Haylee Williamson

When I was younger, I thought that being an only child was the worst hand I could have ever been dealt. While all of my friends went on loud family road trips and had bonding time with their siblings, I got quiet getaways and bonding time with my mother, which at the time seemed a lot less appealing. As I grew older, I began to accept my fate of living in dull solitude with my mother while my friends enjoyed sibling rivalries and bonding time. This attitude changed completely once I reached high school.

Within the first week I had been invited to attend Young Life. With a bit of hesitation and reassurance from my friends, I decided to go. It was nothing like I had ever seen in my life. All of my friends together in one place having the times of our lives and learning about beliefs that were important to all of us. Before I knew it I was going to Young Life twice a week and becoming closer and closer with my friends and leaders. From late night dancing in the streets to rowdy trips to Young Life Camp, every aspect made me love Young Life more and more. Before I even knew it, four years were up, it was time to graduate, and my leader Kelly was engaged. It was not until the end of these four years that I realized I had gained the best kind of siblings through young life; the kind that are always there for you, support you, and don't have to sleep at your house.