This I Believe

I believe in family. My family is the cornerstone of my life. They stand with me through the good and the bad times. I can depend on my family to support me in my decisions and actions, celebrate my victories, comfort me during my disappointments, and most importantly, love me. The valuable time spent with my family is something to appreciate. Individually, each member of my family has affected my life in a positive way. They helped me develop into the person I am today.

I believe in moms. I believe every daughter needs a mom to help her transform from a girl into an independent young lady. My mom has done just that. She has taught me how to be an individual. She showed me through examples to be constant in my morals even if that means I have to fight against the crowd. And, of course, she also taught me the daily essentials that every teenage girl needs to learn in life. My mom taught me how to find the best clothing sales and never to forget to use your coupons. She taught me how to change my bright blue eye shadow I used while playing dress up into the pastel pink eye shadow I used to dress up for my first high school dance. Whether my mom helped teach the small tasks in life or instructed the aspects that mold my personal morals, it has resulted in my transformation from an immature girl into an independent young lady. I have gained independence, moral integrity, and the essentials in life. I have learned to have self-respect and love the person my mom has influenced me to become.

I believe in dads. Dads are the guiders and protectors of their daughters. They hate to see their daughters hurt. My dad is my protector. Throughout my life, he has protected me from the scary monsters in my closet to the boy who picked me up for my first date. His fatherly protection gives me the reassurance I will be safe. Not only does my dad protect me, but he also guides me through obstacles in life. His guidance has helped me make good decisions and know when to take risks, but keep in mind my limitations. He steers me in the right directions, but in the end knows I have to take full control. It is like learning how to ride a two wheeler. My dad held on tightly to the back of my bicycle seat until he heard me say, “Okay Dad, let go!” and released his grip as I pedaled down the street on my own. My dad guides me in life, but knows when to let me go on my own knowing his guidance has steered me down the right path in life.

I believe in sisters. Sisters bring laughter. My sisters' laughter is contagious. Whether we share jokes or tell funny stories my sisters and I laugh until tears fill our eyes and our stomachs begin to hurt. Also, when the effects of slap happiness set in there is no stopping our laughter. Reminiscing on my summer nights, my sisters and I would spend hours enjoying each others' company. The nights consisted of watching our favorite television shows, devouring a big bowl of popcorn, and of course giggling about funny stories. Laughter has brought us closer together not only as family members, but best friends.

As my first semester in college comes to a close, I look forward to returning home for the holiday vacation. The holiday season is the time to spend with my family. I am excited to bake cookies with my mom, decorate the Christmas tree with my dad, and shop for presents with my sisters. The love and appreciation for each other will be present throughout the holiday and always. I truly value the moments I spend with my family.

Michelle Gittinger

Michelle Gittinger