A Hero's Journey Journal Entries

I was born very early and had teenage parents who did not really have their life together at that time. My parents were both high school dropouts. My dad dropped out because school was not for him and he just wanted to work and get money and my mom dropped out because school was not for her also and she was pregnant with me and did not want to deal with school. My dad worked everyday to keep our family moving and my mom just stayed at my grandmas house with me because obviously she had to take care of me. So we were living by paycheck to paycheck. One year later my sister was born and two years later after that my other sister was born. Since my parents really did not have that much money to get our own place we would live at my grandmas house to my papa’s house but at times we would have to camp out at the beach because we had no other choice. When we would live at the beach I would think that we were just camping for fun but I did not realize that we did not have any place to stay. My parents clothed me and my sisters, provided food for us, but we did not have a house over our head. So

trying to let go and let God move my life in the direction He wants it to go.

Navy before we graduated high school so that we could get married. Our children came before I

On June 17, 2013, Mrs. Ahmed, my mom, graduated from CSUB after completing her last year of college. They women I saw before had completely changed from the women I saw after graduation. Knowledge had brought her more than just a better IQ level; rather made her more happy and lively then I had seen her before. Mrs. Ahmed’s experience in college, made her grow and mature which created a more dedicated, responsible, and independent her. Thanks to these traits earned in college, Mrs. Ahmed now works and Berkshire Elementary; a job she would have never would have received without her credentials. My mom had come out of her shell and experienced an experience that she never thought she would before. I

Looking back, I think the decision to attend Lone Star CyFair was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I had a tough time growing up. We did not have a lot of money, and that could make somebody feel negative about their prospects. But I

April 1, 2016 my family moved to Lancaster, CA. We had been living in the city of Inglewood

I felt like a failure. I had wasted what little money I had received and had nothing to show for it and now had bad credit following me. I moved back to Tennessee where my husband and I had lived for the past 25 years. Renting was the only option to me. For the past nine years I have rented, moving for one substandard home to another, with landlords that refused to fix major issues: air conditioning, plumbing, windows, and the latest; sewage.

through it with faith, a desire to change, and perseverance. Because if I can pull through it and end up a better

school and finish a career. Being married for almost 13 years and after 3 kids I finally did it; I

short months after I would have my son. I simply could not do it. I could not be separated

Watching my dear friend Stephen go through the emotional rollercoaster after every surgery, and is always told that the cancer comes back; looking into his eyes watching his hope get sucked dry from his mind and body, is like the life gets sucked out of your own body. All I can do is stand by his side and reassure him that it will get better and encourage him to hold onto his faith, and believe he can pull through anything, has made me never give up. Having faith and always knowing God will always be there through anything, has made me more passionate towards helping the sick. For the longest time I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Now I feel it in my heart when I contribute compassion, love, guidance, and being understanding towards people that are in need, has made me feel as if I am going in the right direction. I want to work in the hospital with young cancer patients. I will help give them hope as well as their families. I will help push my patients to hold onto their faith, and encourage them to keep believing and trusting in

I am extremely proud of both my children. Lauren is finishing HS early and heading to Spain to study abroad. Lauren took ACC classes the last two summers. As well as, working as a life guard at our local HMO pool and teaching toddlers how to swim the last two years She is very driven, and wants to major in communications.

I never went, and I do not ever want to be the kind of person who talk about others people decisions. I always try to do the best for me, and be focused about what is related to me, but after all I cant avoid that people interfere in my life.

Heading back to the house all I was doing was reflecting on what I have just done . Knowing that what I just done is something most people my age have not done. With what I done I believe I can no longer go back to being a child again ,I'm now An adult. Finally making is back to the house there it was the light of my

My life is centered around one word — family. I have amazing parents that have been married now for twenty years, and I am the middle child between two boys. Without my brothers I would be lost in life; they are my God-given best friends. One of the very best things about my childhood would have to be the closeness of my family. With camping trips, games nights, and bible studies we were always having bonding experiences. However, the greatest thing about my family is how the Lord always comes first in our lives and our home.