Tyerra Rooffener The person I admire most and who has the biggest influence on me is my grandpa. My grandpa is the most charming, wise and patient man that I have ever known. My favorite memories with him are the times he’d pick me up from elementary school when I was younger. After the final bell rang, I would come out through the big school gate, and my grandpa would always be standing there with the biggest, most genuine smile on his face as he called my name. That’s one thing I love about him; he is always on time. More importantly, he has taught me that no matter how old someone is, they can always have fun. A few years ago, my family (including my grandparents) went to an amusement park in Singapore. The park was famous for its roller coasters and as a 10-year-old, I obviously decided to go on the scariest one I could find. I was very nervous on my way up to the ride, but as I was standing in line to get on the roller coaster, I heard the sound of an old man laughing. “That sounds a lot like my grandpa,” I thought to myself. I turned around, and my 80-year-old grandpa was standing in the roller coaster line, grinning. My jaw dropped, I was shocked. What was my grandpa doing here next to me about to go on the scariest roller coaster in the park? My grandpa looked at me, smiled and said confidently: “If you kids can ride it, then I can ride it, too!” We both came out safely and happily from the ride. Afterwards when I asked my grandpa why he decided to get on the ride, he said: “Never let your age stop you from doing something that you like.” I truly admire my grandpa. I love his confidence, his warmth and his kind heart. But most of all I love his love for life and I hope someday to be as amazing as he is. | 