Do we really know the people we are close to? Do we really know their feelings, secrets or dreams? I feel that you don’t know everything that you want to know of a person even the people we are the closest to. The person I choose to write about is a person that I feel close to yet at times know nothing about. The person that I am writing about is one of my oldest friends and that is a very special in my life. We can be together all day every day if we did not have to go to school or work. Than at times we can stop talking for weeks because of how busy life can get and it is hard to see each other. Even though we are best friends we don't share everything together. At times I feel that I do not even know what she is really going through. Carmela Ramirez is my best friend and the person that I will be telling you about today. She is the middle child of a family of four has two older siblings and a younger brother. She was born on March 20^th, 1998 in a Chicago hospital. Carmela is a very strong person and likes to do things on her own. Carmela won't tell you her problems until she figures them out on her time and then will open up about things. She feels that it is better to try to figure out your problems on your own and think thoroughly about certain situations. That can be either a blessing or a curse to just hold in your feelings for a while she said. When Carmela focuses or sets her mind on something there is nothing stopping her.

One of her biggest accomplishments is her 2012 Honda Civic that she paid off with her own money and took two years to pay off. when Carmela turned 16 she right away wanted to get a car, to be independent and drive. For some teens this was just a luxury to drive but to Carmela this was a big sign of independence for her and her family. Carmela needed because her mother does not drive and it was hard for them to get around. Her father worked all day at his nine to five job and her mother is a stay at home mom. Carmela did not live too far from school but would walk and once she got to high school that was a very far walk and she would get rides from friends. Also to get to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or anywhere during the week was very hard for them. The father needed Carmela to drive so she can help her mother and younger brother at home to get around. But her father did not help Carmela pay off her car, if she wanted the car she had to work for it. Carmela got her first job at Dunkin donuts, on her 16 birthday she went for the application and got the job and worked every day after school and on weekends. Carmela was determined to pay off the car has soon as possible and wanted to work has many hours has she could. Going to school and working meant many late nights and early for her but nothing could stop her until she reached her goal. Once she paid the car off after two years of hard work her family was super shocked but are very proud of her. That was just one goal that Carmela reached in her teen years.

While working to pay off her car, Carmela also graduated High school early that was a big deal to her because she wanted to start going to college to get started on her career. She worked very hard in high school to graduate early, took summer school for 3 years in a row and dropped her lunch to take extra classes. She would always be on top of all her asignments and do the extra credit in all of her classes. Carmela wanted to get the grades and would never settle for anything less than an B. She would do all this school work and work this meant many very long nights studying and doing homework. After high school Carmela at first wanted to be a nurse but than seeing all that she would have to do and started going to Moraine she realized that was not a dream of hers. This hit her hard realizing that she did not want to become a nurse and fell into a small depression. But Carmela did not let that get to her and overcame depression right away. While she was depressed Carmela felt that she hit rock bottom and did not want to leave the house or be out with friends or family. I never really knew that this was very hard on her or what she felt. She said that it was difficult for her to open up about it because she felt that no one would understand what she was feeling. Carmela explains that being sad and crying was not going to help fit anything and started setting new goals. After some time and break from life she got right back on her feet and started working and going to school, then a semester later took a break from school to truly find herself. After seeing that college is a major life change and it was a lot time and money, Carmela felt that taking a break from school was the best decision she ever made. During that time while she was taking the break from school she realized that she did not want to work in fast food all her life. This was a life changing experience for her and wanted to take change the way she saw life.

Then came to the decision that she wanted to go back to school to be an Ultrasound technician. This would still be in the medical field like she original wanted and felt that this was the best choose for her. Carmela always wanted to work in the medical field since she was a little but did not know all the different position in the field. Carmela is currently working on her goal at Moraine Valley and hopes to be almost done with school to get started on her passion. She that helping people and working in the hospital was where she always pictured herself working.

Hard work and struggles is what molds you to the person you are. In her past she has overcome many struggles in school and at home. Carmela farther did not give them extra luxuries like cable television or the cell phones. If Carmela wants something she has to work for it and earn it. This shaped Carmela to be very independent at a young age, she has to pay her own phone bill, car bill and pays for half of school. Everything that Carmela has she worked hard for and worked long hours. Her father does help her with things that are necessary and gives her a place to live and food on the table but if she wants something new or up to date she has to work for it.

Even though she has been through so much and work at her job and school she still is a very happy person. Life is too short and she felt that even though she is 21 year’s old has been through some life changing experiences; that life get better. After dealing with depression and felt lost with what to do with her life, said that whatever happens will happen. Carmela keep a positive attitude and outlook on life after her sibling had kids. She recently became an aunt and that is what keeps her going and what makes her happy in life. For her family is very thing and wants to enjoy each moment she can with her nephew and niece. Carmela hopes that one day they will look up to this pushes her to do her best in life. Never wants to give them negative vibes because she wants them to grow up with happy memories. Carmela is a great person and always changes the way I see life. Her energy, vibe and jokes will make you laugh, and she is easy to get along with; does not like to have drama. Even though she works hard and long hours always has a smile on her face. I felt that she was the best person for me to write about because she motivates me to reach for my goals. Also she always pushes me to do my best in life and tells me go for my dreams. Her message for people is to always be happy and understanding that everyone is going through something. To always laugh and make the best of your life.

Work cited:

Ramirez Carmela. Personal Interview. 6 February 2019