(17, NJ, USA) Stecey - Happiness Is Not Guaranteed

Early in my childhood, I wanted my life to be perfect, and I had everything I wanted. After surviving a major Earthquake in Haiti in 2010, the cliche of “life is short'' became my new motto. It brought my family and I closer together and made me understand that the one thing that is guaranteed in this life, is death. A younger version of me always pictured happiness as having materialistic things such as clothes, food, and luxury items. As much as those things sound great, I soon realized that it was a facade and only brought temporary happiness. My parents grew up in Haiti working hard for me and my siblings. As I've gotten older I’ve seen the mental and physical toll work has taken on them. From coming home and going straight to bed, not having time to converse with one another, or any time to go out and have fun. Day in and day out, I saw how they truly cared for us by working hard, but it robbed them of their joy in life. I enjoy every moment of my life like it is my last because life is a gift to be treasured. We’re always constantly rushing in the present moment and we take for granted what we have in front of us now. I enjoy every laugh, and every smile or cry I have because of my experiences, either good or bad. It is these experiences that shape us and create souvenirs in our brain. Today, I’m so happy that I was able to bring my family together so that we can enjoy and appreciate this fast ride through life because life is short!