Siblings Brandon and Abby Gouker reminiscence about their childhood together. Photo By: Shelby Harrell

By Shelby Harrell

“A smile will last a person only a second, but a memory will last a person an entire lifetime,” said author Catherine Pulsner, and this quote rings very true for many students. Though some may think that memories can only last a second, some have the power to last people for the rest of their entire life. If people have a great memory in childhood, chances are that they will be able to look back 10 years later, reflect, and smile on them. When asked about childhood memories,  students came up with  a variety of answers.

Reflecting on her childhood, Junior Abbigail Gouker said that, “Playing and working with my brother and father are some of my best memories.” When thinking back to her childhood memories , Sophomore Deborah Anders said “I always like to think back to when I was about six or seven, when my older sister, younger brother, and I would spend hours playing outside on a trampoline that we had.”

Most students want to look forward to the future, but most of them lack the ability to forget the loved ones who helped them create the memories they have today. When students were asked who their memories revolved around, different students had different answers.

Sophomore Yoselin Galeano said that her memories revolved around, “Karen Calix and Cynthia Lua were my best friends in elementary school. They are the ones that gave me all of my great memories, and I couldn’t think of what would have happened, had I not met them,”

Many people have the ability to preserve the memories through the art of scrapbooking. Whether it is a favorite childhood film or novel, it affects a person.

Freshman Hayley Harrell remembers “the first time I tried to watch The Little Mermaid, and I hated it. Ursula gave me the creeps, and she still does.”

Sadly though, people are beginning to remember less and less. Thankfully, though, students still remember what some call the “good old days.”

Anders says she has trouble remembering her childhood.  “Well, it is hard, because I have been hearing stories about me from when I was a baby, but four or five is the earliest I can think back to,” said Anders.   Gouker, on the other hand, said that she,“remember[s] back to about age seven.”  Sophomore Emmelyn Brant said “I remember back to about preschool.”

Memories are not only influenced by those who remember, but also by that person’s role model, or whoever that person looked up to, at the time. Role models must not only live good lives for themselves, but they must also set a good example for others. They are the people (besides parents) who children build their lives around. When asked who their childhood role models were, here is what some of the students said.

“My father is my role model, said Gouker. “He never lies, loves everyone, and is my best friend.”  Some of the best role models turn out to be loved ones.  Anders’s role model just so happens to be a loved one.  “I always looked up to my two aunts, my dad’s sisters,” said Anders, “because they were always close to our family, and they have great hearts, and are always ready to serve.”

Growing up is not always easy, but it is what everyone must do. These days, people tend to be in such a hurry to grow up, that they do not make everyday count. However, even though the rush to grow has become great, it does not mean that students do not keep memories alive.

“There is always one great moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in,” author Graham Green said. What is being said here, is just that there is a point at which students’ memories will show their future by impacting the rest of their lives. When asked how their memory has impacted them, here is what some students said.

“My best friend Makayla from Utah,” said Brant, “has impacted me a lot.” Harrell’s family has impacted her.  She said, “I think that my family has impacted the memories I have most because I spend the majority of my time with them. They are a big part of who I am today.”

As they grow, children seem to sense not only changes in surroundings, but changes in themselves as well. Students are saying how they have become aware of this.  “I have learned to care for my family better,” said Anders, “and to appreciate the comfort they provide.”

As people can see, it is not the hardships that will define them, but it is the times of simple joy and pleasure that are the defining factors. When people are stressing, the most important thing for them to do would be to talk to friends, reminisce, and smile.  When reminiscing, it is important for that person to now not to be sad that it is over, but instead, to smile because it happened.