A Blessing in Disguise

As I slowly begin to unload my car and move back to Manhattan, I can’t help but reflect on my experiences from the first semester. Between classes, FFA events, and spontaneous trips with my friends, there seems to be one common denominator – Emma.

Moving into college barely knowing the person I would spend nearly nine months living with was terrifying to me at first. Emma and I had always shown against each other, but had never actually met before. At one of the last shows of 2014 our parents hit it off and essentially “set us up” as roommates. They knew that we had a similar backgrounds and would have many of the same classes due to our majors, and that was all they needed to know! I’m sure they had no idea how close our families would all become, or that people would eventually question Emma and me if we were ever seen separated.

How many times at FFA events are we afraid to go talk to someone new or branch outside of our chapters? Have we ever stopped to think that we could be missing out on the opportunity to met an amazing individual who could change our lives for the better? It took me meeting this person to realize how many chances I had previously missed. Don’t make the same mistake that I did, be bold and make the most of each opportunity.

My dad often tells me I should thank him for picking out my best friend, but it’s more than that. Not only did my dad play a part in finding my best friend, he also found me a role model. Emma lives each day to the fullest, and doesn’t let anything stop her from being herself. She constantly reminds me that I should make choices that represent who I am as a person, and not be afraid to take a risk. Emma truly lives out the idea, “Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.”

 Although Emma grew up mainly showing sheep, she eagerly jumped in when I needed help with my pigs and steers. She quickly picked up on when I was stressed and knew when to offer a helping hand at different shows.  Whether it was something as simple as grabbing a bucket of water or even tailing my stubborn steers, she proved to be more than just a friend; Emma had quickly become a member of my family and loved by all.

More recently, Emma and I were separated for nearly an entire month over Christmas break. I know that doesn’t seem like an issue, but when you go from seeing someone every day to nothing at all, you realize how much a part of your life they are. Even though she may sing at the top of her lungs, or tell me the most random things that cross her mind, I love my best friend and wouldn’t trade her for anything.

I can only hope that everyone finds a person like this in their lifetime. A friend that is both loving and brutally honest, outgoing yet reserved, and most of all, seems to know you better than you know yourself at times. To all of the best friends out there, even if you haven’t met yet, don’t be afraid to take chance, make some memories, and take tons of pictures along the way. Life is a thousand times better when you live it always loving, risking, and truly being yourself.

With love,

Gabryelle