I remember at a scholarship interview in grade 7 we were asked who our hero was. The blonde boy next to me answered “Nelson Mandela” and recited some facts and quotes that he’d committed to memory. I answered with “my friends are my heroes” and the interviewer told me that that was silly and that I needed to pick someone famous. The blonde kid got the scholarship.

Of course there are famous people that I admire and look up to. There are many people who I’d say I’m a fan of. But still, to this day, my friends will receive more of my fangirling than celebrities will.

I’ll support and cheer for my friends when they start businesses, when they perform in concerts, when they start a blog and when they chase crazy ideas. I’ll support them with my time and with my money in whatever way I can. I love bragging about my friends, and will be their hype man whenever the opportunity comes about

Because celebrities don’t really need your support. To them, you’re just a drop in an ocean. But to a friend, your support can catalyse their growth and inspire them to continue to reach for their dreams

What Goes Around

When I started this blog, I was scared that people would read it. But I was also scared that no one would read it. That I’d go unnoticed.

However, the support I’ve had from friends has been incredible. I know that Thabo is always there to listen to my rambles (hi Thabo, you’re the best <3). I know that family like my mom, Jacs, Charles and Caroline are always checking in and supporting me wherever they are in the world. I know that Holly, Marc, Chantelle, Jared and Janine are here for the ride, cheering me on the whole time.

It makes me feel like I’m writing for an audience. It inspires me every day to continue this journey.

And I know I might not have gotten the scholarship back in grade 7. But I still maintain that my heroes aren’t sports stars or celebrities. My heroes are my friends.

Image is from two weeks ago when I was having a rough day on campus. A friend of mine bought us both two Steri Stumpies each so we didn’t have to make the painful choice between strawberry and chocolate.

Also… thank you to Janine for inspiring this post. She’s also just started blogging, and you should check her blog out here