My Maternal Grandmother
I always admired my grandmother's beauty and confidence. She always carried herself in a "lady like manner" that influences the way I am today. My grandmother had a funny sense of humor. She would always say, "never leave the house until you are ready to take a picture." Basically she meant to always make sure you feel beautiful before you leave the house and go out into public. She also would say a lady needs wake up every morning and tell themselves they look and feel beautiful. A woman should never wait for a man to tell her that. I have always lived by this motto. I wake up every morning and affirm myself the same way my grandmother did. Even on my bad days, I still do this. Its a good way for me to start my day.
My Brother, Brian
My brother Brian was responsible for picking me up from school when I was in elementary school. My brother was very nuturing to me. He would help me with my homework and watch cartoons with me. He would also play board games with me and he taught me how to play Uno. My brother is 7 years older than me and he and I have always had a close relationship because of the way he took care of me afterschool while our parents were at work. He contines to call and check on me at least once a week.
My Sister, Michelle
My sister Michelle and I look alike and we are similar in many ways. She is 14 years older than I am so I always idolized her and looked up to her. My sister showed me how to dress appropriately during my teenage years. She taught me how to write a resume so I could get a job. She taught me how to walk in high heels. My sister made me feel like a woman even though I was an emerging teenager.
My Aunt, Wendy
During my teenage years, my aunt was my confidant. I could talk to her and confide in her. My mother and I did not get along while I was a teenage so it was nice to have an adult that I could talk to who would not judge or belittle my teenage thoughts and feelings. I always appreciate her understanding and I could cry and express my feelings. Now that I am adult, I appreciate that I can still talk to her and I know that her love and support will always be there.
My High School Marketing Teacher, Mrs. Smith
Mrs. Smith taught Marketing and Fashion Merchandising in high school. I loved her classes. She also had an afterschool girls mentoring group. In the mentoring group, she taught self-esteem and self-evaluation techniques. She took the mentoring group on a trip to New York City for 3 days. She also taught us how to sew and make clothes and jewelry. Mrs. Smith's influence was very important to me during high school. I was not allowed to play sports so it was nice to be a part of a positive afterschool program. I was able to interact with other girls in school who I would not have normally associated with during the school day. Mrs. Smith wrote several letters of recommendation on my behalf for college. She kepted in contact with me after I graduated from high school. She and I still communicate and I have been out of high school for 15 years.
