Since I was young, my parents made it their number one priority to create a strong, loving, and supportive foundation for my sister and me, and by doing so, they created a bond that is unable to be broken. Having such a close family brings with it numerous benefits that I hope to someday share with my own children. I will always have a support system no matter what I'm doing or where I am in life, and will always have a sense of security knowing that I have three amazing people to fall back on whenever I need help or guidance.

My parents come from two, very different family backgrounds. My dad is from Cuba and has one older sister, while my mom is from Ohio and is the oldest of six. They decided to create a family dynamic unique from what they were accustomed to. With this mindset intact, they created their own traditions, their own morals and values, and their own ways of illustrating what a dependable and loving relationship looked like. My sister and I's dreams and aspirations were always supported, no matter how outlandish, and our feelings, sensitivity, and personality were embraced with gentleness and understanding. The saying "I hate you" was never spoken in the house, for my sister and I were taught that the gift of siblings is something irreplaceable and should never be taken for granted.

Being a freshman in college has posed many obstacles and struggles I was not prepared to handle, but by having such a close relationship with my family, it has made the transition a lot less lonely and challenging. When I feel overwhelmed with schoolwork or just from the overall stressful nature of college, every single person in my family is willing to have a long phone call or even drive the six hours here to spend a weekend with me. Having that reliability in my life brings so much tranquility, but I know it is something I can't take for granted considering not everyone has the same type of family as me.

Knowing that no matter how far I am my family is still with me allows me to continue towards my aspirations with confidence and certainty; the advice I receive from them never fails because they truly want to see me succeed, and the love they give is never forced. I think of my family as being my soulmates; they will be by my side forever loving me, cherishing me, and building me up. There are no other people I would rather have as my best friends.