I've tried so hard to branch out this year and to get to know people out of my comfort zone. Outside of my little sheltered box of IB and familiarity. I've made so many acquaintances and friends that I really feel as if I've learned more about people and I appreciate all the eye opening experiences this has lead me to.
This year, I'm taking a combined IB and AP class. There were those usual faces that I saw everyday in all my other classes but I actually got to meet two of the most amazing people that have now become invaluable to my life. The most suprising thing is that we could not be more different yet similar. Both of them are extremely religious and conservative, two aspects of individuals that I always tried to avoid. But upon getting to know them, I've realized that they had taught me so much. It doesn't matter that we won't agree on anything politically or religiously. That is completely extraneous to the nature of friendship. They are good people and just because their views are different from mine does not change a single thing. They have been so supportive and open, I'm so glad I have them in my life.
At a recent orchestra festival, I met a whole plethora of people who have either opened up to me or made connections with my interests and have become people that are also vital to my life. At first I was a little wary. Having people tell me the deepest, hidden conflicts made me uneasy because I didn't know what to do or say and I didn't want to let that person down. I realized that good friends and acquaintances don't have to be people who similar to you but rather just people who can share a common connection or interest.
My closest friend this year is this one extremely nerdy yet sweet and honest girl that has so much in common with me. I literally poured everything I thought and felt into this girl and she still deals with me everyday. She knows more about me than anyone else. I love her to death and I'm so glad that I made the first connection with this dork. She understands me on a level that most people don't and I'm so greatful for her.
There is one person that probably is oblivious to his impact on my life. There's one memory that just sticks out and is as clear as glass from my elementary school years. The rest is fuzzy. I think it was either my 4th or 5th grade year that I won our school spelling bee and was about to go to go to the next round, district. I remember how nervous I was. This one kid approached me the day before. I remember the exact words that he said to me "Drink grapefruit juice. It's supposed to make you smarter. Good luck, you'll do great." and with that he walked away. Up till this point, there was really no one who really supported me or encouraged me or believed that I could achieve something. So the next day, I nervously participated in the district spelling bee and even if I didn't win, I qualified for state. It was the most gratifying moment. My mom drove me back to school and the minute I walked into my class the whole class got up and started clapping and I recieved a plethora of hand made cards congratulating me. Apparently they were watching me on TV.
But the most impactful moment was when I opened the card from that one little boy. It said "It was the grapefruit juice, I tell ya!" with a big toothy smiley face on the bottom. I don't know what it was about that moment but I have never forgotten that dinky little boy and the look on his face. I held on to the card all though middle school even though I lost all the rest but eventually I lost that one as well. But I can still see it as clear as the day in my head.
It's these little moments in life that you connect with another human being and you're moved undescribably. I never got to thank the boy though we still see each other everyday. But I'll do it now. Thank you. You have no idea how much that moment changed my life.
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