I was eight years old when I had my first taste of Dr. Pepper and my life changed forever. My parents called my brother, sister, and me to a family meeting. We ran down the stairs and sat in the old, worn chairs that were positioned next to the scratched and dented wooden table. On that table sat five glasses of Dr. Pepper. Our parents distributed the glasses to my sister and my brother, then to me and themselves. I was shocked and enthused, excited for my very first taste of a caffeinated soda. As I was taking my first sip, my parents broke the news. We were moving to a place called Waco. I set my glass down on the table, processing this information for a few moments. Initially, I felt a bit sad and a good deal nervous, but I wasn’t distraught. We had only lived in our current home in Ohio for a few years and I hadn’t made many close friends or connections yet. The same was not true for my siblings, especially my sister. She had found friendship and community in our current town and the thought of giving all that up was obviously perturbing to her. The more I thought about the move myself, the more I, too, wanted to stay. I had no idea what Texas was like, no idea what our new house would be like, no idea what life would be like. There were too many unknown variables and I felt more and more anxious and scared about the future. But my misgivings were pointless. Our fates were sealed. Two months later we were gone and I was thrust unwillingly into the unknown.

As we travelled into the new frontier, I couldn’t help but notice a fascinating change coming over my sister. Instead of focusing on the things she had lost during this massive change, she started to focus on the things that we would gain. She became bright and optimistic about our future. Even my younger self could recognize how tough this must be on her and I was impressed with her ability to see the bright side of things. I began to follow her example, ignoring my doubts about the future, seeing this change as a chance instead of a defeat. As we pulled into the driveway of our new home, any misgivings that we kids may have had was instantly washed away by the sight of the glimmering, cerulean pool in our new backyard. We immediately started running around our house, screaming with excitement as we found hidden passageways and mysterious chambers that we could soon claim as our own.

Of course, the house alone did not make up for all the things and people we had left behind. My parents recognized this and quickly went to work finding new groups for us kids to be a part of. My brother and I soon joined the local Cub Scout pack, which gave us a source of many good friends for years to come. My sister and parents all found new friendships, many of which became deeper than any that they had left behind in Ohio. After just a year or two, we had all established a much deeper and wider web of community and connections that we had ever dreamed of in Ohio.

The profound effect that this experience has had on me cannot be overstated. I witnessed firsthand that change isn’t something to be feared, but is instead an opportunity to grow and expand horizons. Now, as I prepare to graduate and leave the safety of my parents, taking my first solo steps into the world, I can’t help but be reminded of that move to Texas. Whenever I feel anxious about what is to come, I tell myself to remember my sister’s attitude and embrace the change instead of being afraid of it.

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