Personal Essay Sample: Person Who Influenced Me the Most

When asked about the person that has influenced me the most, I do not need to look at a celebrity. When it comes to me, it is my cousin Dante. He passed away eight years ago, at the age of five. Besides the little time we had together, he taught me much more than any other person. He was always full of energy and smiling, and he had an enduring vitality I am sure I will never have. 

One thing I admire about him is his strength, which helped him go through so many hard times and come out stronger. He had to undergo many surgeries due to his heart infirmity, but that didn't stop him from being the most beautiful person I've ever had in my life. I remember visiting him, and he would welcome me with excitement, eager to spend time with me. I remember this one time, we were at my house, and I was doing my English homework, and he asked me to teach him something, so that's what I did. Later, when my aunt came to pick him up, he was excited to tell her about the words he learned.

It was always great to see him: he had the kind of energy that gets you to stick around to a person because of how solid they make you feel. His condition didn't stop him from doing anything. He was and still is, cherished by many people.

Later in my journal, I realized how much he taught about living. Firstly, you always have to look at the bright side. Nothing is truly lost until you no longer have it in your posses, so hold on to those concerns and don't be morose about whatever it is that is causing you to grieve. Secondly, we have to learn how to see the world through the eyes of a child. Children see beauty in everything, and they are continually amazed to discover something new. Perhaps sometimes we should be more like kids and try to appreciate life. 

He affected how I perceive the atmosphere around me and face challenges, and I am so beholden for that. He taught me never to give up because it's now or nerve. We can't let the difficulties stop us from achieving satisfaction, no matter how obdurate the situation is right now.

Lastly, live in the moment. Life is remarkably unpredictable, and it might make us suffer. Spend time with your family, friends, make memories, talk to new people and have new experiences. You never know when the last time you see someone is: the least we can do is own the present and live in it.