Personal Childhood Web

Mom- My mom was my primary caregiver when I was a young child and many things that I learned came from my time spent with her. She always had high expectations of my brothers and I, but she made sure that she taught how to reach these expectations. My younger brother has many different health related problems. He was born when I was 4 years old. My mom had to take on a whole new role when he was born, because I was not in school yet, my mom had to find alternative care for me at different times because she needed to be at the hospital with my younger brother or she needed to take him to different appointments. I see a lot of strength in my mom and I want to be a strong role model for children that I work with. My mom was always a rock for my little brother and she taught him how to be brave. I want to be this inspiration to young children as well.

Grandma- My grandmother was always the rock that held my extended family together. She was a primary caregiver in my life when my mother was not able to care for me. Her house became a second home and I spent quite a bit of time there. My grandmother was a very strong women who was always giving. I think she taught me to be a caring person, even when others do not treat you very nicely. My grandma was a really good cook and she was always teaching me how to cook something new. It's funny the things you remember once someone is gone. One April 13th of this year, it will have been 10 years since she passed away. I'll never forget how her house smelled like Downy fabric softener and how sweet her hugs were  and the sound of her voice. I always knew that I could trust her and that my words were safe when shared with her. I miss her every day. I hope that pass on the same sort of memories to children I work with. That they will always know I love them. I want them to know that it is inevitable that they will be hurt at different times in life, but you must keep on living and loving just the same.

 Nathan- My younger brother had a huge impact in my life.Watching him go through so many things inspired me to want to help other children going through difficult health related issues. My brother and I always had a good relationship and after I decided that I wanted to work with young children my interested started growing to wanting to specifically support young children in the hospital. I think growing up with him and seeing him overcome a lot of difficulties has made me realize the things that are important in life.

Miss Hooper- Miss Hooper was my second grade teacher. She is one of the reasons I became interested in working with children at all. She was calm and patient and left a very lasting impression on me. School has always been a struggle for me, but I remember second grade being a time of learning through fun projects. Because it took me a longer time to complete assignments I would sometimes turn them in partially completed because I was embarrassed that everyone finished before me. Miss Hooper came up with encouraging ways for me to complete the assignments at my own pace without being embarrassed. I think one reason why Miss Hooper had such a strong impact on me is because she was truly able to see the unique individuality of each of her students. She valued each of us for who we are and what we contributed to the classroom. It is this view of children that I hope that always have in my own work with children. I want to make each child feel valued no matter what the circumstances.

Lizzy- Lizzy was my babysitter from a very young age. She another reason why I have a desire to work with young children. She was such a fun lively babysitter and I remember her being very patient with my two brothers and me. I started babysitting when I was 13 and my love for working with young children has only grown. I think I cherish and appreciate the care I received from Lizzy and I want to instill this in the children that I work with.