Family by Emma Sears

    There are numerous things that play a role of importance in my life. Education, friendships, and kindness all spring to mind when I question what I hold to be truly prominent. However, my 15 years on this Earth have led me to believe that nothing is more important to me than family. While everyone's relationship with their own families is unique, my connection with these people is much more than having the same DNA.

   Unarguably, my parents are the most unbelievably important people in my life. Raising kids in this day and age is probably difficult enough, but my parents balance this with their full-time jobs and other grievances such as keeping the house clean. Aside from keeping my siblings and I alive and functioning, my parents are my biggest supporters. They encourage me to do my best in every area of my life, including school and sports. Without my parents being the wonderful role models that they are, I can imagine that my life would be a lot different. Even though we have our occasional disagreements, I wouldn't change anything about them.

Family Photo in Florida

   Another aspect that contributes to the importance of family for me is my siblings. While being the oldest (if only by one minute) of two other siblings has its challenges, I am ultimately grateful because I would most likely be bored to death as an only child. My twin sister, Elyse, is always there to hear me rant about the tediousness of being a sophomore in high school, or watch a random movie on Netflix with me. My younger brother, Carson, is always finding new ways to make me laugh through a hard day. In these ways and more, my siblings help make daily life more bearable. 

  Growing up, my family made constant visits to our grandparents house to reunite with that side of the family. Thankfully, this tradition has not faded and my aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandparents are some of the biggest influences on me today. They are my favorite people on Earth and I would not give them up for anything. Even if we don't see each other for months, we are still as close as ever. And I feel that is truly the value of family, a close connection and memories that will never be forgotten. These people have given me the values that I hold close to my heart, and I hope to never lose that special relationship with my family.

 

Me with my cousins, Joey and Emily