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Farm Background
My mother was raised on a close, dependable family farm. Within the farm lifestyle, every person has a role and the entire system depends on everybody completing their job. This formed a close bond within the family and created a strong sense of working hard from the bottom up. The bond held up through the generations and now we celebrate a family reunion every year as seen in the picture. -
Single Mother
Due to my father being an unstable alcoholic, my mother decided to raise me on her own. She worked several jobs and this led to her being busy from many daily interactions. She was affectionate and loving but there was not much time spent together. When somebody comes from a single parent, they watch the struggles. In my case, it lead me to be quick to become defensive. I am incredibly proud yet I would be lying if I didn't say there are parts of me that aren't resentful. -
My Mother Seeking Independence
Due to knowing that I needed guidance, my grandfather stepped up to "play" my father role. When my mother felt the need for us to branch out on our own, we moved several states away. This left me with a sense of being lost and a longing for closeness. Family gives people a sense of security and without it close by, I felt incredibly alone. Thankfully, my grandfather has always made several trips to visit and has had constant interaction. This picture represents his loving nature. -
Lack of Church Life
In the small Texas town that we ended up in, church life was important within the community. If somebody was not active within a church sometimes they were judged and many times were not considered culturally sound. Since my mother was incredibly busy, we did not seek out a church family. This also led to the feeling of being lost and uncertain. -
Drill Team Captain
At the end of my Sophomore year, I tried out for the captain of our dance team and I made it. It was the first time that I felt meaning and purpose within the community. The school thought highly of the role and it was seen as a role of guidance. The dependability that I had to uphold gave me a reason to be keep on the straight and arrow path. The officers on the team, as pictured, became close confidants and spent hours together outside of practice. -
Child in a Military Family
My mother had been in the Army Reserves since I was 3, but in my junior year her role became intensified. During this year, my mother was sent to Germany. Since we had no family around, I had no supervision. Thankfully I spent most of my time with best friend and her family, and in repayment, my mother brought us both over to travel Europe. Getting to experience the different cultures, foods, and interactions is something I will never forget. -
Little Supervision
Growing up with a military parent, strict rules and the upmost respect was insisted in our household. Thankfully the strong morals that had been instilled guided me while my mother was away. I received my family fulfillment through my best friend's family. They were family oriented and ate all dinners together. When they went on trips, I was able to do so by the financial aid of my mother and I was able to feel like I was included. They held a strong position in my teenage years of development -
Father's Suicide
During my freshman year in college, just like new college students, I started to struggle. Meeting new friends and having a new atmosphere was overwhelming. In addition, over Christmas break, my father committed suicide. I started to have feelings of anger and sadness. Having to tell people brought embarrassment, but I longed for sympathy. It seemed to be my breaking point and I was finally done with being strong. All my peers seemed to be excelling and I felt stuck. -
Cultural Learning Curve
College was a learning curve and quickly made me realize that I had been sheltered culturally and socially. While on the college dance team, I now had daily interactions with different social classes and backgrounds. I even became close friends with a girl who was figuring out how to come out as a lesbian. She was learning how to accept herself and I was lucky enough to be the friend that helped her. I identify this picture as different social cultures coming together to form friendships. -
Became a mother
In 2011, my then fiancé and I became pregnant unexpectedly with our son. Due to people judging us on our lack of marital status, it was a stressful and scary time. We received crying, lessons, and yelling from people in our life. This led to a birth that was not as joyful as it could be. I remember being scared and hiding it because our family would not understand my feelings. A new baby brings many different emotions but it has become the biggest blessing and my favorite role. -
Became a married Woman
After much pressure, my husband and I got married in 2012. It has been a long road but because of having to join together over several different issues, we have become strong and solid. He is now my best friend. We are typically not an affectionate couple, but we are constantly laughing. -
Intertwining family values and cultures
I married into a great family, but learning what my role is within my husband's family has been somewhat difficult. I have never had siblings, so holidays in my family were typically very simple. Within the Holt family, holidays are large and loud interactions. I have always had a larger bubble of physical space, but in their family they tend to be closer when they talk or sit together. At first, it was uncomfortable but I am now used to it. Affection is shown by spending time together.
