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The 80's
I was born September 12th, 1985 at Luke Air Force Base to Karen and Anthony B. Allen. My dad was in the Marines and was in Okinawa, Japan at the time of my birth. My Aunt Debbie (my mom's best friend and my godmother) was there along with many other family members and friends.
My mom moved to Chicago to live with my dad and his side of the family. We also lived in North Carolina for a while and then returned to Chicago.
Historical event: 2nd MTV Awards airs. -
Back to Arizona
My mom and dad get a divorce. I move back to Arizona from Chicago with my mom. We took the bus and I still remember that trip to this day because I locked myself in the bathroom and was screaming to get out. Luckily my mom and the bus full of people were there to help me out :-) -
First day of school
I started my first day of Kindergarten at Maxine O. Bush in Phoenix, AZ. My teacher, Mrs. Jack, was one of the best teachers I have ever had. She always made learning fun. I always did well in elementary school. I was on the honor roll and I would read with my mom every night.
Historical event: Newspaper Guild votes 242-35 to keep the NY Post publishing. -
Our family grows.
My mom meets my future step father, Robert Dill. He was in the Air Focre and was being sworn in at Luke Air Force Base on the same day that I was born.
Historical event: Antiwar protest begin in 20 US cities. (US-Iraq) -
Georgia
We moved to Georgia to live with my step father and his family. I was very sad to leave my family and friends behind. I was ready to go back to Arizona when we got there, but my parents had no intentions of moving back any time soon. -
The new kid
I started at a new school shortly after we arrived to Georgia. I was so scared and had to deal with adjusting to a new enviornment. It was difficult in the beginnig because we were at a different learning stage in Arizona than they were in Georgia. I eventually made new friends and began to enjoy school out there.
Historical event: Ice skater Nancy Kerrigan is attacked by Tonya Harding's bodygaurd. -
My little sister
My little sister Tamara was born. I was so excited because I was an only child for 10 years and always wanted a brother or a sister. I got to name her after a character from one of my favorite T.V. shows at the time "Sister, Sister". My mom and dad were not worried that I would be jealous of the new baby because I had always wanted to be a big sister. Along with being a big sister I was expected to lead by example.
Historical event: Murder trial against OJ Simpson begins in L.A. -
Back to Arizona, Part 2
My mom, step father, Tamara and I all move back to Arizona. I was so excited to be going back to my family and friends. -
Aunt Debbie
My Aunt Debbie becomes sick suddenly. She was admitted to the hospital but she passed away a few days after. Her death was very hard for my mom and I. It was unexpected and the first time I experienced the loss of someone close to me. -
Little Olivia
Olivia Dill was born. I was so excited to have another little sister. I was a sophmore in high school at the time. I would help out with both of my sisters and babysit whenever my mom needed me to.
Historical event: The Taleban begins to lay down their arms after 61 days of war in Afghanistan. This is also a day of rememberance of the attack of Pearl Harbor. -
Marcos de Niza
I graduated from Marcos de Niza high school and then went on to attend the International Academy of Hair Design where I received my license in Cosmetology.
Historical event: US forces and Iraqi police raid the home of Ahmed Chalabi. -
Mesa Community College
I began classes at Mesa Community College after I received my license in Cosmetology. I graduated MCC with my AA.
I was trying to figure out what type of career path I wanted to take. I changed my major several times before graduating.
Historical event: November 4th, 2008 Barack Obama becomes the first African American President to be elected in the US. -
ASU!
I began classes at ASU. I started with a major in English/Creative Writing before deciding to change to Early Childhood Education. I want to teach Kindergarten once I graduate. I feel like my kindergarten teacher has inspired me a great deal with this decision.
Historical event: A helicopter containing members of the Navy Seal 6 is shot down in Afghanistan. 38 people are killed.
