Shannon

My hero is the most ordinary person in my life: my best friend. Ever since we met in fifth grade we had an instant bond. It seemed as if our opposite personalities attracted: she is the free spirited child at heart and I am the mature stick to the point personality. We keep each other in balance by bringing in our extreme personalities for a balance in the middle.

In sixth grade things really got tough: the drama of middle school at St. Mary's Visitation was in full force. Every little thing seemed to bother these girls: your polo shirt is not from the right store, your friends with her, or your shirt is not the right fit. At 11 years old I thought the girls making fun of me for this were superior to me and whatever they said must be true, but my best friend was always there to tell me that they were just jealous. They all hung out in one big group, whereas we just hung out with our best friend. I always felt comforted when she told me this and she felt good when she could help me through my tough times.

( ())

As we grew older the previously petty problems got worse and worse. It escalated into issues when you did not play the right sport, were not a member at a specific athletic club, and beating somebody's friend in track. This drama led us all to sink down to a low level, which led us to need a dramatic change: high school. When this change did happen we all went our separate ways, except for my best friend and I. We promised to keep in touch.

Throughout freshman year we both got used to our new schools and hung out quite frequently. My best friend was always there to listen and remind me that everything would be ok. The way she lived her life: getting good grades, having trustworthy friends, and just being down to earth, really inspired me. I loved to see how happy she was and I tried to be more like her.

       In middle school my best friend and I were seen as the outsiders. It was just the two of us, but that did not bother us. We were glad to have one best friend rather than a big group of friends. At that time I had no idea why other people did not enjoy spending time with my best friend, but as I look back on it there is one simple reason: they did not know her as well as I did. I just could not imagine why they did not want to be friends with the most creative and fun person around.

      In high school my friend finally got the recognition she deserved. People started to see her as the person I saw her as and began to enjoy spending time with her. This made me happy because she was more than just my best friend and hero: she was a well liked person who enjoyed spending time with friends. For her being involved in drama and art led her to her breakthrough. She was now more confident, but still kept her child-like personality. Whenever I need advice I always turn to her knowing that she will give me an honest answer because she is my best friend.