not easily noticeable? I came to America when I was 10 years old. At first if I had any trouble in

school I had to go and ask one of my cousins, Bhoomi and Rima, who had been here for 6 years,

or my uncle. My cousin Tilak, who I first met in 5th grade, who is 4 years older than me was

an inspiring male role model at a time when I needed one most. By being approachable and

interesting, he, in my freshman year of junior high school helped me learn about the way things

If I wrote a list of how all the people who influenced me there would be only one person

who I actually think did change me. Ray, the best friend I have ever had, changed me, and

I changed him at one of the most crucial times in our lives: the seventh and eighth grade. We

acquaintances. However, until Ray, I never had anyone my age to identify with completely. We

became a staple at his house and he at mine. On weekdays, we usually walked over to his

house, which was near school, and hung out there till I had to go home.

Of course, as two seventh grade boys, it wasn't all fun and games either. We

intense that we could not have normal emotions toward each other. As friends, we were best

With Ray, I lost the best friend I ever had. Losing that kind of bond cuts deep, and I know

r personalities, our senses of humor, and our love for girls at the same time and in

Some common words found in the essay are:
Bhoomi Rima, , seventh grade, eighth grade, seventh eighth grade, seventh eighth,
Approximate Word count = 593
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)