I believe that everyone goes through hardships in life. Some bigger than others, but we all have hardships. For me, it was moving to Colorado from Oregon almost five years ago. I had everything I could ask for in my life. I lived in a small town and was very popular amongst people there. I had all the friends in the world as well. We spent hard times and good times together. I never had a lot of hardships growing up till the end of seventh grade year when my Dad lost his job and we were forced to move. I lost everything I had and was back to square one. Being ¡°the new kid¡± at school and trying to make new friends as well. This is what so many kids go through. It was tough on me and I¡¯m sure other kids think the same thing. The one thing that frustrates me is how the kids that have it going for them never reach out and say ¡°hi¡± to the new guy. He just gets ignored and that¡¯s what happened to me. I know what it felt like and now when there is a new person in school I will always put my hand out and say ¡°hello.¡± It makes that person feel so much more appreciated. I wanted to make this known to everybody about how these type of hardships make a person feel.

I hope that someday everyone changes their ways and put their arm to make someone feel welcomed. I know that the first person who put their hand out for me is still my friend and we have become great friends. It¡¯s amazing how doing the simplest things for somebody can make sure a big impact on their life. It changes everything in a minute and before you know it that person has came out of their shell. They get more outgoing and that is what happened to me. I think just a simple thing like saying ¡°hi¡± to someone in the hall is the nicest thing you can do to brighten up someones day. I do it all the time now and people are even saying ¡°hello¡± to me now and it makes me feel like i made a difference. It¡¯s an amazing feeling knowing that and I¡¯m I got to experience both sides of it because it¡¯s changed me as a person forever.