“Someone that made a big impact on me would have to be my mom. She has always been a great role model and took great care of me growing up. She always taught me to pick the good things to value in life and how to be smart with my choices. One thing she told me to value was the friendships that lasted and had no judgments. In middle school, she gave me great advice especially when I didn’t want to be there and was lonely. She told me to not get anxious, to stay calm and that someone who has a good soul would come without complaints. I used to complain that I didn’t feel great and would ask her to pick me up but, instead she would give me advice on how to feel better and make more friends.” – Sophie Barmak, 11