Character
My family and friends
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Character My family and friends |
Character - My family and friends
Family
I was born in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. I spent my early childhood there, soaking up the sights, sounds, and culture of the Dominican family. My roots will always beckon me back home. But I have also learned and gained from my time in the United States. My family moved to the US in the mid 80s, and we have since established ourselves here.
What is family? For me, the word conjures up images of gatherings, vacations, and doing those inevitable chores around the house. But in the last several years, the word family has also meant an image of togetherness, perseverance, and strength. The struggles that we have faced and the times we have been through have served to solidify our bonds.
Life can really be measured through a series of relationships. When you're on your deathbed, you're not going to be wondering whether or not that last BMW you bought is going to run for five more years. Those people you forged relationships with will most likely be by your side.
Ultimately, family is something that defies explanation. It is a feeling, a warm reminder, an embrace from someone you shared a lot of time with. Family is important to me. What does it mean to you?
Friends
Friends are an important part of life. A friend shares their time with you, and offers you insight into their life. But until you actually connect with someone, we're all just strangers. You have to be brave enough to take the first step. If no one does, no one makes any progress.
The first friends I ever made were back in the Dominican Republic. As little kids, we'd wind up getting into lots of trouble. When I moved to New York City, I started from scratch again, in second grade. It wasn't long before I made my first longtime friend in the Bronx. We became friends in fourth grade, and stayed in touch for years: through different schools, different cities, different states. But we stayed in touch.
Friends are more valuable than new cars, new jobs, more money. Friends help you cope with life, help you have fun, and help you remember that people are important. Those reading who have good friends know exactly what I'm talking about.
I apologize to those who do not have friends, or do not know close friends. The bad news is that no amount of money can buy you lasting relationships. You have to pour time into meeting people... but then they become acquaintances. Out of those acquaintances, you probably get along fairly well with two thirds of them - a group you will probably be enclined to hang out with often.
Of that group, you probably keep in touch actively with, say, three our four out of six or seven of them. You could probably consider them all friends, just that you talk more with some than others. Of the smaller group, those who you hang out with comfortably, those who you confide in, become your close friends.