I sit here and look around, I see thirty nine people who I once called strangers. These were thirty nine people I had never met in my life, thirty nine people I never knew existed. It’s funny how 6 weeks ago I would have sat here and not have known one thing about these thirty nine people. I wouldn’t have known who I was going to become friends with or where I would fit in. I always knew I would fit in, just not where…

As I sit here now and look around, I see forty four members of my family. Some are like my brothers, some are like my sisters. We fight, we recover, we laugh, we stress and we share our emotions together. I see forty four people who are there for me when times get tough and when I am finding things difficult. I see people I can be myself around, my true self and I won’t have a doubt or care in the world.

We have our ups and we have our downs and don’t get on all the time. I see people who I can share my stories, issues, problems, difficulties, memories, good laughs and happy thoughts with and I will know that I won’t be judged, that they will understand and be a shoulder for me to lean on or a smile for me to turn to.

The great times and memories I have already created in the last 6 weeks, are far stronger than some of which I have been trying to create with people for many years.

As I sit here, I no longer see thirty nine complete strangers; I see forty four family members and a place I call home.

Emma - Maffra SC