Assignments stack onto one another just like Jenga, as I remove one assignment only to add another on top while trying to maintain my sanity. I remember how excited I was before the first day of sophomore year. 2 hours of sleep and a dream, which is now my everyday, unhealthy lifestyle. My minutes are equivalent to seconds as they slip through the clock’s hands. Everything disappears within a blink of an eye. My calendar is overfilled with words where View More summarizes my day. August really did slip away in a moment of time. 

However, day by day, I learn, grow, and persevere. Collecting and thrifting trinkets is one of the hobbies that help carry me to another world of bliss. I love art. Understanding and making art helps keep me motivated, rather than lying on my bed mindlessly on my phone. Thrifting is such a surreal experience… I love the feeling of entering my local Goodwill and walking towards the aisle of trinkets. I want to give these items a second home and a greater purpose.

Over the summer, my cousin gifted me a SMISKI. SMISKIs are tiny little creatures crafted into everyday life activities. They are designed to be hidden in small places around the room to include liveliness in the darkest spaces– similar to my struggles.

SMISKIs are charged with a phosphorescent material that absorbs light, giving it the glow-in-the-dark effect! I charge my SMISKIs under the sun and under my lamp, once in a while, like a spa day! Bringing my SMISKIs out into the sun makes me imagine as if I am the SMISKI relaxing. Being outdoors recharges my social battery with fresh air, replacing the stress that fills my lungs.

I place my little friend above a pot of plants I have lying on my desk. When doing my assignments, I get distracted and unmotivated easily whether the assignment is too repetitive or complicated. However, looking at SMISKI glowing brightly underneath the heavy leaves inspires me to thrive. Regardless of a harsh environment, my SMISKI continues to glow, becoming a Light That Never Goes Out. I aspire to become just like my little friend! Regardless of how dark my days are, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel. Everything will be worth it in the end.

Not only is SMISKI special to me, but it is a symbol of family to me. Little did my cousin know something so small would affect my life in the most genuine way possible. I believe everyone should have a little partner by their side, real or not. Having something that represents the things I care for helped me get through my journey safely. Freshman year presented me with many hurdles to overcome, but now, with my sidekick, SMISKI, I am driven to pole vault over Mount Everest.