Courtney Carmichael - A Friendship Kaleidoscope

Courtney Carmichael shaped my self identity.  In high school we were referred to as the Bopsy Twins.  A term never taken lightly by me, because I have always seen myself as a serious conservative with a desire for respect and a high-esteemed reputation.  I always admired those who acted as unique individuals, with a flare for creativity and a desire to be recognized for their talents.  However, this admiration soon took a turn for the worst, when I began losing a flare of my own to conform to the likes of others, to in turn gain the understanding and compassion I longed for as an individual; therefore, losing all individuality.  In small terms, as I became very small, I became a conformist. 

Courtney however, was not a conformist.  She has always been an individual.  Sometimes, she lost respect for her bold and brash personality.  Sometimes, she lost friendship for her desire to be different and unique (ironic isn’t it that we both wanted to be different and unique and our different techniques to doing so).  Yet, we both somehow collided into a sort of friendship kaleidoscope of childhood memories; leading each other into one adventure after the other (some better than others). 

As adults, we’ve grown to know the differences in one another (paired with the similarities) and we’ve grown to love one another for both.  We understand each other like no other friend would, because we have stuck by one another’s side through the good and the bad.  We’ve seen the very best side as well as the very worst side to one another’s sides and we still like one another regardless, because we are the best of friends.  We’ve been through the pains of being so alike, and then being so different, and then, well; just being ourselves.  We’re just individuals seeking a greater sense of self identity to help find ourselves in a world of lost hopes and dreams (as children and adults). Even if unintentionally, Courtney has helped others realize who they are just by knowing herself and realizing her own desires.  She is a loyal friend with a strong heart and headstrong personality, who knows how to express herself and to help others find ways to do so as well.