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Title Page
Cultural Roots Assignment
This is a current picture of me- Erica Rene Harter (Guinn) -
Born
My birthdate is December 23, 1982. I was born at Hillcrest hospital in Waco, Texas. I came home in a handmade stocking on Christmas day. -
Grew Up on a Farm
I have the best memories of my childhood home. I believe growing up here presented me with my love of nature. I grew up in my great grandparents house surrounded by cornfields, barns and a small creek. This was the first time I scared from seeing a snake. This was the first time I rode a bicycle, I remember my mom cooking in the kitchen and keeping my sisters and I happy. Unfortunately, since my parents divorced, we didn't live there no more than 10 years before moving closer to town, -
My parents divorced.
I know when my parents divorced this had a great impact on me. I feel this is why I have had lifelong anxiety along with taking medication to calm my nervous energy. My parents married at a young age had 3 daughters together but my father made horrible decisions. Hearing my parents argue or my mother upset created emotions for me at a young age. -
My Grandparents
My grandparents played a key role in raising me. My single mom needed all the support she could get and they stepped up to help. I remember riding the bus to their house afterschool everyday. My summers, I helped feed the farm animals, tend to the garden and the best part shopping at a craft store with my grandma. My grandma is still alive today and we speak on the phone for 30 minutes about once a week. I enjoy attending church with her and listening to all of her memorable stories -
First Job
I am from West, Texas. The central Texas Czech town. I have always been told I don't have Czech ethnicity but full of German descent. I remember my first job was at a local bakery selling kolaches. I gained customer service skills serving people stopping in from traveling I35. I learned one of my greatest qualities, being patient while working with individuals. -
Best Friend is Gone.
When my childhood best friend suddenly passed away at the age of 19, I was devastated. This event affected me for many years before I took it upon myself to find counseling. I know I fell into a deep depression and in my early twenties I made irrational choices. However, I will not let my past define me and I feel reaching out about mental health is vital in everyone's life! -
Met my Husband
Meeting Mark was the best thing that happened to me! Right away I was attracted to his blue eyes and big smile. Mark and I share common interests and became a couple fairly quick. We spend everyday talking on the phone and when we have time to for a date, we enjoy spending time with family, at the movies and outdoors. He is awesome! -
Became a Stepmom.
After meeting Mark and going on our first date, I met his 4 year old daughter Bailey. Instantly, I noticed her big smile and her we shared nervous energy. Bailey and I spent time outside and creating arts and crafts together. I knew After Mark and I dated for sometime, we got married and I became a stepmom. As having a stepmom myself, I knew being a stepmom would bring challenges but our relationship grows stronger everyday. -
I am a Mother!!
The quote "you know love when you see your heart outside of your body", is the feeling I had when my daughter was born. I was the happiest when I became a mother! My daughter, Alaina is 14 years old, she teaches me new things everyday and loves life as much as me! She gives me the strength to be the person I want to be.
I had the advantage to be home with my daughters. When Alaina started kindergarten I worked as at MHMR of Waco before becoming a teacher. -
Teacher
Graduating college and becoming a teacher was amazing! I received my teaching certification as a family consumer science teacher, (home economics) and was thrilled to teach, especially special education students. I taught in a low socioeconomic school and many students with different ethnicities. The picture is a few of my students from a few back at Waco ISD. I enjoy teaching and I am currently an Adult Vocational Teacher in China Spring, TX. -
Today
Today I am a graduate student at Angelo State University. I plan to continue my career in mental health. This includes everything from the disabled, counseling patients with phobias, and/or children who need the extra emotional support. This picture is my reason why I continue to educate myself. This is a current picture of Alaina, myself, Mark and Bailey . -
Conclusion
I enjoyed this project and looking back how my interest and personality were shaped. I have wonderful memories and feel I had a great childhood despite some of the hardships I may have faced.