This November will mark one year since my grandfather passed away. I always knew him as Abuelito. Around this time last year I had my final conversation with him, in which he told me the following words: 

“Disfruta la vida mijo, tomate tiempo para ti, disfruta la vida.” (Enjoy life mijo, take time for yourself, enjoy life).  

My Abuelito reinforced those words for the rest of the 10-minute call. Regrettably, I can not say I abided by his words at the time of his passing. 

I was a freshman a year ago, which meant that I experienced seeing some of my friends who went to college elsewhere come back into town, and it was an unusual feeling. I was happy to hear their stories, but I couldn’t help but feel insecure over my decision to pursue an education at home after being conditioned into thinking that taking said route was a form of complacency.  

That thought consumed me. Unable to escape it, I tried to cling to things in my past, hoping they’d be the magic cure. But all I was really doing was letting the present slip by me. I know I am not alone in dealing with these emotions. College is hard, and it’s even harder when others judge your decision of where you decide to attend. 

To those dealing with similar thoughts, please know that it is going to be okay.

Things slowly started turning around for me in late December, when I visited my now widowed Grandmother, or Abuelita, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Spending time with her was a powerful reinforcement that value isn’t as objective as it’s sometimes framed.

To some, value lies in the majority opinion. For the past year, I had been trying to decrease my participation in this communal thought.

Now, I have tried to place my value back into the people who value me, and while I still struggle, I have those people to thank for keeping me on track.

To my parents, you have been the biggest support system I’ve ever had. You’ve been there at my highs and lows. You’ve seen me smile, seen me cry, and never once have you left me alone. Thank you for always making me feel cared for and loved, and for waiting for the occasional hour or two on long days when picking me up. 

Kristian, in the spring you told me that my summer wouldn’t be like my winter, and that you’d be by my side to look after me, take care of me, and teach me how to ball. Two and half of those three claims came into fruition (my shots are not as broken anymore, unlike my dribbles). You have taken the role of being my big brother without anyone asking, and I am forever grateful to have you in my life.

Ximena, it has been an honor to work up the ladder alongside you. Not only do we have our super staff reporter days to bond over, but a striving ambition to continue to grow in the field. Seeing you sprout into the person you’ve become has been nothing short of amazing.

I can say the same for our freshman editors, Mia and Abby. You guys have grabbed difficult positions and have made them yours. The progress over every issue has been nothing short of immaculate, and your continued growth is fueled by the love you hold for this publication. I not only thank you for that care, but for truly being amazing friends.

Iziah, you know what staff struggles entail, but never have I seen you in a bad mood. Every project you take is carried out vehemently. Your talent is only superseded by your want to learn more. Honestly, the only thing I can say that is better than your photos is your friendship.

Kahri, right off the bat our energy’s matched, and I felt like I had known you for a lifetime after only a month. Your impact on social media is far-reaching, and the content you’ve produced has brought new light to The Prospector.

Evelyn, first I need to thank you for the pizza, balloons, and class you almost skipped for The Prospector Podcast. You’re want to always help is representative of the passion you lead this publication with. Your commitment and drive are honorable and contagious.

Being a Miner isn’t complacency. It’s fighting for the underdog.

Over the past year, I have become immensely proud to carry the pick, and live life by prioritizing true value.

As I reflect on my Abuelito’s words, I remember the love he had for family. I reminisce on his kindness, soft hugs and kisses on the cheek.

I can also say that this past year has led me to confidently following his final message to me.

I love you, always, Abuelito.

Sebastian Perez-Navarro is the multimedia editor for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected] or Instagram and X @sebastianpn8, and on LinkedIn @sebastianperez-navarro.