I have been living away from my
family for quite some time now but I have remained very close to them even if
I’m not the type of person that calls, texts or writes them all the time. I
need my space and I like to live life at my own rhythm, which they respect and understand.
Nevertheless, our connection definitely goes way beyond how frequently we
communicate with each other and they know that, when needed, I am there for
them and vice versa.
About two weeks ago my sister
Isabel’s children* Augusto and Marielisa reached out to me and asked
if I could take a look at the essays they had each written separately as part
of the respective application processes to the schools they are interested in.
They wanted to get my feedback before submitting them…their aunt’s opinion was
important to them! Needless to say, I was totally flattered by their request.
Little did I know I was in for such an emotional ride!
Augusto’s essay focused on how some
health issues in the last couple of years (one of them, an open-heart surgery
at age 20) had a major impact on how he sees life. He opened up and talked
about the fears these events brought along and how he had to work hard to
overcome them. They not only influenced his personal growth but they also inspired
him to choose Physical Therapy as the career he wants to pursue.
Marielisa’s, on the other hand,
was an idealistic and romantic essay, as she talked about her adventurous soul
and her desire to travel the world and visit unknown places. However, she also
mentioned her own struggles and how she sees them as challenges instead of
obstacles. It was as if she were reminding herself that it is good to be
ambitious in life but you must be aware that the road to accomplish your
aspirations will not necessarily be an easy one.
Not only the topics they chose
were very different but so were their approaches and writing styles. Augusto’s
showed more maturity, not only because he is older but because of the
difficulties he has had to face this young. Marielisa’s was more poetic and
artistic, not surprising from a girl her age with big dreams. Yet, they had one
outstanding thing in common: their essays were written with an extreme sensitivity.
I was especially touched by the sincere words of gratitude they had towards
their parents and by their appreciation for life in general.
And that is what made me very emotional
while reading both essays. Realizing that my sister, following the example that
our parents set for my siblings and me, and along with her husband, raised
these two children in such a beautiful way brought tears to my eyes. Parenthood
is not an easy task and as I have not experienced it myself, this is as close
as it gets for me… I’m the proud aunt of these two wonderful sensible and
sensitive people! Do I need to add that I’m also proud to have such a fantastic
woman and mother as a sister?
*Augusto (21) is graduating next week from Florida international
University where he just finished his Bachelor’s in Arts and Sciences with a
major in Psychology and plans to continue studying to become a Physical
Therapist. Marielisa (17) is a high school senior planning to attend college next Fall. Although she is not 100% sure what she will major in, she is interested in
Environmental Studies and Astronomy.