Family, whether by blood or friendship, are people who are there for you. They are your community who love and support you. Some will say family is by blood or akin to you whether through marriage, adoption, or other reasons. While blood relations may make up many families, friendship can also mean family. The people you go to the movies with, share your secrets with, or simply the people you play a sport with; this is your “chosen family.”

Personally, I believe family really is the people who love you and the ones who are there for you and you for them no matter what. My step-grandma, Nona, is one of my favorite human beings ever, and we aren’t related by blood. I no longer talk to my biological grandmother, but my Nona has loved me since the day I was born and has been one of my number one supporters all of my life. My friends too, even ones I’ve met in high school, have been here for me in times where I needed the true support and care of a friend, and I would be there for them no matter what.

Some SPUBers mentioned that family can be complicated and hard to define at times because it is different for every person. The people you surround yourself with are unique to you and your personality. A family is the people “we choose to be a part of” according to Mallory Marmon, 11.

While some people’s family is chosen, many have large families who are close. That family isn’t just connected through blood but through shared experiences. From holding your baby niece for the first time to mourning the loss of a loved one, many families are connected. Many people have grown with the support of their family and supported them all long. “They have raised me and been there for me at my lowest and my highest,” Olivia Tarvin, 12, said. 

Through big changes and small moments, our family is here with us through it all. Unconditional love allows for groups of people to be bonded together whether by blood or friendship. Although your tribe is unique to you, the people you are able to call your “home” are your family.