Journal #7

Q: Think about a relative, dead or alive, that you would like to know more about or that has influenced the person you have become.

Without a doubt, my grandma, my mom’s mom, has influenced my life in the greatest possible way. I don’t know what I would do without her. She has been with me since my birth and, although we live halfway across the world from eachother, I can still feel her presence near me each and every day. My grandma is one of the sweetest people I know. She is kind, altruistic, and would toss aside anything for me. She always knows how to make me feel better and she gives out the best advice as well. Another plus is that she is also a raconteur, and I can listen to her for hours as she tells me stories about her childhood. I’ve never felt more secure when I’m with her – and she constantly makes me cherish my life and prevents me from complaining about miniscule things and annoying others because of my whining. Overall, she has made me more sympathetic and less bitter. With her hands, she has shaped me to have good qualities. Without her, I would be a completely different person – and not for the better. I adore my grandma and I can’t wait to visit her again next year.

- Kseniya Anishenko