating new people. He found somebody he’s really close to now. She has been a piece of my life that has actually formed my character in a new way; everything is really great. It is almost like I have a family again. Looking back at my younger self, I wish I could tell myself to not care about what others think of me. Growing up, I worried so much about other’s opinions, which is silly – it’s not like they are going to matter 10 years down the road. Today, I am happy to just be myself.”