I often think what my life would be like if I stayed where I was from, which was Africa. Being at Foothill Technology High School is something I’m really grateful for. If I was in Africa I don’t think I would have had that chance.
Growing up in California has been a wonderful experience. I’ve lived in Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, and Ojai. Each of those places have special memories of mine. Camarillo and Oxnard have my childhood memories while Ojai and Ventura have the rest of my teenage life to make memories for me. My family was the most happiest family I knew but when I was 10 years old my mom became a really bad alcoholic. Things were tough because at that age I didn’t understand why something that ruined our mother daughter bond was so important to her. On top of that my parents were getting in a divorce. Being that age I didn’t understand why all those things could happen to me. I saw other families go through it, but never did I think it would happen to ours.
A few years later things got better and I maintained good grades and good friends. However later in middle school, I got in the wrong friend group. I didn’t do sports anymore and my grades were dropping. My priorities weren’t set on the most important things. Only later did I realize that school is more important than being influenced by the wrong people. School gets you farther in life, not bad decisions that you have to pay for later. Because of that most of my nights would be endless lectures from my dad telling me to focus on what’s important. Most times I would tune out because that would of been the 100th lecture of the month. Without him I don’t think I would be doing so well right now. I see other kids who don’t have a mom or a dad that support them and I see the way they turn out. I am lucky to have someone that cares about my future and well being. That makes me feel better because I know whatever I choose to do in life, I will have support through every step and I am very grateful for that.
Growing up in California has been a wonderful experience. I’ve lived in Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, and Ojai. Each of those places have special memories of mine. Camarillo and Oxnard have my childhood memories while Ojai and Ventura have the rest of my teenage life to make memories for me. My family was the most happiest family I knew but when I was 10 years old my mom became a really bad alcoholic. Things were tough because at that age I didn’t understand why something that ruined our mother daughter bond was so important to her. On top of that my parents were getting in a divorce. Being that age I didn’t understand why all those things could happen to me. I saw other families go through it, but never did I think it would happen to ours.
A few years later things got better and I maintained good grades and good friends. However later in middle school, I got in the wrong friend group. I didn’t do sports anymore and my grades were dropping. My priorities weren’t set on the most important things. Only later did I realize that school is more important than being influenced by the wrong people. School gets you farther in life, not bad decisions that you have to pay for later. Because of that most of my nights would be endless lectures from my dad telling me to focus on what’s important. Most times I would tune out because that would of been the 100th lecture of the month. Without him I don’t think I would be doing so well right now. I see other kids who don’t have a mom or a dad that support them and I see the way they turn out. I am lucky to have someone that cares about my future and well being. That makes me feel better because I know whatever I choose to do in life, I will have support through every step and I am very grateful for that.