Being an August baby puts me in an unusual position where I love being in shorts and tank tops, no matter what season it is. My life consists of being focused, having my family and friends by my side, and learning from my mistakes. I was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, and have lived here all of my eighteen years. It would be lovely to live somewhere else that has tasty coconuts and beautiful palm trees. My greatest accomplishment was proving my parents wrong. I wanted to show them that I could get through high school, and to prove to them that I am a “somebody”. That is because, in the past, they have looked down on me. It hurts to know that my parents were not there for me to get through my life. Fortunately, I had my brothers and sisters to help guide me through. Through all the struggles, I have overcome a difficult child hood. I have proved my parents wrong, and showed them that I am a “somebody”.
As I was growing up, I did not have much of a child hood like how other kids do, such as going to the zoo with the family, having sleep over with cousins, or even having a favorite toy. My parents were very strict. They would not allow me to sleep over a relative’s house, hang out with my friends, or even talk on the phone. My mother worked at a Solo Cup company. She would always be working with her hands all day to support everyone in the house. However, my father did not work, but he was always in and out of the house. He would make sure my homework and chores are done within a certain amount of time. My father would give me consequences if I was not taking responsibilities for my action.
During my child hood memories, it was kind of boring because it consisted of watching the same old cartoons, reading a book, or trying to find something to do at home. My parents thought spending money on toys were a waste of money; I do not even remember having a favorite toy or even remembering if I owned one. Even though they were strict, the only thing they ever bought me was clothes. This is why I love to shop until I am broke.
My sister and brothers, who I appreciate so much from the bottom of my heart, took care of me. They have taught me what life is, even now. They were the only ones who brought my child hood to life. They took me shopping, bought me my favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream, and took me to the park to explore the world. I have one older sister and three brothers. I am the youngest of them all. My siblings and I have a very close bond. Since my parents were out working, my siblings provided me food, clothes, and love. As years have passed by, my older sister moved out and started a family. As well as my brothers, they either moved out with their friends or girlfriends. At that point, I felt lonely. But, I got through it because they always kept in touch with me.
I felt like I was in prison, being inside the house all day and not being able to explore the outside world. I see myself as a thinker. Always thinking before I do anything, I always think and wonder where I will end up in life. I enjoyed school very much and being around friends. As I was entering my teenage years, I was very focused in school and loved having my friends around. It was a great feeling. I learned how to open up on how I feel, say what I have to say, and not let anyone to step all over me. The strictness was unbearable, which cause me to sneak out of the house and to hang out with my friends. I never thought of the consequences that were tied to it afterward. I was only a kid after all. I needed my life to bloom with some freedom.
The next thing you know, I ended up telling my parents that I had a boyfriend. He is very caring and supporting; telling me to stay focused and to never give up. Girls would tremble knowing that there are gentlemen like him in this society still. Like all parents, my parents were very furious. The look in their faces was red as a pomegranate. They reacted this way because they assumed that I would be too caught up, and not focused in school. Their minds went further to getting pregnant, being cheated on, and that I was too young to be dating. Ever since then, my parents would look down on me until I graduated high school. I would get negative feedback and it sure does hurt like a knife stabbing into me. But, like I said, no one can step on me; it will only make me stronger. Every morning before I walk out of the house, I put a big smile on my face, staying positive because it’s a new day.
It had finally hit my senior year of high school and I got offered a job as a bank teller. I had a great time. It made me have great communication skills with people. I worked and went to school until graduation day. I felt so alive, the best feeling ever, having my family and friends to support me. I have proved my parents wrong. No matter what I chose, I know deep down I will succeed because I am a thinker and a responsible young lady.
I am now attending Middlesex Community College as a Medical Assistant. College is amazing! I am a part-time student and working part-time at Anton’s Cleaners. I am still the same me, Dary, but a stronger individual. I have proved my parents wrong and showed them I am a “somebody”. I was left with only one of my best friends that suck by me no matter what, and the same boyfriend from the start of high school. My life cannot get any better. People come and go, that is why I am living life to the fullest. Words to the wise, “Live your life like it is your last because you will never know when your time will end”.
