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Cats have been an important part of my life, always. When things get rough, having them there is very comforting. Knowing that there is a little creature who depends on you for everything is nice. I love my cats Kyle and Andre so much, I can't imagine how much I will love my future children!! Below is Andre, getting ready for this past Christmas.

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I love all Holidays!! Birthdays are considered a holiday in my mind. I try to make everyone feel special on their birthday - and I mean everyone. I'm the party planner for everyone from my best friend to coworkers. I just think it's so cool that everyone can get just one day to celebrate themselves. Of course Christmas is another big one as well. My family throws a huge Christmas Eve party and it is by far my favorite day of the year. We celebrate all the major holidays - Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. It's a great time to cherish loved ones and see extended family members.  Below is a very blurry picture from Christmas Eve with my best friend and her sister.

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My family and I love to eat. We go out to eat every Friday night and have a home cooked meal together every Sunday night. We love all Asian food, especially sushi!! We just love spending time together no matter what we're doing. I cherish all the time I get to spend with my loved ones. The summer months are the best because we can sit out on the deck. When we all get together we put on some Billy Joel and can dance all night long!! Billy Joel is a family favorite. We love to watch TV and movies together as well. We also love The Eagles!! Who just advanced to the NFC championship game. GO BIRDS!!!

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I value my best friend/her family, my work, my studies, and my self care. My best friend is the most amazing person in this world. She is selfless, hard-working, genuine, and not to mention the funniest person I have ever met. She keeps me grounded and humble. I do not know what I would do without her. Her family has taken me in as their own and I am so thankful for that. We truly love each other and have so much fun together. I also value my mother. I work full time as a server and I do my best everyday. Although it is just a waitressing job, I take it seriously and will try to excel in any work environment. School is not easy and it is a lot of work, but I know that in order to excel in life a degree is very helpful! I may groan through every research paper, but I get it done. I also value the importance of self care. While everyone balances their crazy lives, it is so important to step back when necessary. Mental health days are valid, doing things for yourself is valid, and even just staying home on a Friday night to get 8 hours of sleep is so valid!! Nobody can juggle it all.

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I work hard every single day. I have been working since I was 15 and have been working full time since I was 17. I do this all so I can afford to go to school full time. I have never had things handed to me, and my childhood was not the best. Instead of my past making me bitter, I try to use it to make me better.  If you have the choice to be kind or right, always be kind.  Speak up for yourself but don't speak down on others.  Reflect on your choices and behavior. Apologize when you do wrong and learn from it.  Be thankful and keep your head up. I am going to school to be a teacher so I can make a real difference in this world. I truly cannot wait to educate children on not just academics, but also the importance of good character.

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I am a bit of a mutt when it comes to my background. I am 50% Irish. While also German, Polish, and many other things. I definitely identify most with being Irish. My family isn't very present in my life besides my mother. I have lived with my best friend and her family for many years and consider them my family. They are Puerto Rican and Polish. I embrace their culture just as much as my own. I have been to Puerto Rico and love their ethnic meals including paella and empanadas. Every Christmas Eve we make pierogies with the Polish side of the family. I love being able to embrace these different cultures. Below is my best friend's mom's paella, it takes her 4 hours to make!

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Growing up I went to a Christian church with my family. My parents divorced when I was 10 and we stopped going. As a child, that was heartbreaking. My childhood quickly fell apart. I questioned God in those moments and wondered why he would let something like that happen to my family. In the past 10 years, I have strayed from any type of religion. I would not consider myself an atheist, because I do believe there is a greater force in this world. I understand that everything happens for a reason. I believe there is a plan for me. I respect all religions and their beliefs.

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Thankful in the midst of challenges.