Everything

As many of you know, I've lived a life as much of joy as of pain. But, sitting here and reflecting on 18 years well spent, I realize the immense and unique beauty that has exuded from my life and surrounded me from birth. I've grown up with so much love, so much that I feel it burning scars of hope and desire.

I was born to an unlikely couple of young parents, full of laughter, life, and of course love. Two brilliant young people from two entirely different lives. Little did I know, their differences would always be the obstacles for me to balance from birth; however, in no way would I want my life to be anything else, but this beautiful combination of the world.

From birth, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of varied love. From my mother's love as she started her journey of raising me while she herself hadn't finished her childhood, to the love of my father serving the country during the beginning of my life, he himself still a young adult. Lucky for me, my life has always contained "sub-parents": amazing grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends who have been there to help me in the process of becoming who I am today. I may seem slightly sentimental, or perhaps you think I'm exaggerating, but let me tell you, no other child grew up with so much love.

Of course, this love was unconventional, but it was also unconditional, and it has followed me from my first footsteps, to the moment I type this.

Love seems to be a topic I cover a lot, and it's simply because my life has been rich in it. The love of my parents was infused into me from birth, their ambition, their drive, their passion. Even more so, their diversity.

I am blessed enough to represent what seems like more than half of the world. My dad's background spans across Western Asia, while my mom's spans from Western Europe to Native America to Indonesia. Not only am I a representation of the diversity in my generation, but my diversity has led me to an openness unparalleled. I've experienced black culture through my father's friends, my aunt was born in Africa, and I was born in a small town in Ohio. I laughed in agreement the other day when my friend said to me, "Jordan, you are the world."

I can't articulate in simple words how much my parents mean to me. And when I say parents I don't simply mean my amazing father and mother, but ALL of the amazing people who have touched my life. All of you.

Two of the most influential people in my life however are not my parents. They are my brothers. Since my parents' divorce nine and half years ago, I have been their "parent", their confidante, and of course their loving brother. Sure we've fought, and there's no doubt that we've disagreed, but what astounds me is the intensity, and the invisibility of our love. I find myself smiling at the simplest gestures from them, more now than ever as we prepare to live our first year apart. The other night in the car when Jalen snuggled up to my shoulder like he always used to, or days when Jivan still wants me to play with him remind me of the love that's always there and always unsaid. I tear up even thinking of leaving them as I head out for college, but I know that their influence on my life has been remarkable. I love and cherish every minute with them, even if they don't know, and I can't wait to see the astounding things they will accomplish to eclipse my own.

Not only has my family made a profound impact on me, but my friends have also shaped me in ways they never noticed. When I couldn't go to a family member, or I was struggling in school, often times it was my friends who pulled me through it. Whether they are my friends who I've known since I was the kid in Worthington Meadows who always had to be Luke Skywalker, or if they only know me as the guy who wears too many chucks, I appreciate them all more than words can describe. They've all held me strong, and inspired me to new heights, and I can't thank them more.

All of this love that's raised me and surrounded me gives me so much hope for my future. People ask me every day how I live a life so positively, and with so much passion. If they knew me they'd know that to me, there is no other way to live life. My life has inspired me to change more than just the world, but to change lives. I head to Ohio Wesleyan next year, not just to learn how to teach, but also to hone my craft of life changing. Amazingly, I've found out that I've already changed lives, and knowing that I have is both humbling, and astounding to me. I find myself channeling all the amazing people in my life to help others, so in essence it's really all of you who are helping.

Sure, life's been rough sometimes. But, I believe so strongly in every human's potential, now more than ever. You have all made me the person I am today, and today I want to tell you what you've inspired me to believe. In every single human, I now see light. I understand we all are a combination of good and bad, but from everyone around me, I feel their warmth, their love, and the light they exude. My goal as I take my first steps in the real world is to act as a mirror. I've been given the experiences to provide me with a unique understanding of life, and I stand in many ways as a representation of so many people, and so much love. Now, all that I want to do, is reflect it back to everyone I meet. I want to reflect this light, this love, this essence to everyone, because I feel that if people could feel this light that I've found in me, I could awaken theirs as well.

So I leave with this: a simple I love you. I love you all, and can't thank you enough for all that you have provided me, and all that you've prepared me for in life.

L. Soleil