Personal Essay: Paula Lahera's Friendship

I have known Paula Lahera for many years; however, our relationship really began to thrive four years ago. We both started at Harvard Westlake in ninth grade and having been at the same elementary school, knew each other well enough to strike up conversation. I knew right off the bat that we would develop a great friendship because I was able to recognize an intense curiosity and kindness in her that was welcoming for anyone slightly nervous at a new school.

Throughout the years, Paula and I have grown very close and I have been able to watch her grow into an amazing and intelligent human being. She has become one of my closest confidantes and is able to approach any situation with logic and reason, which, for me, has been invaluable. She, like everyone, has her weak moments and her intense dedication to her education and extracurricular activities occasionally cause her get really stressed out due all of the pressure. That, however, is not a flaw, especially for a college because it reveals her willingness to push herself to the limit and pursue the things that she loves, even if they do put extra pressure onto her. I have been able to observe her

interaction with teachers and students, and whether it is in robotics or AP Chemistry, she always makes it very clear that she is happy to be there. She loves the STEM subjects and it is a privilege to be able to observe her excitement when she gets to attend those classes.

Paula is captain of science bowl, a member of the golf team, and plays violin in the orchestra.

She is known everywhere around campus and nobody hesitates to send a friendly “hello” her way, as they know that they will receive kindness in return.

Even thought she may not be the most outspoken person, she is always happy to show her true self to others, even people that she doesn’t know well. Paula, another friend of ours, and I all have lockers in the English hallway and all of the English teachers always smile as they walk by us while we sit and talk or laugh.

Outside of school, she is really fun to be around, always wanting to play a board game, go for a walk, or bake something. I often find myself doing homework with her and she is constantly lifting my spirits by playing music or showing me a crazy

video.

I think one of the most wonderful things about Paula is that she is always real. There is nothing phony about her, and she maintains honesty and frankness in any situation. It is a relief to talk to her because I always know I will get a straight and truthful answer out of her. There are few others that I would go to for advice as often as I do her.

Ultimately, Paula is one of the most well-rounded, compassionate, curious human beings I have ever met. She has innate abilities of perception and uses them to aid others. She brightens people’s days with her dedication to her tasks and I believe that any college would be lucky to have her as a student. I can guarantee that by the end of her four years at college, she will have changed the campus community for the better. There is no doubt in my mind that she will make the world a more wonderful place. Very few have the determination and passion that she has for her fields of study.