Family
My family means the world to me. Without them, I don’t know where I would be. Sure, that’s a generic answer for many people, but it holds so much truth. I come from a large immediate and extended family. It’s a lot harder to ignore relatives when they are (literally) everywhere.
I rely on my family in good times and bad. They’ve known me longer than anyone and know my habits, so they are good at pushing me toward my dreams and pulling me back from making mistakes. That’s how I define family, and so, because of that, not everyone in my family is biologically similar or a relative of some sort. Even my friends, my peers, my classmates, and my coworkers are my family.
I rely on my family in good times and bad. They’ve known me longer than anyone and know my habits, so they are good at pushing me toward my dreams and pulling me back from making mistakes. That’s how I define family, and so, because of that, not everyone in my family is biologically similar or a relative of some sort. Even my friends, my peers, my classmates, and my coworkers are my family.
School
I have always been a slow learner. I learned to read in the 2nd grade, tie my shoes in the 3rd grade, how to ride a bike in the 6th grade, and I still can’t do handstands or cartwheels. Because our nation’s school system goes from age 5-18, I’ve always been paranoid about grades and critiques from others.
But even with that, I’m still in school at age 23 (almost 24!). I might be a slow learner, but I take the time to master the skill. I started reading college level material by the 5th grade and to this day I’ve never gotten below a 90% on a spelling or vocabulary test. Being in school allows me to learn, though at times I am rushed more than I’d like, I sincerely appreciate the opportunity.
But even with that, I’m still in school at age 23 (almost 24!). I might be a slow learner, but I take the time to master the skill. I started reading college level material by the 5th grade and to this day I’ve never gotten below a 90% on a spelling or vocabulary test. Being in school allows me to learn, though at times I am rushed more than I’d like, I sincerely appreciate the opportunity.
Church
Church has always been a large part of my life. It’s where I go to learn, practice, and share my faith. Having not just a belief system, but an institution that shares it, gives me confidence in my faith. I’ve switched parishes multiple times throughout my life, but because they are Catholic churches, every single one has the same readings, same rituals, and same prayers/hymns. The people are different and the way everything is explained is as well. But the message is as clear as day. And so, my faith becomes stronger regardless of where I go to practice, each and every day.