Keanna Kelly Cultural Roots timeline

A baby girl was born
Picture: (Kelly, 1996)

I started girls scouts when I was in kindergarten. Not only was it the place where I made my first group of friends, but it was also the place where I learned numerous life skills. It was where I learned the importance of sisterhood, leadership, nature, independence, and teamwork.I included a picture the girl scout troop I was with for several years.
Picture: (Unknown, 2001)

I grew up in Colorado with my parents and brothers. The neighborhood where I was raised was very much a close knit family of its own. Everyone knew each other. It was a neighborhood where race and socioeconomic status was nonexistent. As I look back to my younger years, I realize that this was the place and time where I began to understand cultural differences. I chose this picture because it represents the diversity in my neighborhood. (Kondrich, 2018)

Second grade was where I had my first heartbreak. It wasn’t your typical heartbreak. It was a heartbreak caused by a friend. In the second grade, I shared my secret crush with a close friend of mine. Moments later, I found her kissing him underneath the playground slide. It was then when I realized finding trustworthy individuals was extremely important.I chose this picture because this was the class I was in when the event happened.
Picture: (Unknown,2003)

In fourth grade, I wanted to be like my best friend Kelsey. Kelsey was a natural at gymnastics. I repeatedly fell flat on my face, but I was determined. By the time of the performance, I accomplished several backhand springs without any support. Through every trial, Kelsey was my biggest encourager. It was through Kelsey and her friendship that I learned that friends can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. I chose this picture because it includes Kelsey and I.
Picture: (Unknown, 2004)

I was bullied by what I thought was a best friend. During middle school, I went through the typical bodily changes that every teenage girl endures. My breasts grew past the normal size for someone my age. After enduring continuous bullying from this friend, I made the decision to walk away. It was during this time that I learned it is okay to walk away from any and all negativity. I chose this picture because this is how school was for me.(Janice, n.d.)

In seventh grade, I tried out for the volleyball team. Even though I knew my serving technique was weak and my knowledge of the play rotations was not concrete, I was determined to make the team. Shortly after, I read through the list searching for my name and it was nonexistant. I cried at my failure, but I came to the realization that everyone is good at something. I soon found out that basketball was my thing. This picture represents the team I made that same year.
Picture: (Unknown,2007)

Senior year of high school is where most people reminisce over. However, rather then the memory being happy and exciting, my memory of senior year was quite painful. I received a phone call saying that my grandmother made it through her surgery. Hours later, things took a turn and passed away. This was the first time I experienced sadness, confusion, and pain. Her funeral changed my perspective of life. Here is a picture of my beautiful grandmother.
Image: (Unknown, 2014)

Based on my appearance, people automatically assumed that I am just African American; however, I am also Panamanian. During my freshman year of college, I had the opportunity to explore the lifestyle and culture of Panama. It was my chance to experience and understand my culture. I fell in love with the culture and land of my family misjudgment. Although this is a picture of me, I wanted to show me repersenting a culture that I love.
Image:( Unknown, 2015)

In high school, the majority of the team was African American. In college, I had the opportunity to play with women of different ethnicities and cultures. I learned words and dances from different countries. Basketball taught me how to work with people from different ethnicities. This picture reperseant my sophmore year of college basketball team.
Image: (Unknown, 2015)

During my years of college, I experienced what I thought was a serious relationship. We began to drift apart and he became verbally abusive. He would continuously insult my appearance, abilities, and confidence. His words soon became my own words and changed the way I saw myself. It was through this experience that I learned the true meaning of love, it’s power, but most importantly self love. This picture represents the emptiness I felt during the relationship.
(Gillan, 2017)

May of 2018 with a Bachelor of science, I witnessed my dad graduate a day before me with his Master’s in Social Work. Seeing him finish with college and find a job he enjoys, makes me a little emotional. I learned that success happens at any time, with hard work. I included this silly picture of my dad and I because it shows our relationship perfectly.
Image: (Kelly, 2018)

This picture was the last picture taken during that same family vacation. Every year the family and I go on a trip either in state or out of the country. On June 29, both sides on the family decided to rent out multiple condos along the beach. Every day was filled with laughter, stories, swimming, and events. This was the first time in 10 years. The joy, love, and laugher influenced my love for family.
Image: (Kelly, 2018)

This is my first picture as a DISD employee.Growing up, I was very blessed to attend a culturally diverse school with outstanding academics. While working in the classroom, I have students that are growing up in a single parent household, moved around due to foster care, and have parents in and out of jail. I was used to the two-parent homes, a few behavioral students, and respect for the teacher. Teaching raised my awareness of students with low socioeconomic class.
Image: (unknown, 2018)

Kelly, V. (2018). Graduation[Photograph]. Arlington Kondrich, M. (2018). Want to really connect at your next family gathering? Try this [Painting]. Retrieved from https://ideas.ted.com/want-to-really-connect-at-your-next- family-gathering-try-this/ Unknown. (2001). Girl Scout group picture[Photograph]. Colorado Springs. Unknown. (2003). 2nd grade Giberson[Photograph]. Colorado Springs.

Gillan, K. (2017). Why broken hearts hurt so much: What happens inside of your body after a break up [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://coach.nine.com.au/2016/11/15/14/19/why-heart- break-hurts-so-much Aanice. [Photo]. Retrieved from ' http://www.janiceliu.com/educational/ Kelly,H.(1996). Birth[Photograph]. Germany. Kelly, H. (2018). Family[Photograph]. Florida. Kelly, V. (2015). Panama[Photograph]. Panama.

Unknown. (2007). T.A Howard Basketball[Photograph]. Mansfield. Unknown. (2004). Giberson Tumbling[Photograph]. Colorado Springs. Unknown. (2014). Dot[Photograph]. South Carolina. Unknown. (2015). Angelo State Basketball[Photograph]. San Angelo. Unknown. (2018). Teaching[Photograph]. DeSoto.