They say it takes a village to raise someone and I was lucky enough to have more than just an average village to raise me. In my eyes, family isn't based on who is related to you by blood. Family means to me who ever is there for you no matter what the situation is. In my village of people who helped raise me is more than just my immediate family. It was family, friends of mine, friends of my parents, and even families of close friends. Life is a hard obstacle to face alone, but having a group of people by your side can make it seem less of an obstacle. Throughout my 19 years of living, my village manages to keep expanding and keep the love and support alive. I am so grateful for everyone in my village and I can never repay you guys enough, so here are a few main things that I am extremely thankful for. Thank you:
1. For always giving me advice
No matter the situation, good or bad, you guys all had great advice to help me get through my problem. No matter who I went to in my village, they all had similar advice to give me because they knew what was in my best interest. I am thankful for the advice given by my village because in some situations you don't want to talk to your parents, and by asking someone else they knew the unspoken rule of not telling your parents for you.
2. For always knowing someone else
No matter where I go in the world, I know that my village some way and some how can have connections to where I will be. I know going to school almost 5 hours away that problems can occur but I know no matter what the problem is, someone in my village knows someone near me and can help me for the time being.
3. Welcoming me with open arms
Whether you were related to me by blood or not, you guys always treated me as one of your own children. You guys always had open arms for me when ever I needed a hug after a long day.
4. For being my number 1 fan
No matter what sports game I was playing in, or play I was acting in, you guys were right along side my mom cheering me on. Even when my mom couldn't make an event for some reason, you guys had no problem coming to support me no matter what prior plans you had. During my games or plays, I knew when I saw someone from my village there supporting me, that I had to work 10x harder than I normally do just to make their trip worth while.
5. For allowing me to be apart of other people's villages
Knowing so many people gives me the chance to join other people's villages. I get to help and support other people just like how they support and help me in my life.
Thank you to everyone in my village for helping me become who I am today! Thank you guys for the many laughs and memories I have gotten to share with each one of you throughout my 19 years of living.
