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Cultural Influences
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East Texas Beginning
This is where I began my life. I grew up in a small East Texas town. The dynamic of this town molded my thoughts and beliefs as I grew up. It is a very conservative place full of loving and caring people. It is where the idea of welcoming friends with a warm embrace began for me. The idea of southern kindness took root in my life. -
First Day of School
My first day of school was a big day for me. I was a really shy child, but my first day of school changed this. I noticed all the girls and boys talking and having a blast. On that day, I realized being quiet was not for me. Since kindergarten, I have been the "socializer" of the family. Some of my teachers were not the biggest fan of this. I should have seen this coming as my parents loved spending time with their friends. -
Family Dynamic Change
In the third grade, my parents sat my brother and I down and told us they had decided to divorce. I was so traumatized. I thought that meant we could never be a whole family, which is one of my biggest values. I had always loved having a close family (still do). Luckily, my parents do value family, and we have not missed a moment as a family. We still celebrate holidays, birthdays, and vacations together. My family made me value family. We see each other monthly and spend as much time as can. -
Wednesday Night Youth
In East Texas, the thing to do on Wednesday night is church. Whether youth or Awanas, you were at church. This is where the "cool" kids were hanging out. Wednesday night youth is where my faith began. I am a Christian, and my faith is strong. Looking back on it, Wednesday talks and prayers is where this all began. These values I hold so dear came from the social thing to do in my town. Sometimes, social influences can have a positive impact! -
Honduras Mission Trip
This was a defining experience for me. After begging and begging my mom and dad, I was finally allowed to go on a mission trip with my church youth group. We went to Honduras and built a school for a small village. I worked along side some of the hardest working Honduran children that summer. They worked with us to build THEIR school. This was insane. These kids taught me to value hard work. Hard work is work worth doing. It pays off. I work hard on everything I do. -
My Best Friend
Speaking of Wednesday night youth and the Honduras mission trip, I should mention how much I value my best friend. We met at church and solidified our relationship in Honduras. Connecting with someone on such a deep level is something I will always hold dear. The two of us have grown up together. We were maid of honor in each other's weddings. I value relationships. Even though time and space is between us, it is always worth pursuing your people. -
Gig Em Aggies!
My parents did not finish college, but they gave my brother and I every opportunity to prepare for college. Even though my single mother was paying for it alone, she always pushed us to want an education further than high school. I knew that she could not afford school for us both, so I made the decision to work and apply for as many scholarships as possible, and I had my tuition paid in full. I value education. It can be done and it can be affordable. My mom taught me to always give it a shot. -
Feeding the Hungry
In college and some time after, I worked for a non-profit who's mission was the feed the hungry by monthly food pantries. My job was to coordinate the summer feeding program for kids. I saw kid after kid just craving a childhood and craving a meal. After this experience, I can never sit back and let people be hungry, so my husband and I serve and give as much as can to help cure hunger. Kids should never ever have to search for a meal! -
Marriage
I believe in marriage. I do not think it should be broken. I understand that it happens as it did in my family. Being through the broken family experience, I refuse to not work through any issues with my husband. Marriage is our rock. We don't joke about divorce. This is for the long haul. I think this value may come from my faith or may come from my parents, but either way, we believe in marriage. -
Family Dinners
Looking back on my childhood to now, one thing we always do is sit down for family dinner. Whether we are visiting our parents or just at home together, family dinner is happening and we sit down and talk about our lives. It the time where we listen to each other. I think these family dinners have taught me to listen well to the people in my life and to never take for granted a chance to gather and simply talk.
