Walking into a warm place after a long day’s worth of work with the sight of a fresh home cooked meal is the best feeling ever. What’s even better is when there are three familiar faces sitting down eagerly waiting for you to arrive. As I finally sit down and fill my plate with my mom or dad’s fresh, delicious meal, I can count on being asked how my day went. Then, we go around the table and share stories about our daily journeys. Small moments like these are when I realize how important it is to have a close-knit family.

My immediate family is made up of myself and the three best friends I could ever ask for: my mom, dad, and brother. Any time I need advice, a shoulder to lean on, or an uplifting laugh, I know I can go to any one of them. I may have multiple close friends to seek support from, but there is nothing quite like the support of your family members. My family knows me better than they know themselves. If I walk into the room with even the smallest hint of disappointment, I know I will be asked what’s wrong. I can always count on them to be proud of my accomplishments; even the smallest conquers bring them joy. They know everything about me, the good and the bad, and still love me for all of those things.

I have shared my most exciting life experiences with my family and I would not trade that for the world. Between sports awards, graduations, religious commencements, or vacations, they have been there by my side for all of it. I always know I have three people who want to explore the world with me. I know I have three people who remember all of the jokes and memories we made together. I know I will always have three people to find in a crowd of unfamiliar faces. I know I have three people who will appreciate my "Bayless family anthems" playlist when I blast it in the car. As I reminisce on all of the amazing things we have done together, I am so grateful for the memories that my parents have allowed my family to make because of their love and dedication to our cohesion.

Because my family is so close and fun, other people love being around us. My house has become the default hang out spot for my closest friends, even though my parents and brother like to crash our “parties”. I thank my family for making my house into an inviting environment that I love to share with others. My friends love sitting down for dinner or simply being caught in an hour-long conversation with my family members. Some say the rest of my family is cooler than me…I know sometimes it’s true. In all honesty, I take that as a huge compliment because those are the people who have shaped my personality.

Thanks to my family, I know what I am looking for in my future family and I have been taught how to love unconditionally. My mother has shown me what it means to be the most invested and loving caretaker. She has taught me how to be the fun parent that is so young at heart, yet the mom who instills the most important values in her children. My father has shown me how important it is to follow my dreams and has set the example for what kind of man I will someday call my husband. My brother has taught me how to simply be a better person. I have always been driven by the fact that I am his role model, and for that I am so grateful because I live every day as if he is learning from my actions. It is ironic, however, that in some way, he has become my role model. As I watch him grow, intellectually, emotionally, and physically, every day I become more inspired. I hope some day to expand upon the Bayless family and bring both of ours together as one.

I want everyone to remember that family is the most important thing in our lives. Whether you realize it or not, the positive and negative experiences you have shared with your family members have made you who you are today. In the end, family, of any kind, is all we have to rely on.