As I finished up highschool and left behind the halls and people I grew so familiar with over the years, I found myself reflecting quite often, not only thinking of the girl I've been over the last 18 years, but also the woman I strive to become. I think about the mark that I have left on both my school and my town, wondering what comes to mind when people hear my name or see me around town. Am I just another face, another name, another story? I hope not.
While finishing up my four years at Ligonier Valley High School, I was proposed with the question, “How do you wish to be remembered?” To say it sparked a lot of thought would be an understatement. Although this is probably the most simplistic question, I find it to be very difficult to answer. I spent a lot of time thinking, asking everyone the manner in which they wanted to be remembered. Honestly, I can not say that I was too surprised by the responses, every single person saying, “I want to be remembered as a good person.” Well duh, of course we all want to be remembered as a good person - someone who is kind, honest and respected. But does simply being a good person even get you remembered in the first place? I’d have to say no. It most definitely doesn't.
I think that in order to even be remembered by others, one must be different. They must shine in ways that leave others yearning for their light. They must be someone whose voice cannot be softened. They need to have something about them that just resonates with those around them. They need to be bold, courageous and honorable.
Ten years from now, when people hear my name, I hope they think of a girl who was loud. Not because my voice could be heard the whole way down the hall (which it most definitely could), but because the words that I said and the messages I delivered were passionate and powerful. I hope that when people think of me they think of a girl who was strong. Not just because I was in the gym every morning working out, but because I never backed down. I hope I am remembered as someone who stood firm upon her morals and beliefs, despite the opinions of those surrounding her. I hope when people think of me they laugh, because sometimes life is a little hard, and if the thought of me is enough to bring a smile upon another’s face, then I have achieved everything I could ever wish.
Whether it's a simple smile at the girl you pass on the street or a friendly hello to the stranger at the grocery store - it matters. It could be an apology to mend a broken relationship or a text to an old friend - it matters. Say thank you, I love you, hello and goodbye because it matters.
It all matters because once you're gone, you're gone forever.
