Alejandro Salazar

Everything happens for a reason—as cliche as it may sound. The young man standing to the left of the photo, is my brother named, Juan Carlos Salazar Jr.. He was born on Independence Day, and was only two years older than I was. Although my brain seemed to be more developed because he was not the sharpest needle in the haystack. He was my best friend and my leader. And although we spent a lot of our time fighting, we both knew we were inseparable. Unfortunately, “everything happens for a reason”, because on my second to last day of eighth grade, I witnessed my brother laying in a hospital bed completely out of life. He had drowned in a reservoir while hanging with some friends after their early release from high school. As hard as this was for my family (especially my parents), I knew I had to hold myself together, so that I could be strong for my loved ones. Now four years later, I am here. Believing that everything happens for a reason, and I do not question it. Instead I try everyday to be positive about life and enjoy it to the fullest, leaning not on my own understanding, but trusting God with all of my heart. This “happening” was something I never expected, but I can truly say, the man that I am today is because of my life before and after my brother. Living my life remembering that everything happens for a reason.