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| My Aunt Robin |
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Name: Valerie Sanders
When I found out that my Aunt Robin was flying half way across the world to Tahiti to rescue two dogs, I was not at all one bit surprised. Aunt Robin is probably the biggest animal lover and traveler that I know. Ever since I was young, my aunt’s passions have rubbed off on me. Working for an international resort on the executive level, Aunt Robin seems to have unlimited access to locations all over the world. My earliest memories of Aunt Robin include souvenirs from far away places, videos of lions in Africa, pictures of various Pacific islands rich culture, and most of all the stories. I was fascinated and often found myself in awe of all the places to which she traveled. This sparked a yearning for adventure inside of me and a desire to explore and see new things. Taking me on a tropical vacation to the Bahamas during winter break my kindergarten year just made my curiosity and awareness of diversity grow. From such a young age, I began to learn and observe other cultures. Aunt Robin helped me step out of my comfort zone, with even little things such as going on a flying trapeze! A trip to Mexico several years later indulged me even more. Visiting ancient ruins was incredibly fascinating. Aunt Robin has helped me create my own collection of photos and stories to retell, and I have become significant in some of hers as well. Throughout the whole process of rescuing the Tahitian dogs, my Aunt was often faced with difficult roadblocks, many of which including flight issues, transporting the two dogs on both a ferry and an airplane (and the connecting flight as well!), and finding a good home for them back on Long Island. Through these many adversities, Aunt Robin proved strong. She is a courageous and dedicated person, and I not only admire those qualities, but feel like I have been influenced by them as well. I have learned to stick to my gut feeling and opinion, no matter how many people may feel otherwise. Being such a strong willed person has enabled Aunt Robin to be more and more of a role model to me. These important qualities, which have often been displayed in large amounts, have resonated and proved valuable in small issues too. Even a small act such as standing up for a friend while they are being put down by others can reflect the strength and courage a person has. Just being around my Aunt can teach people many important small life lessons without them even realizing it. When my Aunt Robin was busy starting with planning all the little details all the way up to going through with her immense plan, she always had her family at her back to support her through every step of the way. At first, she was faced with some skepticism, as some of us doubted that a plan of this grand scheme could be accomplished. However, we always supported her through it all because we are family and are there to help each other throughout difficult journeys. I have learned through this how to support and be there for family as well as friends. People go through many straining times in life and most times don’t get very far without the support of others. I feel very fortunate to know how supportive my family is and will be for any endeavor I wish to accomplish. Through Aunt Robin, I have learned many significant life lessons and am happy to have a positive influence like her be a major factor in my life. I have learned about diversity and its importance from a local to global level. I have learned to be strong and stick to what you believe in, no matter how tough things may get. I have also learned the importance of family and how to support the ones you love and care about. I’m sure there are countless other little things that my Aunt Robin has taught me, and I know I am lucky to have an aunt as inspiring as she. |
