-
Becoming a big sister
My younger sister was born on August 12, 2008, and I was so excited to meet her. My mom had always said since I was a little kid that she knew I was supposed to be a big sister, which was even more true when I met her. -
Communion
My family has been big in our catholic faith for as long as I can remember. Making my Communion was a big step in my faith and made my parents proud. -
Lake House
My parents have always valued the importance of money and family in our lives since growing up. Now being older I can see the financial stability my parents had to buy a lake house with my aunt for our families to grow close together. -
Confirmation
Another big step in the catholicism faith is making your confirmation, you tend to make it in 8th grade and you're an adult in the church's eyes. This was a big step for me and I couldn't have been any more excited to do this and further my faith. -
Middle School Graduation
My graduation was a great moment for my family and I and just had an excuse to have a family together. My grandma from AZ and my Godfather and aunt from MI was able to come and celebrate the day with us and I remember being so excited. Family has always been a big part of my life and this always made me feel really special -
Homecoming
I had been to school dances before, but this was the first time I was going with a bigger group of friends than I had prior. I ended up having a fun night with some close friends and I felt better having my sister there too. -
Driver's License
I took a few extra months to get my license because I was so nervous to start driving and didn't want to do it. Finally, after driving for a few months I loved it and now 4 years later it's nothing to me anymore. -
First Day Senior Year
Going into 2020 like most people I never thought I'd be doing a majority of my school year online and getting my senior year cut short. In the end, I was somewhat grateful for it because I appreciated going to school so much more, appreciated my teachers, and was able to go to sporting events. -
Tennis Senior Night
For the full season, we weren't allowed to have any outside spectators come to matches, there was a small chance of it changing but nothing happened. I felt worse for my parents than for myself since I was the one who got to play and watch my teammates when my parents couldn't. My parents were nice enough to throw a surprise party with family for me the night I came home from my last meet in high school and I could really feel the love my family has. -
Prom
After getting back to school we had a 1 month til prom and even though it wasn't downtown or in a museum like usual it was still a great night. The day started with some stress with my hairdresser canceling at the last minute but my amazing sister was able to step in and get me ready. Although prom was just in the courtyard and halls of the school it was still an unforgettable night. -
High School Graduation
One of my favorite parts of the high school I went to was the exposure it gave me to different races, cultures, religions, and so many others. Growing up I was with my family \ and we're all from the same white, Catholic background not exposed to too much especially since it was the early 2010s when it wasn't as "okay" with being part of the LGBTQ and different races and ethnic backgrounds. I'll always cherish the diversity Willowbrook showed me and now I can take that into future jobs. -
Leaving for ISU
Leaving was one of the hardest things I had to do. 5 days before I was moving, one of our closest family members had unfortunately passed in a car crash and none of us knew what to do without her. But once being at school and realized no one here knew her I was able to not be as sad all the time about it. Now after almost 2 years, I was able to adjust to being away from home and try to love and be around nearly half as much as my aunt was.