When talking about the influential people in my childhood I have
to say that there were quite a bit that continued to encourage me and push me
to be all that I could be. I was blessed to have so many teachers over the years
that took the time to build a trusting relationship with me and push me to do
my best academically. However, there were a select few that influenced me more
than others and aspects of each of them that I still see within myself today.
My parents were the most influential people in my life and
the values they instilled within me I now teach to my children. My mom was
always very nurturing and could see the beauty in almost anything. Her love of
photography and the arts are something that I grew to love also. To this day
taking pictures and editing them seems to relax me and gives me a sense of joy.
Now, my dad influenced my life more than anyone because he came into my life and
became my dad when he didn’t have to be. My mom and dad married when I was 4
bringing with him 3 new sisters for me and my younger brother. My dad treated
my brother and me as if we were his own, raised us, and instilled the values I now
teach my own children and always encouraged us to be more than what we were. My
dad taught me that family is everything; you need to work for what you get/want
and to stand apart from the crowd (be a wolf not a sheep). My dad continued to
push us to be the best we could but was always there to support us in our
decisions and was always there when we needed to talk. My dad was and is there
for me in all of life’s ups and downs (he even married my 6 husband and me 2
weeks ago)!
As I said previously, I was lucky enough to have many people
in my life and childhood that nurtured, cared and influenced me including; my
uncle who always taught me tomorrow is another day and beauty can be found within;
my cousin who taught me loyalty, honesty and love will get you through it all;
and my Nina who taught me to have fun and be myself no matter what people think
of you. However, my aunt Marty influenced me more than most and is actually the
person that brought me into the ECE field. My aunt Margaret was an amazing
woman who was taken away from us way too soon, and I still find myself thinking
of her at least once a week. My aunt Marty was an ECE teacher for over 10 years
and was one of the kindest, funniest, most outgoing, and creative people I have
ever met. She taught me how to shake it off and laugh through it all, turn
trash into art, and to never grow up (to be young at heart always). My aunt
brought me into the ECE field and made me see how much I loved teaching and
helping shape the minds of the future. I believe her influence and spirit are
some of the biggest reasons that I continue to love and live in the ECE field.
This is my Dad, me and my step mom
My aunt Marty & uncle Johnny
Aunt Marty (Orange was her color)
Me & My Dad when I was a child
My Nina & my Mom
