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Swimming
Saying that I am part fish is an understatement. Learning how to swim by 2 years old, it is clear to see that I love the water. My mom jokes around by saying that half of my childhood was spent under the surface of the water. I never realized that being a strong swimmer would be so important until one of my friends was struggling in the deep end. I knew to call an adult for help and then I jumped in and managed to pull him to the edge of the pool. -
Papa Gene
If you know me well, it is obvious that I have deep southern roots. This man holding me so long ago is the reason for my slight southern accent, my respect oriented householed, and my name. Many people think Jessy is short for Jessica. In my case Jessy is the first part of my double name, Jessy Jean. Papa Gene was a strong willed man that raised 4 boys. Although no longer with us, he has taught me the value of family and in all my actions I try to honor the McLean family name, -
Daily lawn mowing routine
Most kids are put to sleep in front of a TV or driven around in the back seat of a car. While I, on the other hand, would do a nighly 11 acre loop with my Dad in our back yard. I would fall asleep to the hum of the tractor. My father's love for the outdoors was instilled in me from birth. I learned that I will never be above performing works of manual labor and that treating the Earth fairly is important because after I die, it still remains for my children and grandchildren to inherit. -
My hair begins to fall out
At two years old, my hair started to fall out for the first time. I was relatively unaware of the situation until my parents decided to give me a buzz cut and people would say "what a cute little boy." My hair fell out a total of two times and we don't know why. My mother taught me that my hair does not define my beauty, the way I treat others and the way I carry myself when times get tough is what makes me beautiful. I will forever be indebted to my mom for teaching me this lesson so long ago. -
It's never to early to start lifting
Five pounds may not seem like much, but at 3 years old, it was pretty darn heavy. At this age, I was determined to do everything my dad could do. Thankfully, he had the patience and the desire to teach me the proper technique so ensure that I wouldn't hurt myself. Weigtlifting and exercize provide me with stress relief and a means to stay in the body I desire. -
Karate lessons
Being able to protect myself and the others around me is a responsability I take very seriously. Martial arts teaches discipline, respect, and provides even the youngest student the capability of moving up in rank. By a certain belt ranking, students begin to help instruct classes. This provides students with teaching abilities and confidence in front of others which is crucial in the working environment. Karate has haught me the importance of mantal and physical toughness. -
Dance competition
Competitively dancing for 5 years has taught me that the renown TV show "Dance Moms" has a very accurate description of the insanity that goes on behind the scenes of a dance competition. Dancing has provided me with rhythm that ramains important for social gathering and it has shown me that the cat like drama between parents should not affect any of my actions. I can only control the controlable. -
Weight Lifting
Some peole learn to lift weights by a personal trainer in a gym with thousands of dollars worth of equiptment. I on the other hand was taught everything I know by my father in our 200 square foot garage. My father dedicates a lot of his time to maintain good personal health. Looking up to him, I now know the importance of physical strength and know that I can manage to make something big out of a small space. -
Pine Island Little League Baseball
Being the only girl on an a baseball team opened my eyes to many of the challenges I had yet to face in my life. People's skewed opinion about girls playing a "mens sport" was made very clear. My father took the extra time to work with me so that my actions could speak for themselves. This way, my hard earned achievements drown out the insult cast at me by an ignorant parent who is upset because a girl has taken their son's starting position. My gender will never stop me from reaching my goals. -
White Water Rafting
Most families would not pick flying down a river full of rapids at dangerous speeds on an olympic course a fun family trip; but in my family, we wouldn't want it any other way. Both physically and mentally challenging, the Ocoee white water rafting trip was something I will never forget. This river revealed God's active hand at work in the world around me. So beautiful, and yet, so dangerous, I can do nothing but respect mother nature. -
Horseback Riding
I fell in love with horseback riding at a very young age. The bond one shares with their horse remains undescribable. The scerenity of the wild has deepened my understanding of nature. Along with greater knowledge for my environment, horseback riding has showed me the importance of patience and compassion. While riding, in order to influence the horses direction, a rider must look the way they desire to go. In order to have a bright future, I now know to look ahead with a positive attitude. -
8th grade volleyball championship
Mr. Filer is the coach shown in this picture. This man was very condescending and oppressive throughout my career on his team. He would throw his clipboard, yell, and scream in the middle of games and practices. Scared out of my wits, I wouold go home and cry. I soon realized how important it is to let my actions speak for themselves and to bring positive energy to the team. I feel that due to this experience I am better able to overcome negativity and reach my goals in spite of hostility. -
Trafalgar Middle School Basketball
Some people are gifted with attributes that make a particular sport easier. Others need to find or utilize other resources within themselves to develop skills that make them valuable to the team. In this picture, I am jumping ball at the beginning of the game. I would love to be 6 foot tall and fast; instead, I am average height and speed. Everyone who has seen me play knows that my determination is my greatest strength when it comes to athletics. -
Trip to Ohio
I met Elizabeth my second summer at Camp Wayfarer and we clicked right off the bat. During the winter of 2011, I travelled to Cincinnati. This was my first time flying alone and I had the responsability of switching flights and managing money throughout the trip. While I was there, I realized that Elizabeth is like the sister I never had. Although I have not attended camp in the past few summers and we live thousands of miles away, she has taught me that distance does not define friendship. -
Camp Wayfarer
Attending a camp in North Carolina for 7 years has without a doubt changed my perspectice on many aspects in life. Spending a month a way from home every summer has allowed me to become more independent and grow in my relationship with God and other people. Camp Wayfarer is my home away from home and one day I aspire to return as a counselor and impact the lives of other children the way my counselors did for me. -
Bishop Verot Final Four
Although not a starter on varsity my freshman year, the coaching staff recognized my hard work and invited me to travel to Vero Beach with the team for the final four state tournament. Not expecting to get a lot of plaing time, I dedicated my time to being a student of the game. To my surprise, I was asked to bat. Since I had been studying the other team, I managed to get a hit in a crutial situation. This experience made me realize to always be prepared for your one chance to shine. -
Softball team captain
As a junior on the softball team, being recognized as a leader and a team captain will be a moment I remember forever. In this particular picture, we are wearing pink for cancer night. As a team, we were raising money for a local 9 year old girl who was diagnosed with cancer. It was a special honor to represent my team in that moment. I realized how lucky I am to go to a school that would organize this event. This game made me appreciate my health and the health of my loved ones. -
Sweet 16 with Grandma
As my only grandparent left, my Grandmother means the world to me. She has taught me a lot about my Jewish heritage. I often go over to celebrate Passover and Hanukah. Although I am a Christian, I feel that I grow in my faith when celebrating these holidays because they are the ones Jesus celebrated. I have learned that eventhough we practice two different religions, my Grandma and I are closer than ever.
