Family is something that has always been a big part of my life. I am the youngest in my family and have three older brothers. Growing up sometimes was not always the easiest, but I knew that they would always be here for me whenever I needed them. As we have each grown older and started our new lives, we have only grown closer together. My oldest brother Ian has recently moved to Texas with his wife Ryane in order to pursue better job opportunities. Shane got married over the past month to Katie, the girl I am finally lucky enough to call my sister. Lastly, my brother Hunter goes to SUNY Maritime and is getting ready to take licensing exams and graduate in the spring. No matter what stage in life we all are in, we always find a way to stay connected no matter how hectic our lives can be.

The past three weeks or so have been a roller coaster of emotions here at school. A lot of things have happened that have affected me in one way or another. Some of these things were out of the blue and others I expected, but that doesn't mean that they hurt any less. Throughout these past couple of weeks, I've learned a couple of things: 1) Don't take those you love for granted. 2) Things are not always as they seem. 3) Alone time is good sometimes. These are only some of the things that I have learned. The point of this article is not to complain about how the past couple of weeks have been admittedly some of the worst, but rather to inform you about how much family means.

This week my family has contacted me in some sort of fashion. Whether it has been over numerous face-time calls, calling me or texting me, it has meant the world to me. Hearing everyone's voices in some way brings me a sense of calmness when I just need to remember to breathe — especially when I find myself overthinking. They reminded me that I am not the only one going through this, and that even they have been in my place numerous times before. I was even told that the easiest solution to my problem is to get order a lot of Chinese take-out —which I admit sounds like a fabulous idea at the moment. They allowed me to let out my emotions on the phone and told me that it was completely understandable and okay to feel the way that I do.

They each reassured me that, while at the moment I may feel like the walls are crashing in around me, that they are here to hold them up. I know now more than ever that they are truly the ones that I can count on, no matter what. Just because we are each in different states does not mean that they are here for any less. I am glad that we are such a close-knit family who can tell each other anything. No matter what happens, they always know exactly what to say to cheer up my day. I love them all to the moon and back and honestly don't know what I would do without their unending words of encouragement and love.