When I think about the best life advice I’ve ever been given, I think of my great aunt. I remember it so vividly, as if I’m there again. I remember her light brunette hair, emerald-green shirt draping over her shoulders, her hands on the steering wheel, and the calmness in her voice. She looked just like the younger version of my grandma. Comparing them side by side, it’s easy to get confused. I remember the houses, the roads, the feeling, and how impactful her words were: “Always leave something better than you found it, whether it be a person or thing. Always make sure it’s better than you found it.” True, they were just words, but they were strong like a bison and as sweet as the breeze.

Ever since that day, I have done my best to live up to her advice. Yes, I’m not a super-sweet person; however, I do try to be nice. When I think I did something wrong, I try to make it right — either as soon as it happens or later on. When I’m at someone’s house or riding in their car, I keep it nice and clean. If I’m borrowing something, it’s always better and cleaner when I return it. When we make the effort, it shows that we are trustworthy and considerate. If you trash someone’s house or treat someone like garbage, who is going to want to have anything to do with you?