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Birth
I was born in Temple, Texas. My grandparents and many other family members came to the hospital for this occasion. My family is close and enjoys celebrating births and holidays together. The closeness of my family makes me want to continue to keep in touch and hopefully one day build my own family. -
Growing up with Grandma
My grandma kept us a lot so my parents could work and travel. She taught me so many things and I know that I am who I am because of her. She was very blunt and had no problem telling us we were out of control or looked sloppy. -
Big Sister
I became a big sister. My older sister had already made the transition of no longer being the baby when I was born. She was thrilled to be a big sister. For me I struggled with not being the families baby. I stopped talking to anyone other than my mom and sister. It would be years before my father would hear me talk to him again. -
Christmas
Every year we would go to my grandparents house for Advent and Christmas Eve. We celebrated Christmas with my grandparents on Christmas Eve and with my dads side of the family on Christmas day. Christmas traditions are still kept to this day. We love to get together and share stories from when everyone was younger. -
First Communion
I was raised in the Catholic church. It was very important to my grandparents that we had religion in our lives. My grandma put me in a pretty white dress and took me to church. Being raised catholic gave me someone to believe in and talk to when life got hard. I do not attend church anymore but I still have my faith. -
New house
My parents bought a two bedroom house when they first got married. Shortly after my brother was born it was apparent that a five person family did not fit in the house. When I was in Kindergarten we moved into a three bedroom house. My sister and I shared a bedroom growing up. I did not get my own bedroom until I was 15. -
Middle School/First Best Friend
I had friends in elementary school but it wasn't until middle school that I had my first best friend. We did everything together. Our parents agreed that they had both inherited a new daughter. No matter whose house we stayed at we felt like we were at home with our families. Jasmine taught me to be adventurous. She showed me that taking risks even when it terrifies you is worth it. Jasmine understood my fears and helped me grow into a slightly more social person. -
Lost my Grandma
Growing up we spent a lot of time with our grandparents while my parents were working. My grandma taught me how to cook. We always had dinner ready for my grandpa when he walked in the door at 5:30. I can remember telling my grandma that I wanted to be able to do a cartwheel like my friends. She tried to teach me how to do one while we were in the living room at her house. I still can't do a cartwheel but I can remember everything she said to me that day. -
Made my Confirmation
I lost my grandma a few years before I made my Confirmation. I knew it was important to my grandma for me to complete my education and make my confirmation. She wanted me to be able to get married in the Catholic church. My grandpa was my sponsor and walked with me as I took the last step in completing my religious education at ST. Joseph's Catholic church. -
Joined Tau Beta Sigma
Tau Beta Sigma gave me the chance to step into a leadership role. I became more confident speaking in front of large crowds and found a life long family. -
Started Teaching
Michelle Taylor called me while I was still in school. She told me she watched my hireview video and wanted me to teach at her school. I had a job lined up in march of 2014. Mrs. Taylor took a chance on a quiet first year teacher. I stayed in the shadows for a few years just teaching my class and not letting myself stand out. I began to share out more in meetings and fight for me kids without fail. Mrs. Taylor played a big part of me returning to school. She believed in me when no one else did. -
Graduated College
I am a first generation college graduate. I finished my degree in four years and proudly walked across the stage. My parents, siblings, grandpa, aunt, and cousin came to watch me graduate from ASU. -
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Losses in the Family
In September of 2016 my Aunt was diagnosed with leukemia. Within two weeks of her diagnosis she passes away. Shortly after that my Grandma Horn got sick and spent time in the hospital. On January 19, 2017 she slipped into a coma. We lost her on January 21. I spent my first night in the ER shortly after her passing. So much had happened in such a short period of time that I lost control of my anxiety and began having attacks. -
Became an Annie
I wasn't thrilled that my brother was having a child but I knew I would love and spoil my nephew from the first time I saw him. He has made me a stronger person and calls me Annie because he can't pronounce Auntie yet. My nephew James Horn III also know as my Grumpy Gus is the most makes me want to do more in life. Both of his parents struggle to keep jobs. I want him to have someone in his life that shows him even when life and work get overwhelming you can stand tall and push on. -
First Serious Relationship
Growing up I was quiet and liked to keep to myself. I did not date much and didn't enjoy the social situations that dating put me in. Nyle was so different from everyone else that I had talked to. He has similar life goals and understands social anxiety. Nyle spent months sitting with me in near silence before I opened up to him. -
Gained 2 Nephews
Over the summer of 2018 I moved in with Nyle. We began to share our three nephews. Hayden, Cameron, and Grumpy Gus spent a lot of time with us over the summer. Family is very important to me and helps keep me focused on the important things in life.
