Mental toughness is a trait that I could not live without. While my mom, sister and brother cry, I don’t shed a tear. I stand as firm as a brick wall, like my dad taught me. I’ve learned that you don’t have to cry to care. I care deeply for all forms of life as my religion teaches me. I care about God, family, and school, in that order. I care an astonishing amount, but my emotions always stay in check. On the inside, my emotions are roaring but on the outside I’m as calm as a windless day.

I stay strong for my family. In hard times, I am their anchor. They cling to me like a baby clings to their mother after birth. I love them fully, I love them deeply, and I love them unconditionally. My love is like my daily cup of coffee-it helps me get through the day. What helps me stay strong is the confidence that I have in myself and the love that I have for my life. Life is too short to cry all the time. Life is too short to not enjoy every moment of it.