What is the true meaning of life? Why were we put here on Earth? Are we just playing the cruel game of life? What is our purpose? Now, these are questions that only you can answer.

It's okay if you don't know the answers. Life is a journey with many different paths that you can take. Each piece is part of an ever-changing puzzle, a game of chess. One move affects every single move afterward. You can spend your whole life doing the same thing, then suddenly one day something happens and that changes how you view life.

However, no matter what you do, you will leave your mark, no matter if you want to or not.

Each day you come into contact with people, little do you know, you have an impact on them.

That was something I didn't realize until high school. It first dawned on me in history class. We listened to the "Hamilton" musical, I instantly became obsessed. Let me stop fangirling, so anyway, there's this one track that summaries the meaning of "Hamilton" and life to me: "History Has Its Eyes On You." Let me allow the lyrics to speak for themselves.

[Washington:]
I was younger than you are now
When I was given my first command
I led my men straight into a massacre
I witnessed their deaths firsthand
I made every mistake
And felt the shame rise in me
And even now I lie awake

[Washington (Laurens/Mulligan):]
Knowing history has its eyes on me (Whoa oh oh…)
(Whoa…)
(Whoa…)
(Yeah)

[Hamilton/Washington (Company):]
History has its eyes on me (Whoa oh oh…)
(Whoa…)
(Whoa…)
(Yeah)

[Washington:]
Let me tell you what I wish I'd known
When I was young and dreamed of glory
You have no control

[Washington And Company:]
Who lives, who dies, who tells your story

[Washington:]
I know that we can win
I know that greatness lies in you
But remember from here on in

[Washington/Hamilton and men (Ensemble):]
History has its eyes on you (Whoa oh oh…)
(Whoa…)
(Whoa…)

[Full Company:]
History has its eyes on you

Washington recounts his first battle experience and explains that no matter how hard you try and in how many ways you may succeed, you cannot alter your reputation in others' eyes. You are always watched and recorded by history itself.

But that did not fully hit me until it reached the time for me to graduate. So many people began to tell me how I impacted their life and I felt that was impossible. Some people who I felt I barely spoke to. I received heart-warming letters and messages. Here are two:

We all cross paths with someone who's made a big impact on their lives or meet someone who makes you view things differently. Luckily, Tre'Vontaye has been the one to guide me through the struggles and been there to celebrate our victories.

Tre'Vontaye and I crossed paths in my early high school years when I tried out for a place in the defensive tactics team where he was the judge. Never did I think that one event could bring me so close to someone and thankfully it did. From the beginning, he noticed I was nervous and insecure of my abilities because I was surrounded by stronger, bigger males but throughout the process, he motivated me and inspired me to put my all in it no matter who my opponent is. He gave me a lot of mental strength, like believing in myself because as he says "it's all in your head, stop overthinking!" When the results came in, I was the only female to qualify for competition out of a large group of males. After that my journey with Tre'Vontaye began. We soon started building a bond, going out to eat after practice and him hearing all my problems and trying his best to find solutions for them so I wouldn't stress anything. He even helped me on my homework and stayed up with me studying, making sure I had all my things together for the next day.

Tre'Vontaye always tries to help those around him whether he knows them or not. During the horrible hurricane that Houston experienced, he checked up on my family and I made sure we were okay and if we needed some kind of shelter or food. He did the same with his community and in a boat, he went around helping all those in need. It's crazy how someone so young can be so brave and that is another reason I looked up to him hoping his good influences would rub off on me.

What inspires me the most about him is his ability to work under so much pressure because not only did he have his own personal things to take care of it, but he also offered to come into my life and lend me a hand when I needed it. Not only did he become my mentor but he also became my best friend. Someone I can rely on and who is filled with brains and a huge heart that is eager to help all those around him. Sadly, I'll be losing him to graduation but that is only the distance because I know our friendship will carry on from miles and miles away. The vibes he brought to our friendship is someone I could never forget and I'm happy for those who are going to be able to experience that with him. Tre'Vontaye will be an excellent addition to Emory University.

Sincerely,

Catherine Caballero

Group message sent to me and other people who unknowingly made an huge impact on their person's life.Tre'Vontaye Toby

Then it hit me: History has its eye on me. And you. We come in contact with thousands of people in our lifetime and the way we present ourselves are key! How do you want to be remembered? How do you want your story to be told?

Be expressive. Be creative. Be free. Be you. Be you, because if you don't, then who else will? This world is wide enough for everyone and their individuality. Stop searching for your visibility, and start expressing your personality and your passion! Whatever you are passionate about, make it known! That's how you impact others and leave your mark!