Growing up as an only child, I wasn’t
able to be influenced by any siblings, so naturally I clung to my older
cousins. All of the cousins are funny, smart, and compassionate, but Brian and
I had a special connection.
Brian was the stereotypical jock in
high school: popular, good looking, funny, outgoing, and not too concerned with
grades. After being waitlisted at Michigan State University, he realized how
important grades really were. He attended MSU and really buckled down. He
worked hard and was able to graduate with a 4.0. After that, he attended MSU’s
School of Education, and by continuing to work hard, he graduated at the top of
his class and spoke at the graduation ceremony. Brian’s outstanding reputation
got him a call from his Alma Mater, and my high school, Divine Child! They
asked him to come in for an interview, and wrote up a contract only six days
later. Throughout all of this, Brian has been able to maintain strong relationships
with his family and friends.
When I was little, I always wanted
to be like Brian – to eat the same food as him, to wear the same colors as him,
to be in the same team as him, to like the same WWE wrestlers as him, to listen
to the same music as him; the list can go on and on. But that influence has
grown so much deeper since what it was when we were kids. Now I want to be like
him in the sense of his compassion, leadership, patience, levelheadedness, and
brilliance.
Recently, Brian has been encouraging
me to do my best and not waste any opportunities. I really admire how he’s
grown as a person and hope that someday I can say the same for myself. Brian
has been there for me through it all, whether it’s fights with my parents, boy
problems, volleyball struggles, or school issues. He has always encouraged me
to follow my heart and do what makes me happy. His sound advice has gotten me
through more than I can say. I hope that someday I can influence someone in the
way that he has influenced me.
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