Ana Rakocevic, 20, child development major:

“The person in my life that has influenced me the most is my little cousin, Sofija. Almost 11 years ago, my cousin Sofija was in a car accident with her parents and her twin sister, Katarina. Unfortunately, my cousin Katarina did not
survive because the accident broke her brainstem. My cousins Sofija and Katarina were 6 years old when this happened. A couple months after Sofija’s parents divorced. I could not even imagine how it must be losing your twin sister and dealing with a divorce all at the age of 6. Even though my cousin has already been through so much in life and continues to have struggles, she still always sees the beautiful side of life. She’s always telling me that there is no need to be sad because life is too beautiful and that there is so much more in life to see and learn. She inspires me so much. I hope to be like her and have the same perspective on life.”