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Today I realize how blessed I am. I have so much to look forward to every single day. I thank the Lord for the life I am able to live. There are so many people out there hungry, poor, or homeless and although there are many times I feel like giving up, I try to stay positive and appreciate my life.

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I am a full-time worker and full-time student. I chose this picture as it represents two huge roles I have today in order to provide a better future for my family.

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Today I am a mother to a three year old. I also will soon be the wife of a man that I am very blessed to be partnered with. I chose this picture as it is one of my favorite time of the year, Spring, as well as it shows my beautiful family.

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My dad was born in Guatemala. He moved to the United States in 1985. I chose this photo as it shows a beautiful view representing my father's origin.

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My mom was born in Honduras and came to the United States in 1991. I chose this photo as it portrays the many beautiful views from my mother's native country.

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I born and raised in neighboring streets of downtown Chambersburg, Pa. I enjoyed the four seasons of my geographic area as well as its historic looks.

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My parents had  . ,two very different personalities. I grew up watching them argue a lot. My father is an alcoholic and has been ever since I can remember. My father would verbally abuse my mother.
I remember just how sad, deeply sad I would feel to see these two individuals, whom I loved so much, not love one other.

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I grew up going back and forth during holidays, birthdays, and vacations from my moms to my dads. I also had to listen to hateful stories of my dad and of my mom. My mom and dad absolutely hate each other and do not speak to each other at all.

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My childhood influenced me, as an adult, to not settle for anything other than respect. To accept someone who truly loves me,  appreciates me, and does not disrespect me in any form. Another important influence is how I do not, for any reason, discuss my differences by yelling or using violence, especially in front of my little one.
Today I tend to live for peace. There has been so much hate and anger around growing up that I just really try to live a life full of happiness. Even when I feel down or overwhelmed I just try to remind myself that it is no one's fault and I should not take it out on anyone. I try to be civil with as many people as I can because it really bothers me to argue.

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The divorce of my parents was very hard for me. I understood that my parents did not get along but I guess I hoped they would try harder. Today, I think it was the best decision they could have made. They were toxic for one another. They broke my life up into half. I now had to choose a side to everything. Which was really unfortunate to me as I never wanted to do that I just wanted both there so i could hug them both at midnight on New Years, for example, and not have to be with one and have to call the other.

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I decided to attend Penn State right after graduating high school. I dedicated myself to my grades and I graduated on the honor society. My parents had agreed to pay for college but when it came to it my father did not help at all. I decided to attend Mont Alto as it was much closer to home and would be cheaper. I started hanging out with the wrong crowd and got an idea that school was not for me so I dropped out. I started working dead end jobs. I would get laid-off or was making money that I could not see reaching my life goals with. After realizing education would help me reach my dreams I went back. This is such an important decision in my life. It taught me just how important my education truly is. Although I made my life harder by dropping out of college I appreciate the challenge, as it makes every accomplishment along my college journey very rewarding. Education gives me hope to give my family the life they deserve.

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From the moment I knew I was carrying my son, it was the most special moment of my life. My son has changed my life completely, He gives me motivation to continue with school when I feel I cannot do it anymore. My son gives fills my life with smiles and so much laughter, it is hard to be upset when he is around. My son showed me why I could not continue with dead end jobs the rest of my life. He gave reason to my actions and keeps me whole and going. If I had not had him, I would have continues these low paying jobs, I would not have returned to college, I would not have seen, how much more life has to offer and all there is to reach for.