I Am A Kid Becoming A Teenager

I remember being taken away from my mother at age seven. My brother was only a year old when we were separated. We were ripped away from her arms and placed in foster care. I can recall that day clear as a crystal. My throat felt constricted as I yelled out for my mother, my eyes were red and puffy from all the crying, my knees bruised because I refused to be taken away. From then out my life tumbled down. I could no longer protect my brother, I could not be there to wipe my mother’s tears away. I was alone and frightened. Now that I look back at my experiences in foster care it made me stronger. As of today I am more grounded, and able to go through life with a new lense. I got to experience foster care and am able to empathize with those who have gone through it as well.

There were many other losses that occurred as a result of the divorce of my parents. We had to move so I also lost my home. My mom became a single income family and we suddenly were financially insecure. My dad, who was my hero, was suddenly not a part of my everyday life. My mom became withdrawn and depressed and so in a sense I lost my mom too. All these changes and losses make this one incident in my young life the most significant. The effects of the divorce of my parents followed me well into my twenties.

What I learned and understood about my father through conversations with my older siblings was about the impact of the loss of my grandfather (my father’s father) at an early age, heavy responsibilities taken on at an early age (hardship of the Depression era) to help support his mother and younger siblings. This led him to a strong sense of responsibility and a deep faith. But it all made him seem emotionally unavailable. The hard times for black families dealing with racial discrimination and the horrors of Jim Crow led to strictness that he, in all likelihood, felt was necessary for the survival of his children. There simply was no place for lighthearted fun. This greater understanding led to a stronger connection with my father, and an appreciation for such things as his devotion to having taken care of his family, his integrity, compassion for those less fortunate than himself, and the commitment as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

Going through my parent’s divorce was very life changing for me. I went through so many emotions, which until this day is a topic that is hard for me to talk about. It was very sad not seeing my parents together, having no clue where my dad was and seeing my mom sad. I would love to spend time with my parents and brothers. For example, our Sunday’s mornings, seeing my mom cook breakfast, watching my dad drink his cup of coffee, watching TV with my brothers, then playing Latin music seeing my parents dance. I loved that so much. So not having that out of

Watching my mother live from pay check to pay check when I was young was difficult. It was always hard for my mom to keep up with other parents but, she still somehow managed to get me everything I wanted, and more. Even though I was too young to understand, I could feel the stress, and the struggles my mom faced every day. She was only 20 years old when I was born and, because of that she had no choice but to grow up fast. At such a young age, I saw the effects of being a single parent, and the ways it changed my mom. She not only had to be a young mother but, she had to find a way to replace the void of a father, or a father figure in my life. My mom was strong, independent and courageous. Growing up watching her live her dreams under all the circumstances she faced, made me want to strive for a better life for myself. Seeing how hard is was to live and to have enough

My dad has always been my biggest motivator and the reason for growing up the way I did. We had a very tight relationship; I was definitely a "daddy's girl." I always wanted to be around him, he was someone I looked up to when I was younger. I always looked at him like he was so much more

I will never forget that day, the day I casually walked downstairs to find my parents sitting face to face at the kitchen table with both arms crossed and a serious look on their faces. I slowly walk towards my dad who is reaching out to give me a hug, looking at me with his sorrowful eyes, tells me that he will be moving out. At the time, I remember feeling confused, but I did not feel so emotionally affected because I was only just 5 years old. Being raised in a single parent household has been a challenge in my life and has impacted me through financial problems, social situations, and maturity.

