Who Am I?

There are many things that make you different than someone else.  Whether it is the people you surround yourself with, the places you've been, the way you were raised, or the opportunities you've had.  Not one person is the same.  You may be a twin or just siblings; you may look alike, act alike, or even sound alike, but you are not the same.  We all have different distinguishing factors that make us unique. I, Anya Ranae Oswald am the person I am today because of the people in my life and my past experiences.

Most people think of cows as the animal that provides us with very delicious food.  Whether it is the juicy, tender 12oz rib eye or the bowl full of ice cream, we wouldn't be blessed with such great foods if it wasn't for the cow.  Don't get me wrong my two favorite foods are provided by the cow but when I think about a cow I don't think about what we can eat from them but how they contribute into making me, me!  I have been surrounded by cows my entire life.  I would wake up before I go about my daily activities such as school or church and feed my calves and before I went in for the day my pet favorite animals would have to get fed again. I think about all the memories that my father and I have with these huge animals.  How we'd try and chase them in their pasture during the middle of the night or all the times we'd make fence just to have it break again.  I think about my first trip to the meat block where I went with my dad to take my first pet cow named Ashes.  And I think about the purple ribbons that my Priscilla and Petranella have won me at the fair.  Without cows I honestly don't believe I would be the girl that I am today.

I believe that the people you surround yourself with are a part of who you are and who you’ve become. We are most likely to hang around people that have the same interests as us. I hang out with people who are friendly, nice to everyone, and positive.  It’s nice to have someone build you up and make you a better person.  My friends are extremely important to me.  I wouldn't look forward to school if I didn't have great friends to associate with.

The most important thing to me is my family.  I know no matter what they will be there till the very end.  Being in the middle of my sisters I am very close to all. I listened to my older sister’s cry about their break ups and wiped away the younger sister’s tears over silly things that seemed important at the time. I think that growing up in the middle I have seen both sides to every situation and it has made me a more understanding person.  Going through many tragedies in my family has brought us closer together. My parents taught me to thank God for the little things he has given us, not dwell on the past, and work for goals.  My parents expect a lot out of me and I never want to disappoint them.  I try hard in everything I do and I work for what I want.

Growing up on a farm isn't easy.  There are many jobs and responsibilities that come with raising animals and crops.  It has taught me to work hard and not be lazy.  I am someone who loves being outside and I would much rather be outside working on the farm than at school any day. I love getting the chance to know my father more and how he handles situations.  He teaches me not only how to run a farm but patience.

For those reasons I believe that I am someone who is slow to get angry with the little things but don't tolerate the things that shouldn't happen. I am a very understanding person and try not to judge anyone.  I am the girl who wants everyone to be included because I know how it feels to be left out.  When I was eight my two older sisters never let me do anything with them because I was "too young." I make it an effort to try and include my younger sisters because I know how much it meant to me when I got to hang out with my older sisters.

To sum it all up I guess you could say that I am the daughter of a hard working father and a strong willed mother. I am the sister to five beautiful sisters, a sister-in-law to three handsome brothers, and an aunt to an adorable little girl named Adelie. I am a granddaughter to my grandparents and a niece to many.  I am a cousin to billions and a friend to everyone.