Growing up, I never really had anyone to look up to.
I was an only child, so I didn't have older siblings to guide me in the right direction. I never got to see my older cousins, so I was left to figure it all out for myself.
Most of the time, it's nice to march to the beat of your own drum, but sometimes I wanted someone who could give me advice and lead me on the right path. I didn't have anyone like that when I was little.
But I have someone now; someone who I'm beyond grateful for.
They see something in me that nobody else saw. Even I didn't see it for a long time.
They encourage my success. They find new and exciting opportunities for me that allow me to try new things and learn important life lessons.
They understand me more than most people. We both have (almost) the exact same mindset. We see the world in a similar way.
We have the same quirks and sense of humor. We go together.
They love the one aspect about me that most people don't like: my over-the-top personality.
While most people are always telling me to "calm down" or "be quiet", they encourage me to be who I am and express myself the way I was born to.
Instead of getting annoyed with who I am, they provide me with ways to utilize my high levels of energy in productive ways.
Because of this person, I was able to put myself out there in ways I could never have imagined just 6 months ago.
I was able to be an MC. I was able to utilize my Spanish skills in new and exciting areas other than the classroom.
I was able to be myself; something that is typically discouraged by those around me.
Who knew a simple class would change the course of my college career?
One opportunity turned into numerous opportunities. A quiet, easy-going student turned into a superstar.
A professor turned into a mentor, role model and an amazingfriend.
Find someone who sees the best in you. Someone who accepts you for who you are, no questions asked. Someone who you admire with everything you have.
Find your mentor. Find your person.