Some people claim that they’ve experienced something so great and memorable that it changed their lives forever. I consider myself extremely lucky because although I’ve only been on this planet for sixteen short years, God has bestowed upon me the greatest blessing of all. Her name is Randi Sterba.

I don’t know too much about Randi other than that she was born with a mental disability that caused her to walk and talk differently than other people. To those who didn’t know her personally, the way she walked and even how she talked were dead giveaways that she was different. The way people treated her, like she was an infant, not only annoyed me, but made me even more determined to befriend her and treat her like a normal person, because that’s what she was. As Randi and I started to talk more and more, our friendship grew. Not only did her companionship make me a happy person, but the smile that was permanently etched upon her face made everyone’s day just a little bit brighter. Seeing her walk down the hallway shining as bright as the sun instantly put a smile on a passerby’s face.

Last year, Randi completed her fourth and final year of high school. Although I don’t see her as much as I’d like to, when I do, she has the same glow, beaming at me when she utters “Hello.” Even though she knows she has a disability, Randi is never discouraged by what she can’t do; rather she is optimistic about what she can. Randi has taught me to be thankful for what I have, to smile even when life isn’t perfect, and most importantly, to let my light shine, because even the smallest gesture can make someone’s day. I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet someone so remarkable and I have no doubt in my mind that Randi is one of God’s messengers sent down to Earth to make the world a better place.