Grand Prize Winning Essay by Melissa Brown

When people are asked “who has influenced you most in your life,” most have to think about it.  For me, I could answer that question in less than a second.  My little brother Josh, without a doubt, has influenced me more than anyone.

Josh has Down Syndrome, which is a genetic disorder.  It makes him do some things a little slower than most kids his age.  But Josh is an exceptional child.  He is extremely smart.  He knows every little detail about every single animal, ever.  He loves collecting anything that is long and skinny and giving them names and personalities.  His memory is amazing and he learned all his letters, and some words, by the time he was 2-years-old.  He also reads fluently and does well in school.  He has overcome many obstacles to really be a success.

Josh is the most loving and open person you will ever meet.  He greets you with a smile that lights up a room.  Josh isn’t like most people who look at your appearance and judge you by that.  He looks straight into your heart and will open his arms to you.

Living with Josh has taught me numerous things.  The main thing he’s taught me is to not judge a book by its cover.  I need to look inside a person and find out what they’re like inside before I make assumptions.  Josh has made me sensitive to people that are less fortunate than I am.  I realize I’ve been blessed and need to share that with others who need it.  He’s taught me that when I see people who are different, I shouldn’t stare but should smile at them.  One little smile can make a person’s day.  I’ve also learned not take life so seriously.  Josh is one of those people who finds pleasure in little things.  So I need to be able to find the good things in life and take pleasure in little things.

When people first see Josh, they may think that he looks weird or that he’s just a little brother.  Well, he’s neither of those.  He is an adorable little 11-year-old who is bounding with energy and love.  He also is the one who makes me laugh, gives me support and is my best friend.  I tell people that he is the person who has inspired me most in my life.