Jonah Gajudo
December second, a fond day when the sun was still up, but something else bright was beginning to shine on the world, and that was me. Growing up, I was a cute kid and loved laughing. Laughing was my favorite thing to feel, and I got to laugh a lot, thanks to my friends and family. Being around those people shaped me into the person I am today, and I love doing things for those who helped me.
Basketball and volleyball are my favourite sports that I love to put my energy towards and to flourish in. I love to travel and see different places and sceneries and really take in the amazing views of what the world offers. My favourite hobby is to give my love to the world. I want to give myself a better life and reason to live and inspire others and help others, along with learning from other people. My dream is to be a hero, an everyday hero like my cousin, Michael, who is looking down from above; I hope he is proud of me. Also, to be a hero that my niece, Maia, can look up to and love. I’ll achieve this through my actions in life by being Jonah; strong and gentle for the people I want to protect, and giving this world an ideology that'll change the course of history. My mind can sometimes stop me from these things, and I get in my own way, but if I listen to my heart rather than my mind, I hear what's actually true. My heart says, "Everything you once believed in was lost. You’re dealing with so many crazy feelings; you can’t stand it anymore. But that's why I have to tell you this: don’t you dare give up again; all you ever did was give up. Instead of facing your problems, you locked yourself away and hid in the darkness because you thought it was the easiest thing to do. Maybe you weren't chosen, maybe no one wanted you, and maybe you can’t be forgiven, but you still have to stand your ground without making excuses for yourself. You're going to achieve your dream; that's why, as long as you're alive, I won’t give up on you.”
I wouldn't be where I'm at or think the way I do if it weren't for my family, especially my stepdad, who’s the pillar to lean on. My grandma, who is the lotus flower that brings hope; my brother, who’s my guidance; and my better self, whom I deem to surpass and make proud. My mother, most of all, is my hero, who’s saved me so many times I can’t count. I’m still counting, and now I’m counting the seconds before I stop typing to go work out… 3, 2, 1 My name is Jonah Alexander Gajudo; nice to meet you.