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Lessons Learned Through Time

By gdrayer
  • The Day it All Began

    The Day it All Began
    History of May 7th Little did I know that May 7th 1998 was the day the world was at my fingertips. My life would be filled with crazy memories, events, and disappointments. I dared to do the impossible by taking my first breath in this new world and without this day I wouldn't have everything I have today. The people I met and the things I have done lead back to this one moment, and I am eternally grateful for the life I lead and was given.
  • My First Birthday

    My First Birthday
    As I shoved cake in my face, I realized that life is just a jumbled mess. You will always have cake smudged on your face, but it is how you deal with it that counts. You must take that mess and use it the best that you can. The messes aren't going to stop, they will gradually get bigger and bigger, but each mess prepares you for the next one, gradually creating you into the person you will become.
  • Cousins

    Cousins
    Having a person that understands your family probelms and goes through them with you is everything. We are close in age and our parents have fostered a relationship between us that is storng till today. Even though distance separates us , I learned that distance can create an even stronger relationships and helps you cherish times together even more.
  • Matthew was Born

    Matthew was Born
    12 Reasons your Little Brother is the Most Important Man in your LifeAlthough I cried because I didn't get a baby sister, the day my brother was born changed my life. God gave me a best friend that day, and I learned that through every step that I would take in my life, I would have someone to protect me and to support me. I also learned that a little brother will always be on your nerves, but your love for them will never fail. Patience is key with younger siblings, and the moments he has given me I wouldn't change for the world.
  • Old Home

    Old Home
    Laughter is the best medicine, and as a child I learned to laugh all everything that life throws at me. My dad taught me how to be a strong woman who keeps the people important to her close. My dad is the happiest man I know and his role model is something I learned to live by. I moved to Florida at the age of 4, this picture was in my own home and I learned change is good for the soul.
  • The Cares Disappear

    The Cares Disappear
    One of the greatest moments in my life is when I stopped caring about what people thought and decided to "wear what I wanted to wear". It does not matter what other poeple think of you, it is what you think of yourself that counts. As seen in this picture, I did not care I was wearing a tiara and a cowboy hat, it made me happy so I did it. I find this to be a value everyone should live their life up to.
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    Elementary School

    I attended Gateway Elementary School where I met some of the people I will be friends with for my entire life.
  • The First Day of Kindergarten

    The First Day of Kindergarten
    This face was the face of pure embarassment because of the thousands of pictures my parents took that day. In my ees, this was my first "grownup" day and they were ruining it. Little did I know, that my parents would do this all through elementary school and middle school. I learned my parents love me unconditionally and they will always be there for me no matter how I treat them. They want only the best for me and I am truly thankful.
  • Easter Traditions

    Easter Traditions
    As a family tradition, we would always have a beach picnic with my mom's side of the family in West Palm Beach. I learned this much earlier, but family is the most important thing in my life. These beach trips emphasized the value of family and made me realize the true love that is held between families. I could not be more blessed with the family that I have, and each and everyday I learn to love them just a little bit more.
  • Colorado Vacation

    Colorado Vacation
    Breckenridege, Colorado was breathtaking. This place showed me that there are many beautiful places in the world worth visiting and this trip sparked my interest in traveling.
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    Middle School

    I attended Gateway Charter School.
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    "The Best Four Years of My Life"

    Bishop Verot has made me into a person I never thought I could become.
  • Sister from Another Mister

    Sister from Another Mister
    You're my Person God puts many wonderful people in your life, but he puts special people in your life for a reason. I strongly believe that He put my best friend in my life for a reason. She has taught me to laugh at the darkest moments and to take every moment head on. She is my backbone and person and I owe her more than she knows.
  • Freedom Arrives

    Freedom Arrives
    Forever Young The day I have been waiting for finally arrived. This was the turning point for my adult life, but with this came great responsibility. I needed to be mature and have time management. My license taught me how to balance my life socially, academically, and physically.
  • Diversity

    Diversity
    Everyone is made with unique qualities, and what is a better way than discovering this in the greatest city in the world? New York City showed me all of the opportunities that lay ahead of me and how every person's uniqueness creates a much larger, smoother picture.
  • The Worst Day to Come

    The Worst Day to Come
    Grandmothering was the initial step toward making us who we areThe greatest person in my life passed away on this day. My inspiration and idol my Grandmother. Her strength was incredible, and my life seemed to stop when I got the news. Out of 25 grandchildren, we had the closest relationship, and she has taught me more thanI could ever count. Her strength and perserverance fuels me to make her proud each and every day. She taught me this strength and her journey through life is something I strive to live up to. I love you Grandma!
  • Live Jesus

    Live Jesus
    Footprints in the Sand On my spiritual journey through life, I never thought I would be at this point. Live Jesus taught me everything that I want in my life. Struggles are inevitable, but you are not the only one going through them. Other people can relate to what you are going to, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. God will alawasy be here for you, even when you think he has left you.
  • Mission Trip #2

    Mission Trip #2
    The most important thing that I learned from this mission trip is the importance of giving back to the community. Not everyone is as fortunate as I am, and to show my appreciation for my gifts is important. Although I may think that my life is so bad, I could have it much worse. I also met many diverse people, and I learned to appreciate the diversity in others.
  • The Pickle Jar Incident

    The Pickle Jar Incident
    How to Open A Pickle JarWhen I was little, my grandma taught me all of these tricks to open a pickle jar. I put my trust in her, but I had never opened a pickle jar on my own. One day during the summer, I was home alone and I really wanted a pickle. I could not open the jar, so jokingly I said, "Grandma help!" With the next turn on the jar , the jar popped open.,That day I learned that my Grandma was always with me every day in the simple moments and the harsh moments.
  • Senior Year

    Senior Year
    The Jellybean Video Senior year arrived more quickly than I expected. With the two best friends I could ask for by my side, I learned that I must not take moments for granted. These fleeting memories add to our perspective, but we must make the most of them each day.