Everyone has that handful of people that leave the biggest imprint on your life. Those people range from a personal family member, outside source such as teachers, coaches, or friends, and even people he or she has never met before.

One of the biggest personal influences on my life so far is my sister Cydney. Cydney was born a year before me (1997), which makes her older than me. Growing up I would always follow my big sister and try to be like her. We would always wear matching to similar outfits from when we where younger till even now where we would share our clothes. From sharing each other clothes to sharing a bedroom together for 17 years we got closer and closer each day. Also while growing up I was attached to my sister at hips. Even today our mom would say “you love your big sister” directing her comment at me.

Although we shared a room for 17 years when the time came for having separate rooms I would still go into my sister room and sleep along side her or at the end of her bed. Also since Cydney is older than me in age I’ve learned and I am still learning through her experiences about life, boys, and even school. I’ve learned so much by observing her actions and even talking to her.Cydney is one of my most trusted best friend that I’ll never lose touch with no matter how far the distance is between us or no matter how much we get caught in our own lives I promise we will always have one another. My sister and I attend the same school until her freshman year of college when she then attended Cleveland State Unversity, while I stayed home and completed my senior year. I couldn’t have wished for a better sister than the one and only sister I have now.

The second person to influence me is my very first dance teacher Mrs.Jane Wilhelm. When I first attend Ferndale middle school back in 7th grade I was given the choice to choose what my 2 electives would be. The only choices I had was dance, choir, or orchestra. Having no background knowledge of playing an instrument and not being able to sing well I was left with the choice of dance. When I first pick dance I didn’t know what to expect since I had never been introduced to the world of dance; before I step foot in Mrs.Whilhelm classroom.Mrs.Whilem is an older white lady that teachers dance to middle schools and high schoolers. Unaware of the many different dance styles such as, jazz, ballet, tap, and many more had seen the potential of a great dancer and choreography that I could be.

I am truly blessed to have ever known someone of her character. Everytime her dance class would put on a shoe she would always try and find the cheapest way for us to afford our customs. In fact, for all of the dance recitals that I have been in she will always dig into her own pockets, pay and buy 23 girls a shirt, pair of pants, or any hair accessory the class needed to wear for the show. Although Ms.whilem was my dance instructor she not only introduce me to dance, but also taught me to laugh when I fall and to never give up. She is one of the most kind-hearted ones I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and the most inspirational teacher I had ever had throughout my high school education. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t feel a sensation of peace when my feet are on a dance floor. To this day I visit Ms.whilem and see all the younger girls she is now inspiring and will always show my gratitude towards her

     

The last person to influence me the most is a dancer name Misty Copeland. Misty Copeland never knew about the world of dance like me, until the age of thirteen. Her first encounter was when she went to her local boys and girls club and after sitting on the side watching other girls and boys play she finally got the courage to join in on the fun and try dancing. From that moment on Misty had a tough journey on moving up the ladder in the dance world. Through all of her hard work and serious injuries she still came back on top and became the first African American woman principal ballet dancer with the astonishing New York’s American Ballet Theater Company.

Unlike many ballerinas, Misty Copeland decided that ballerinas should be known as much as basketball, baseball, and even football players should be. Misty Copeland is the only ballerina to endorse my a sportswear company and write her own book. Misty Copeland has inspired me to continue on in my dance journey and like Ms.whilem to never give up no matter the circumstances. I haven’t had the chance to have known Misty Copeland personally, but like a superhero, she inspires not only me but many other African American girls all over the world. Misty Copeland gives me more hope than any other dancer because of her story. Misty is not tall with blond hair and lighter skin, but because of her unique qualities, she’s more breathtaking than any other ballerina she stands next to. I may not know her now, but I know one day I will see her perform and have the pleasure of actually meeting her.