«The love for the siblings will always last»
Jocelyn Papp, 16, lives with her parents Jessica Papp Huser, 42, and Dominique Huser, 43, and her siblings Dylan, 12, Denys, 9, and Juna, 3, in Mitlödi GL. The schoolgirl tells us what she appreciates about her family and which moments she will never forget.
My family might not fit perfectly into the conventional idea, but it's pretty cool. My mum is a teacher and hosts our Airbnb on the side. I get my creative side from her. I love jazz dancing, singing and acting. My dad works at a chemical company nearby, which allows him to cook for us every lunchtime and spend a lot of time with us.
My siblings are definitely the most precious thing in my life. My three-year-old sister Juna is like a little magic fairy to me. No matter how angry I am, as soon as I look into her shining eyes and she smiles at me and gives me her love, I can no longer be angry. She takes the sadness out of my face on bad days. Of course, there are also moments when the little trulla annoys me.
Even if there are often arguments and you drive each other crazy, you stick together and are there for each other.
Jocelyn Papp, 16
My brothers are very different. With Denys, I can live out my wild side and let go: He's always ready for spontaneous singing interludes at dinner. Dylan is already so grown up that I can discuss things with him for hours. I can also turn to him for help with school matters, he's very clever.
This togetherness is the best thing about siblings. Even if there are often arguments and you drive each other crazy, you stick together and are there for each other. I am convinced that the love for siblings will always last.
Find out more in the article «What does it take for a happy family life?».
I had the best time with my family when I was 11. Back then, my school life was really difficult due to bullying and marginalisation and I desperately needed some time out. Luckily, our somewhat chaotic but adventurous family had been planning a trip to southern Africa for a while. It was the best thing that could have happened to me. We packed our suitcases and flew off.
We were on the road for half a year, a magical time! With our expedition vehicle, we discovered a wide variety of countries, places, animals and cultures. No two days were the same. We woke up in the morning in our rooftop tents and never knew what the day would bring. A herd of elephants? A swampy area? Bumpy roads that weren't really roads at all?
One particular moment remains vivid in my memory: a night under the only tree in an area, the sun setting, the slow darkening, sitting around a fire and the most beautiful starry sky I have ever seen! Wonderful, this moment together with my healthy, happy family somewhere in Botswana.
