# 3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
All I knew about her was that her
name was Victoria, and that she did not speak much English. Once a month, Victoria takes a system of
public buses to come and clean my house. As I race home from school, I meet
Victoria, waiting on my front porch for me to let her in.
“Hello
Mr. ZZZZZ!” Victoria would say in her
best English.
As
I reply, “Hi Victoria, it’s great to see you again.”
And after that, there are no words.
I eat my lunch, as Victoria puts on her cleaning gloves to go along with her
Mona Lisa smile. I watch her small body
dance as she begins to hum the words to a catchy salsa song. Victoria’s
happiness never leaves her dark brown eyes, despite the hard life she lives.
Always remaining so thankful for every blessing she has, she cannot go without
drowning my family with “Thank You’s.” She is so grateful after we give her
clothes every month, for her family that she supports, or when we offer her a
meal to eat and car ride to the bus stop.
Victoria may seem to be an unlikely
suspect to have an impact on my life, but not only has she done so, she has
changed the way I view the world. Only by spending time with this woman who has
so many reasons to be unhappy, have I come to see what is truly important in
life. Without words to inspire me, Victoria’s lifestyle has shown me that
positivity will keep you alive. Her continuous high spirits and sincerity prove
that life is what you make it, and as long as you can count your blessings you
will always have a reason to celebrate. Victoria’s contagious smile and warmth
have driven me to share my happiness with all those who surround me. Like an
underdog proving their strength, Victoria, my housecleaner, has revealed to me
that hope is all we need, and kindness is all we have to give. I will never
forget Victoria and I will always think of her when times get tough, because to
Victoria, I am forever grateful.