My entire life I’ve seen the sacrifices that my family made for each other. My time has come to hold that torch high.
No matter where life takes me or how many years I am away, I will always consider myself a North Carolinian. As soon as I cross the state line, I feel at home. I was born in Kinston, N.C. and raised in Charlotte, N.C. It has always been a difficult task to select one as my hometown. So I claim both.
Born in Kinston
My mom was only age 18 when she gave birth to me. She was a high school senior and was unsure if she would be able to accept admittance to the University of North Carolina after graduation. Her younger sister, Martha volunteered to fulfill her god-parent duties along with her husband, Larry, to raise me while my mom was in school.
The generations in my family are very close in age. Six of my aunts and uncles were still in their teens when I was born. They enjoyed playing jokes on me. I was their entertainment.
Life in the Queen City
While at UNC, my mom met my step-father Allen. They became college sweethearts and married soon after graduation. When I was five years old, we all moved to Charlotte. I was not fond of leaving the life I’ve known behind.
Charlotte, also known as the Queen City, was much larger than Kinston. The relocation brought many pros and cons. My parents had more job opportunities and could earn higher salaries, while I was able to attend better schools. But what was left behind was just as valuable. I rarely saw my family.
My immediate family started to grow. My parents gave birth to two girls, April and Ellena, within three years of moving to Charlotte. I embraced the role of big brother. My sisters were not looked upon as playmates. They are seven and nine years younger than me.
Homecoming
I looked forward to scheduled breaks from school so I could return to Kinston. There, I was surrounded by family members close to my age. I would stay the entire summer between the ages of 8 and 14 years old.
This was my recess and my time to reconnect with family.
Balance Work and Play
Life back in Charlotte was balanced with work and play. My mother would enroll me in youth leadership training classes and volunteer my time for community service projects, two of the last places I wanted to be.
I hated it! I wanted to be outside playing, not learning in a classroom setting.
In the past, I thought this took away from my childhood. I see now it is continuing to enhance my life. I was better equipped to face challenges and eager to work towards a better life.
Hold the Torch High
I am now a resident of Arlington, VA. This is the furthest I have ever lived away from family and my first time residing outside of my home state. The advancements of technology and developing social networks makes it easier for us to keep in touch.
Today, I continue to participate in community service events. I mentor my younger relatives and is now a god father to Chiara, a younger first cousin, who is my inspiration to continue to pursue ways of self improvements.
The opportunities that took me away from family are the very things helping me connect with them. I am proud to be a family leader. I love that our next generation turns to me for guidance. I will not let them down!
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