Havrisik 1

Charlotte Havrisik
Ms. Marlowe
Expo R/W P 3
13 October 2015
Roots
My roots took their grip in the ground long before I was born in 1998. Throughout the
seventeen years I have been alive, my beliefs have been defined both independently and off the
foundations developed by my family. The more I grow the more I learn about the way my family
functions and how the foundations of faith and love have developed my growth as an individual.
I believe the impact of my family and their beliefs have played a huge role in defining how I
have rooted myself.
My family started before my parents had even met. My dad had been in a previous
marriage where he had a son, my older brother, named Scott who I only call Scotty even if he is
an adult now. Despite the fact that we have different mothers and growing up we only saw
each other every other week, Scotty and I have a relationship as if none of that was the case.
After my dads first marriage ended my dad met my mom and married on January 21, 1994. In
the years to follow they had three kids which included my older brother Peter, my younger
brother Lucas, and of course me. Growing up with three boys in the house was difficult. Whereas
some may assume it to be an opportunity to be spoiled beyond your wildest dreams, I saw it as a
challenge to fit in. Each one of my brothers took up athletics which I then felt forced into so I
could feel as though I was apart of what they were apart of. But as I grew I found there was more

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to my relationship with my brothers than sports and I did not need to act like a boy to relate to
them.
Something my family raised me with was absolute, unconditional love. My relationship
with my parents has always been a huge priority in my life. From the little things like kissing
them every night before I got to bed and every morning when I wake up to their unending
support for my decisions regarding schooling, athletics, and future choices, my parents have
always been there for me and have inspired the way I show love. Their servitude and sacrifice for
me and my brothers is something I aspire to pursue as I transition into adulthood, whether they
know that or not. The idea to live in love and let love shine through in every daily interaction is
something I truly believe in. Love has greatly impacted my life and the way I choose to interact
with others.
Ever since I can remember, my family has been very encouraging of spiritual growth.
Most people think being raised in a Christian household means your faith is only a factor because
it is what your parents want. Although that may have been true for a portion of my life, I was
able to find my own path in my faith. My relationship with God has not always been easy but it
has always been something I find comfort in. From times of personal trial in regards to athletics
and feeling less than enough, my faith has stood strong and carried me to places of worth and
happiness. My faith is something I try to keep as a core value so it can be used to impact all
aspects of my life.
Yes, I am tall. Yes, I play volleyball. Yes, I am artistic. There are plenty of things initially
known about me that seem to define who I am in an outward way, but the true definition of who I
am is derived from my origins. My family, my relationship with God and my pursuance of love

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in life is what makes me who I am. From my surroundings I have learned how to sacrifice,
support, forgive, develop relationships, and most importantly love, all which are ingrained in my
roots and have showed me how I believe in living my life.