There was a rumor going around my school that there was going to be a shooting. The first things that popped up into my head were, "What if I could never see my parents again? Or my dogs? Or my friends?" During the few hours I sat around in fear, I began to realize the true meaning of life. As I was telling myself that I may be living in my last few moments in life, I began to imagine all the things I missed out in life: a confession, appreciation of people around me and the joy of living.

Thankfully, nothing happened. My principal discovered that it was a prank the night before the supposed day of the shooting. But I was not aware of it until several hours later. Either way, as I was planning out on what to say to my loved ones had the shooting occurred, here is what I would say to each and every person I cherish in my life:

Dear Mom,

Thank you for loving me and cherishing me all these years. I have never had a greater role model than you. Although we tend to bicker with one another, I still love you. Even though you never let me hang out with friends, I still understood your concern about my future. In fact, I always understood your concern for me and my safety. I truly appreciate how much you care about me and treasure me as your daughter. I love all the food you cook for me (even though I tend to complain about how much I dislike the food). To me, I find it rather remarkable how you are able to drive an hour from work and be able to cook dinner right when you get home. To me, you are my superhero.

Dear Dad,

Thanks for being such a chill and loving dad. The way you can easily crack me up to this day is remarkable. Your funny and understanding personality makes me proud to have a dad like you. You've always backed me up in situations, and you've always helped me with my schoolwork, especially math. Like Mom, you also have amazing cooking skills. I am really sorry for not being able to tell you this sooner. I also really appreciate how much you've thought about me and my future by helping me plan it out and getting started with colleges. To me, you are an amazing dad who is able to do anything.

Dear Brother,

We've bickered many, many times. When we were little, you always gave me these visits to "Tickle Town." Nowadays, you're like my mentor: you've helped me learn how to take professional photos and to actually manage my life efficiently. Even though I mock and tease you, you're still my older brother that I still look up to you. In fact, I'm rather envious of you and your life in Chicago. To me, you are like my role model who encourages me to persevere and to do my best in life.

Dear Sam (my beloved dog),

I hope you continue to enjoy life at home. Eat your bones well and don't forget to behave. I hope you will find another person to play with and I love you. Thank you for listening to my talks and thank you for being with me during the worst of times.

To all of my dearest friends,

I really appreciate and love all of you. You all treat me so well, and I'm rather surprised you all were willing to become friends with me. Even thought some of you barely talk with me now, I still appreciate having you in my life. Thank you for dealing with my complaints and thank you for being my friend. I have never been more thankful to have kind friends like you all. To me, you all are my companions that I will never forget.

The main purpose of this article is for me to ask you all to live your life to the fullest and treat every day as your last day, because you never know what will happen.