What makes someone a good person? While there’s no objective answer to this question, over the past few years I’ve formulated my own interpretation of what it means to be “a good person.” Here are some examples of the best people I know, and what makes them such in my opinion:

Some of the best people I know show you patience, and wait in your driveway for half an hour while you take forever to get ready for school. (Sorry Angela, thank you.)

Some of the best people I know treat you as their own daughter and give you a safe space to go to (even if their only obligation is to teach you how to write an article or help make your schedule).

Some of the best people I know try new things, and trust you enough to help them do so, despite how difficult it may be for them.

Some of the best people I know take the time to get to know you so well that they know what you’re going to say before you say it.

Some of the best people I know smile at you during presentations because they know you’re nervous.

Some of the best people I know are always there to lend a helping hand, like Natasha, who took care of my cat every time I was away.

Some of the best people I know listen to you talk about something they don’t care about, but know you love, like every single person who has been in my house the past year and let me talk about my guinea pigs for an unnecessary amount of time.

Some of the best people I know go out of their way to help you, like when Marilin brought me my work when I first became ill in eighth grade.

Some of the best people I know dress up with you for spirit day, no matter how outrageous, because they care more about having fun with you than looking insane.

Some of the best people I know let you into the carpool lane after school. Getting out of that parking lot really reveals peoples’ true colors.

Some of the best people I know will rush to your side and be with you within minutes of finding out you lost someone special to you. Thank you, Caitlyn.

Some of the best people I know do all they can to show you they care about you and earn your trust, despite their limitations and challenges.

Some of the best people I know have an open door to all, and provide a fun place for people to go (even if it means permanent mud stains on their basement floor).

Some of the best people I know stand up for themselves and their friends, no matter the negative repercussions it may have.

Some of the best people I know can make anyone laugh, and live without fear of others’ judgment. Harris, you slay. 

Some of the best people I know take you in as if you’re part of the family, treat you as a sister and a daughter, and love you unconditionally, just for being you.

Some of the best people I know unexpectedly show they care about you in your time of need, like when Sam dropped off a note and gift after my cat died.

Some of the best people I know let you walk into class, sit down, and listen to you tell them everything about your life.

Some of the best people I know scream and run to hug you when you walk into a party.

Some of the best people I know support you always, listen to you ramble on, never let you forget how much they love you, and encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Thank you, Dason.

All of the best people I know inspire me everyday to try to be one of the best people I know, and I’m forever grateful to have been surrounded by these incredible people.