I’ve been raised with a knowledge of what’s right and what’s wrong. I have been counseled for nearly 15 years, to be aware of what’s going on around me, to be wise with the choices I make. My parents have taught me that, if ever the circumstance arises, I stand up for what I know to be true and never back down. Even and especially when it takes a great leap of faith and courage. I was informed that doing so would bless me with eternal rewards. I found this to be true one afternoon in 2010.

I had recently moved into the house I now call home, located in Utah, USA. It had been about 6 months and I still had a difficult time letting my past friends go. They were so far away yet so close to my heart, I couldn’t bear the thought that I had left them and they were probably back to living their own life, without me in it. I would often wonder if they missed me as much as I missed them, but I knew I needed to move on with my life as well, and make the best of being a resident of my new place. As I started to attend the 4^th grade , I began to let go my sorrow and allow more light to creep back in.

Mr. Schmidt was my teacher at the time, and he was phenomenal. He saw the world as a place to be smart, but also to have fun. His imagination encouraged the students to be creative and find excitement in even the blandest of things. During this year of education and learning, I became friends with Savannah, who was the kindest girl I had met since I had moved in. Over the next few months, she and I discovered that we shared many things in common and soon our bond strengthened. We became bosom buddies, best friends, sisters; there was nothing anybody could do to change that. Besides the little arguments that best friends have, we never showed each other any disinterest. If we could help it, we always stood side by side - until a cool afternoon in 2010; a day that changed my life.

As I recall, I was with Savannah, and another friend, Brans. We were at Brans’ house and he and Savannah were talking to each other in a language I did not understand. “Ibish” was the proper name for this made-up language, and because they had been speaking it for a couple years, they were quite “fluent”. I watched in confusion as they communicated with themselves something they obviously did not want me to hear. This was very unsettling to me but I proceeded to wait until they were finished. Meanwhile, thoughts raced through my mind of what could be so important that my own best friend refused to interpret their discussion. After what seemed like minutes (but was really only a matter of seconds) Savannah decided to fill me in on their conversation. I was relieved that an end had come the awkward situation, though I was disappointed when I heard their response.

            Brans informed me that they were deciding whether or not to show me a funny video they had previously watched. They had come to the agreement that they could show me this clip. I followed in hesitation as they began to search the computer for this, quote, “funny You Tube video”. I knew that messing around on You Tube was something I shouldn’t do, but I continued to stay with my friends. They were honest and good friends, so everything would- or should-be fine. However, even with this assurance, I knew something was not right. I sensed a strange feeling that they were lying to me.

            Once Brans found the video, he opened the linked and pressed play. My eyes drifted to the screen, I watched in terror as what came up was very disturbing. I screamed in fear; what had been shown was not inappropriate, but was very frightening. My friends laughed at my dramatic response, and they were very satisfied with the results of their prank, while I remained dumbfounded. When my heartbeat returned to its original pace, I was able to get back to my senses. I was glad that moment was over, although what happened next astonished me even more.

            When Brans and Savannah finally rid of their giggles, they again brought up another video I should see, and I uncertainly refused. They promised it was not the same as the past video, but rather much more peaceful. I wanted to stand my ground and firmly say ‘no’ to their plea, but my mouth was pursed shut. Glue seemed to be keeping me from speaking my thoughts, and I soon found my head nodding and accepting what they asked of me. When the video began, I realized they were right; this clip was not the same as the other-it was worse. Again I screeched and my friends howled in laughter. “Why are they finding so much fun in making a fool out of me?” The question flashed across my mind “What am I supposed to do now?". I knew what I needed to do, and this time, I acted upon that knowledge.

            I politely excused myself from the room and made my way to the kitchen. I asked Brans’ mom if I could use their telephone to call my mom, because I felt it was time for me to go home. After I got off the phone, Savannah approached me and I explain to her that I needed to return to my home. Suddenly she looked very sad, and asked me to stay a little longer, but I reassured her that I could not. She remained silent while I waited for my mother to pick me up, and quietly said goodbye when my mom arrived. I could not shake the guilty feeling of letting my friend down, but I was also hurt that she would lie to me not only once, but twice. Even if it was just a silly prank, it had gone too far. I looked back as we were driving away and I could see the sorrow in my friend’s eyes. I tried to resist the tears that came to mine own eyes, but they were too much to bear. My mother listened from the driver’s side as I told her the miserable encounter I had just gone through.

            The story concluded, and my mother comforted me. She was very proud of me and happy that I had made the correct decision. My tear streaked face began to smile, for I knew that I was strong and had passed and obstacle in my way. I felt support from both my mom and my family, as what I did was shared and acknowledge at dinner that night. Although, even with a peaceful feeling that what I had done was right, I still felt bad for my dear friend, who, looked brokenhearted when I left her.

            While preparing for bed, I got a phone call from Savannah. She was sobbing, but between the sobs and her breaths, she apologized for what she had done and hoped I could forgive her. I immediately accepted her apology and rejoiced in the renewed friendship. I was so grateful that I had stood up for what I knew was right, even though it meant being courageous. This experience gave me strength for future experiences, and proved to me the pure happiness that comes to you when you do what is right.

            I often look back upon that cool evening in 2010, and wonder how such a young mind could do something so brave. Though, I am ever grateful for that life changing experience. It strengthened me and gave me an everlasting reward: Courage. Because I had done it once, I could do it again and again. I was ready to face my weaknesses, to stand up even taller than I had before. What happened to me that night changed me forever, it gave me the courage I might not have had; and that, is a priceless reward.