Today I was feeling a little home-sick (for the first time in a while) so I decided to go through old pictures of my family and friends on my laptop. My little sister, Emma, has been my biggest fan through life. Although she’s 8 years younger than me she’s still my best buddy. She’s my little mini me. Each day I see her becoming more and more like me (it’s kind of crazy). I know if it’s in the classroom, everyday life, and especially on the court she’s watching every move I make and trying to copy everything I do. As I’m going through my laptop, one picture reminded me why I am here. Emma is currently a freshman in high school but back when she was just 6 years old she had a class project. She had to nominate someone for her “2013 Woman of the Year”. Most people picked there mothers (sorry mom), but Emma decided to nominate me and she will never know how much that touched me, even to this day.
This is the letter she wrote:
“I would like to nominate Maeve Parahus for 2013 Woman of the Year. She should be nominated because she is a excellent leader for younger kids. This girl is trying to inspire little kids to play basketball. Maeve teaches little kids not to give up and to try their best. She always jokes around and that’s what makes everyone laugh. Maeve is important because she will never get mad or angry if you make a mistake. She cares about if you try or not. Most of the time she’s caring and loyal because she will not give up on you or herself. She will stand up for anyone at anytime. She is beautiful and funny. She always makes people laugh until their brains come out and Maeve is so beautiful, she could wear anything and it will match perfectly with her personality. That is why Maeve Parahus is the 2013 Woman of the Year.”
-Emma Parahus
When Emma wrote me this, I was her age. I was a freshman in high school going through everything she is now. Even going back to when I was 14 years old, my 6 year old sister knew I was meant to inspire kids throughout my life. This picture was all I needed to see to keep me going strong these last few months. I knew I was meant to be a Victory Scholar. I knew I was meant to coach and inspire young people through sports. I know that even after this experience living in Ireland, I still will be inspiring children through sports in a physical education classroom and as a coach.
This is another picture I found when I first went to college Emma wrote me. “I am grateful for my sister. She’s always been there for me, even if we had our downs, if I needed her she would come so fast. I look up to her not only as my sister but as my basketball star. We have this bond that is unbreakable. It’s like we could be a million miles apart I could still feel her right next to me.”
So this is a HUGE thank you to the first little girl I ever got to be a role model for. YOU inspire ME to keep on being the best I can be with everything I do in life! Keep on being a super star in the classroom and on the court. I am always so proud of you. I love you #31!
