Youth Diaries: The Joys of Our Trials

The Joys of Our Trials

By Samiyah Jones, Senior at Crimson Cliffs High School

My life would not be the same if it wasn’t for the hardships that I have been through and that I still go through today.

I didn’t grow up with what you would call a “traditional” childhood. When I was young, I lived in South Jordan, Utah. I had a mom, but it never felt like it. I went through alot of physical and emotional abuse, and in my young mind, I thought it was normal. Sadly, my mom had turned to drugs and alcohol as an outlet for the stresses that she dealt with. It got to the point where she couldn’t take care of me and my siblings anymore.

When I was nine years old, my aunt and uncle stepped in and took me and my siblings to good old St. George, Utah. What was supposed to be a two week visit turned into two months and then into two years. On December 26, 2022, it was the eight-year anniversary of the date I began living in southern Utah. During that time, I was adopted by my aunt and uncle, who have loved and accepted me as their own. They have taught me how to work hard and to be a better person. Most importantly, they have taught me what it means to be part of a family. Throughout these many years, I have learned and grown so much.

Adoption day. Back row from left to right:: mother, Tracie Jones; brother, Julius; father, Russell Jones; social worker, Lindsey; Samiyah. In front: brother, Cole; sister, Hannah.

Fast forward to my freshman year of school. Although I was doing well in my classes, I wanted to test myself physically and emotionally. I decided that I wanted to be on the basketball and track teams. I had never participated in these sports before, so I knew I had to work hard to be good. Because of the trials I had experienced earlier in my life, I knew I could do hard things, and I was determined to reach my goals.

I am now a senior in high school, playing basketball at a varsity level and competing in track at a state level. I still deal with the aches and pains of my past, but I use it to shoot me further in life, to be a better friend and athlete, and most importantly, to be a better person. I think that it’s funny how people often equate a trial to something that is bad. But once you learn to change your perspective of the trial, it becomes a blessing, a lesson to be learned, and a promise to be better than you were yesterday.