Changes

I was recently talking to my older sister

and we stumbled onto me having grown up

in the last year. 

A little background into my family, 

as I have mentioned I have a big one.

5 sisters (all older) and 5 brothers (4 older)

Yes, I am the baby girl :)

Now because I am the baby and my sisters 

were pretty grown by the time I was born, 

I'm kinda looked upon as their baby. 

Kind of hard to grow out of that image. 

Anyway in the last year I felt like I had 

taken some major steps in growing up 

and getting ready for college. 

I've had various jobs since I was about 14

Babysitting, dog sitting, cleaning, 

demonstrator for the younger kids in dance. 

But I started a receptionist job last September, 

which may sound weird, but really suits me. 

It allows me to do school during slow 

periods and work part time.

I also worked hard to finish up some 

classes that I had slacked on. 

(Math and I are not friends)

I felt that I had grown,

 and hoped that others could see that too. 

Whether or not you live in a big family, 

you will always have people measure you 

against others.

Something my mom really gave us 

was time to complete things. 

She understood that while we may not learn at 

the speed of others or accomplish things 

at the rate our siblings did, we were allowed 

to make certain choices. 

Some of my siblings seem to forget 

that we are not miniature thems.

And we will not make the same choices. 

It is that time in life where you drift away from 

childhood friends, 

and gravitate to the next season of life.

Big families have a stereotype of being close. 

Well I'm drifting, which is okay because 

I will never sever the ties, 

but I do need to make my own choices. 

I've seen the results and I believe I can 

make a path, even with screw ups, 

that is my own. 

So, what did we learn. 

1. Stereotypes are reasonable,

 but go ahead and brake the mold.  

2. You will have to grow up and make decisions,

but work with your support system now to prepare for

 the times on your own. 

3. You are never to old to spend time with family.

4. People will compare you and tell you 

what they think you should do, 

Nod your head and then do whatever you were going to do. 

(I'm only slightly kidding, advice is always good)

5. family can be the best and worst, 

choose to remember the best and shrug off the worst.

6. Growing up is hard, and you will have to say goodbye to 

dear friends, but there will be more and maybe

you needed them for only so long. 

7. work hard, in school, at work, wherever.

8.be honest, it can be hard but trust me

it is so much better. 

9. a job is a job, be thankful you have one.

10. schedule time to relax or be alone.

I recently have taken time to do things alone. 

I took myself out to a movie and shopping. 

Lunch and browsing downtown on Monday afternoon. 

Learn who you are when you are alone. 

By -J 

Best of Luck! 

And congrats to the grads!