Growing up with a father that was never around and a father figure that also left was hard, but it taught me that I don’t need a father to rely on. I have myself and my mom, and as long as I don’t forget who I am I

The quality that I admire the most about my father is how hard working he is. When my father was in high school he ran track. He worked hard everyday and night. He always fought the temptation of being lazy and giving into peer pressure. His hard work paid off and he made it to states his senior year. He also holds many records at his high school. If you ever walk through the hallway of Fairview High School, where the trophy case is you will see a picture of my father with his track records that still to this day have not been broken. His dedication has worn off on me with softball. Although, I do not possess any records, I still train hard in hopes of making my own records. I hope one day I can be the best, just like he was. My father will continue to make a positive impact on my life. His constant guidance and advice, always being there for me and his great qualities have influenced me and made me the person I am

Have you ever thought that if one tiny thing did not happen in your life, how much different you would be, how much one little detail could change who you are as a person? For example, if I had never played soccer then I could have become a high school drop out, for all we know. It got me thinking, how eternally grateful I am to the person who introduced me to soccer, my dad. I remember being a young kid with no responsibilities and no worries, always looking up to my dad so much. Like most kids, my dad was my first idol. I wanted to be like him in so many ways, I acted like him and even tried to look like him. I was not the only one who used him as a role model, my younger brother, Nolan, did the same thing and he even saw

I believe that having a relationship that changes your life or changes the way you think or do something is very valuable. Having that kind of relationship with my father is very impactful on my life. All the positive aspects of our relationship comes to my mind. Reflecting on our relationship, many stories are emphasized in our relationship; stories that were impacting and made me who I am to this moment. My dad is a business owner, builder, ex-skater, drum player, video gamer, soccer player, loving husband and father, and a faithful servant to our Lord, Jesus Christ. So being able to relate to my dad is very easy to me, for I share many of those talents and hobbies. As the oldest son in the family I didn't really have anyone to look up to or strive to be like a certain person that was close to my age. That led me to walk in my dad’s footsteps. Watching my dad give glory to God for all that he has given to our family was truly incredible to me. My dad’s work rate, his ability to help others when they need it most, his ability to get tasks done thoroughly was amazing to me. I truly know that he is a wonderful role model for me. Three stories come to mind when I think of my dad. He taught me various things in every one, they are: to listen to God when you struggle, to work hard and finish things well, and to love others even when we dislike their motives or actions.

When I was asking Logan if I could interview him for one of my classes he readily agreed. Then his curiosity got the better of him and when finding out that it was for my adolescent development class he promptly responded “You think I am an adolescent… is that what you’re saying?!?” Logan is an 18 year-old-male who loves pizza, being sarcastic, and enjoys having a great metabolism. He living at home with his parents and younger brother, as he prepares to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Mexico, Monterrey mission. I have known Logan for as long as I can remember, his older sister Madison and I are the same age and have been close friends since the day the moved to Washington. In my mind Logan was still this rambunctious little kid who always followed his sister and I around, but while interviewing him I had the opportunity to see a different side of the now tall and deep voiced young man. We had the opportunity to talk about his family, his friends and his extracurricular activities which to him is girls.

Becoming a teenger is a life changing experience. Between the teenage years from 13-18 years old, teens have seen problems on social media. Cyberbullying been such a huge impact that never seems to stop. Cyberbullies continues harassing victims which have caused severe risks for them. These risks include suicide, depression, loneliness, etc. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out if the cyberbullies are real or not, some can be anonymous. Social media and technology is what all teenagers use 24/7, some are not careful with what they put online. Due to social media, Cyberbullying has increased causing victims at risks.

It is easy to say that a parent has had the most influence on your life, they taught you how to walk, talk, drink and among many other things hopefully right from wrong. A good parent is there for you most of your life, quick to lend a hand or offer advice (unless it’s your mother-in-law) when needed, but the trait that impacted my life the most was the integrity my father exhibited with me and the people lucky enough to have met him.

Throughout someone’s life they have a role model that they look up to and admire. Whether it be a super hero, a relative, or even a friend, they still look up to that individual. My role model comes in the form of a five foot five man, with short black hair, and a face just like mine. He’s my father and even though he’s no super hero, he’s still definitely the person I look up to the most. Whether it be supporting my dreams, needing someone to talk to, or needing a ride to a date, he’s always there for me. When it comes down to it he’s the person I admire most, my role model, father, mentor, and most importantly my friend.