July 21st, I believe it was a Wednesday. Stressful, as labor often is, under pressure and confusing. I was born 2 minutes before my brother. He and I, twins born to a mother and father living paycheck to paycheck in a small, tucked away trailer park. Amidst hot summer days and cooling springs, we’d run around outside playing hide and seek, my favorite. I would often cheat though, hiding in places we weren’t exactly supposed to be. I thought it was fun, like running away into uncharted territory; adventurous. Just like my favorite childhood movie, Peter Pan. Very childish, yes, but it is important to let your inner child out occasionally. Speaking of children, I wish to work with them in a therapeutic capacity once I earn my Ph.D. in Psychology. I value the human mind and find this area of science truly fascinating, so I think, why not help out early on during such an imperative developmental period of their lives for the betterment of the future?
My family is a close-knit one. We are rarely together nowadays for long periods but still find time to eat dinner or watch a movie despite our schedules. My mom fought hard for my life when I was born, 3 ½ months early, 1.2 oz at that, and she continues to fight, persevering every day for our sakes. Regardless of her struggles physically or mentally, with work or distant relatives, she always puts in her best for us, and we are more than happy to support her when she is tired. My dad is also a hard worker, and pehaps more detail oriented than my mom. He has one way of doing things: trial, and error. “One thing at a time” he tells me, when my workload becomes too much. He always finds ways to make us laugh and although short tempered, finds time to comfort and console us when life becomes too much. My twin brother, a little slower on the uptake, is still kind and caring. Tries his hardest as well, every day, to get better. He’s always wanting to prove himself and show me his latest.
I find myself lacking in profound ideas, or so I think. I also find it hard to accept praise. But despite this, I strive to do my best and thrive off the inspiration others give me. I long to be the person who others look up to, a comfort in the night, the first sip of your favorite drink you haven’t had in a while. I am motivated by the family and friends I have, with their brightness and hope. Their kind words and love. I push myself to do the same.
