There are many connections in life. Wifi connections, connections made through networking, connections with friends back home or at school and more. All of these connections are important and they matter, but there is one that is more important to me than any other.

The past semester of my time at St. Edward’s University has been the best one yet. I was offered a position on the Student Leadership Team, made Executive Co-Coordinator of the Hilltop Welcome Team, struggled through classes that I loved and hated and this past week I wrecked my car... Throughout all of this craziness, there has always been a group of people that remained my constant support system and always encouraged me to push myself, even when I was afraid of success or failure: my family.

My mom, dad and sister have been with me since day one. I am so thankful, blessed and lucky to have them by my side. They are the weirdest/best group of people I know and I am who I am today because of them.

Starting with my mother, who is a force to be reckoned with. She taught me the importance of morals and beliefs, constantly expects more from me than I do of myself and made sure that I always knew to come to her if I made a mistake. Time and time again, she has pushed me forward when all I wanted to do was run away from responsibilities.

My dad has never once let me go through a traumatic time alone. This past weekend he drove to Austin to look at my car after I got in an accident. He has always put me first, dealt with my persistent independence and stubbornness. He never hesitated to help me through any rough patch and always reminded me that I would be OK.

My mom and dad are one of my most important connections. They are my anchors in every way. My parents keep me steady and grounded during every storm, but they know when to let me go so that I can grow.

Coming from that connection is my connection to my sister. There is nothing that I could say that would adequately sum up how much I love and adore and cherish my older sister. She spent the weekend with me, even when I didn’t feel like I deserved to have fun after ruining my car. Every time I feel worthless, she reminds me that I am worth the world to her. Every time I am in crisis, she reminds me that I can do anything I set my mind to. She is a gem and my best friend and I wouldn’t know what to do without her.

Family is the most important connection. I know that college has so many opportunities to get involved and make friends and all of those things can pull you away. But when those four or so years are over and you have to step into the real world, where will all of your other connections be?

You friends will go their own way, and you will stay connected to some, but your family will always be connected to you. The connection of family has helped me so much during my college career and I know I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

So try, try your hardest to stay connected to the connection that truly matters. Keep in touch with your ohana and don’t let them get left behind in your journey through college. Bring them along in anyway you can and they will make your journey even more memorable.