Reflection)

As a person who doesn’t remember much, mostly nothing, about their childhood, it was interesting to reflect, talk to family, and dig out the old memories that I still remember. From the interview with my mother and through multiple stories during the years, I have learned that I was a very silly kid. I was always saying something funny, moving in a different way, or surprising my family with knowledge way beyond my years. I was an independent (still am) kid, very intelligent, and always curious about learning something, exploring, and being creative. One distinct memory I have is being at the beach with my brother, this is significant because my brother did not/does not live with me. He never did, never for more than a month. He is currently 25 years old, a grown man, living his own life. Reflecting on this memory taught me to appreciate the time I have with people close to me, and even people far from me when we get the time to create memories together. It’s so very important to enjoy and appreciate every moment, and I’m so glad I have this memory to remind me of that.

Questions)

*Where were you born?

• I was born in Paterson, New Jersey.

*Who are your siblings?

• I have one sister, Tatiana (16), and one half-brother on my dad’s side, Jamel (25).

*What is your favorite childhood memory?

• Being at the beach with my brother, cousin, and close family.

*What is your least favorite childhood memory?

• I don’t think I can remember any bad memories, I know I had bad moments but I don’t remember them, I’ve just created what I think they may look like in my head.

*What was your favorite toy?

• I had a stuffed Barney and Elmo, those were my favorite toys.

*Who did you most admire?

• I don’t know, I’m not sure I admired just one person the most. My curious spirit caused me to admire anyone who was making wonderful strides though I couldn’t name them.

*What did you want to be when you “grew up”?  Do you still?

• I wanted to be everything when I grew up, an astronaut, a popstar, I saw someone and I wanted to be them. I don’t know if I had dreams of being a professional dancer as a kid, though I did dance, that’s what I want to be now.