Nicole Smith, 9

“I do not like being an only child; I feel so lonely sometimes … I wish I had a brother or sister. I see other people and I get kinda sad that I don’t have that person to guide me through life or keep me company. Because of that, my mom is my role model … she is my rock and the hardest worker I know. We are both kind of lonely, so we stick together. It is just me and mom, and yet, she still tries her hardest to make me have a great life … I appreciate her so much. Without many family members for advice, I have to evaluate my friends more wisely now … and you have to change and cleanse yourself of toxic friendships that affect your personality. Because I have no advice, I have to navigate these obstacles alone, but in the end, it makes me a stronger person … just like my mom.”