Throughout my life their have been a few people who have supported and cared for me. I have outlined who they are and shared information about them below. Each of the people listed below have a special place in my heart as a friend, family member, or confidante.
1. My mother had a profound effect on me. Growing up, she was the person who provided advice, a shoulder to cry on, and discipline when I needed it (lol). She was the strongest person I knew. She worked a low-paying job but made sure that we did not want for anything. We didn't have the expensive clothes, shoes, and cars like my childhood friends, but we were never hungry or cold. She pushed us to go to school and work hard while we were there. My mom was active in the PTA and present at a school events. She is the reason I know what a good teacher and role model looks like. Her model of tenacity is why I am in school to become an educator.
2. Frieda Smith, my cousin. Frieda was like a big sister to me. She was there for me when my mom couldn't be there. She made sure I was dressed presentably for school and did my homework when I returned. She was the person I talked to about the certain subjects I was embarrassed to talk about with my mom. She was my second mother.
3. Jocelyn Smith, my cousin. Jocelyn and Frieda are sisters, and they treated me like I was their younger sister. Jocelyn was closer to my age so she was my cousin, my sister, and my best friend. She was the one I stayed up late with watching television, talking on the phone to, and discussing boys. Because we were one grade level apart in school, we were often treated like twins. In fact we are still mistaken for twins. LOL. Jocelyn was the person I could count on when my other friends were not reliable. She is still my best friend.
4. Daphne Evers, my aunt. Daphne is unique of all my aunts because she as actually lived with us for five of my formative years. She moved to live with us because she wanted to continue school and needed to leave an unfit environment. Therefore, my mother and father generously opened the doors to her. What is amazing about Daphne is that she returned to school in her 20s and received her AA. She continued into her 30s and received her BA. Presently, she has returned to school again to complete her Masters in counseling. She is more than an example of determination; she is proof that anyone can attend their goals when they are determined. Her dogmatism coupled with my mom's influence are the reasons I know I will succeed.
5. My father is my final motivator. A teacher by trade, he instilled in us a desire to learn. Our house is filled with books, magazines, and other periodicals covering a wide range of topics. He showed us a love for reading before I was able to read. When I was young and would ask him question, his response was always, "Look it up." That response forced us to be independent learners and thinkers, never trusting the words of others.
The people listed above each shaped me into the person I am today. I am thankful and truly grateful for their influences.
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