#25 VIPs

Staying with the graduation theme (even though I said I was pretty much done writing about high school), today's post will be about people that have been important to me over the years and the people that have been important to you all over the years. Normally on what I've dubbed input posts, I don't put names with quotes, but I feel that this occasion definitely calls for some recognition. To anyone reading this who doesn't know the people that will be talked about, I'm sorry! But then again it may just be wishful thinking for me to presume that I have readers outside of my friends! In any case, if you don't know these people, feel free to skip the post. Personally I've always enjoyed reading nice things people say about each other, regardless of whether or not I know them. I think it helps me see the best in people. This may not be my most popular post, but it's one that I would really like to do, so I'm just going to go for it, no holds barred. There are a lot of people who've been important to me over the years, like I said in my last post, but there is one person who sticks out in my mind. Granted, she is not the only one who's ever been there for me so my intention is not to offend anyone at all, but to celebrate. Juliana Longoria is a friend like no other. She tells really long, detailed stories; she braids hair like a champ; she has quite an evil laugh; she's the best Skype date ever; she'll call it like she sees it, but still manages to be nice; she'll do anything for anyone else, no questions asked; she shares in your pains; and most of all, she's always there. Juliana is the most loyal friend I know. I know that I can go to her with anything (and believe me, I have) and she'll still be my friend regardless of what I say. You know how there are those people in your life who just understand you? That's who she is in my life. She just gets me. I don't have to explain anything to her because she just knows. She has helped make me into who I am because she taught me that there's no shame in feeling what you feel. I've called/texted her plenty of times freaking out that I'm the worst person in the world or that I'm stupid and worthless, and of course, she's always there to tell me that I am being stupid - not because I'm actually stupid, but because I'm stupid for thinking that I'm stupid. I can't thank her enough for being exactly who she has been for me these past few years. Juli, I really don't know what I would've done without you. Now, I could go on for days about how wonderful of a friend she's been to me over the years, but then this post would be way too long. So tell me, who is someone who has made an impact on you or has been important to you in your high school years (and if you're not graduating yet, thus far)?

"My dad because he is the one who has taught me to not take everything so seriously. He taught me to take a step back every once in a while and breathe instead of always jumping in head first."
Kimberly D.


"Mr. Hickson because he is probably the weirdest person I've ever really known and the kindest person I've ever met. He had a way of getting me to believe in myself and to better myself in high school."
Amanda L.


"Many people have been a part of my high school experience and a few have made a big impact on my life but right now there's one person that comes to mind when I think about who has impacted it the most and that's him. I still haven't figured out why he came into my life but the thing is that he did, and he opened my eyes to a totally different world. I had always lived a certain way with a certain mindset that I thought no one could ever change, but he did. With him, I realized that there are many ways to enjoy life and that things aren't what they seem until you experience them. He also showed me the importance of emotions and how much they can alter a person's decisions. There's many ways to do things and the only things you can control are your actions, words, emotions, and thoughts - no one else's. I wonder what else he'll teach me in the future, that is if he does decide to teach me something else (even though I don't think he knows when he's doing it and what he's already done for me)."
Miriam H.

"Luis made an impact on me. He wasn't just my boyfriend - he was more my best friend. He taught me that it's important to do well in school and that I'm capable of accomplishing whatever I want. He made me happier too. Basically he brought out the best in me."

Sara D.

"Katia because I always knew she was the one person who legitimately had my back and wasn't just saying she did. She was my outlet - the person I vented to all the time. And there aren't very many people I feel comfortable venting to."
Elizabeth C.


"I would say my dad. He helped me with schoolwork, worked with me on basketball and baseball, and he was always there when I was stressed, angry, or sad. He always told me he believed in me and that made me believe in myself."
Harrison M. 


"The one person that was the most important through high school would be my sister, because without knowing it, she was always in the back of my mind inspiring me to make good choices and be the best I could throughout the years."
Juliana L.


"Hands down Mr. Hickson. He's been there for me through every mental breakdown. And there have been a lot."
Amanda H. 


"I have to say my godmother. She always pushed me to be my best (and still does) and she taught me to overcome whatever obstacle is placed in my path with poise. Always to be nice to people even if you hate them because you never know when you're going to need them in the future. She basically shaped who I am today and she would scold me when I did things wrong and rewarded me when I did well."
Nere F.


"I can't name just one person. Everyone I've become close to throughout high school at some point has impacted my life in some way, but I'd have to say that the greatest impact has been made by my best friends who've stuck with me until graduation, and who I know I'll keep for the rest of my life."
Andrea H. 


"No doubt my family for starters. They always have an impact on me. Although, I think the people who have the biggest impact are your friends. I was lucky to have some great friends (even if they may be older). As for someone specific, Brother George was an incredible person, teacher, and influence on me."
Daniel E.


"Ms. Hartwig made me see the world in a completely different way. She was always there to listen to my problems and always challenged me to be better. She definitely made a significant difference in how my high school career ended up."
Chelsey G.


"My little brother Chris. I'm a big influence on him and that fact makes me want to be a better person for his sake. I love him a lot and I want the best for him and sometimes I'm probably not the kind of big sister I should be. I hope be forgives me for not always being there for him."
Souther R.


"Coach Ben. He was my mentor from school to track to weight training and he was always willing to go out of his way to help me. He always had good advice from his experiences as an athlete, son, and worker. He trusted me with everything, and I trusted him with everything."
Andres C.


"I never really thought teachers would make a great impact on me. They come in and fly out of our lives since they're only there for four years or even less. There's one teacher though that I'm sure I'll always remember. Physics class two years ago. I'm a science hater and surprisingly this teacher intrigued me with the material. Without her knowing, she has been my inspiration for thriving in academics. She inspired me to thrive in other aspects of my life as well. I never let this person know how much she changed my personality. So if you ever read this blog, Ms. Stull, thanks for the unexpected inspiration."
Eugenia V.


"Clara because of everyone I know, she has the best heart and soul. I aspire to be like her, and that makes me a better person."
William S. 

Two points on the same line,

always together, never apart. 

You are forever in my heart. 

XO, Morgan