Geb 3035 - Autobiography: The Story of Me

Autobiography: The Story of Me

Linda Yahn

GEB3035

Family Background

Harriet Beecher Stowe said: “There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child”; that quote came to life for me the moment I held my new baby for the first time. I am sure at some point my parents felt that deep love for me that I now had for my new daughter; however, because my only surviving childhood memory of my parents was the night they left me and my four brothers alone, never to return, it tough for me to imagine they ever possessed filial love.

        The drama encircling my parents was much like a Greek tragedy; they lived recklessly, gambled their income, were more drunk than sober, and never concerned themselves with the integrity and survival of our tragic family. Moreover, it would be delightful to hand out rave reviews to my parents as to how they excelled at education and accomplishment, how they taught me right from wrong, and how I am the person today because of their sterling example. Unfortunately, life didn’t go as planned, but that is OK. In fact, I have become the person I am today not because of, but in spite of, my circumstances. There is an old saying, when you stand in a storm and the wind isn’t blowing your way, you adjust your sails. Not allowing my past to define my future and to stop dreaming about the ‘what-if’s, I learned at an early age to have faith in the fact that my circumstances were exactly as they should be.

        I use to be an anomaly – a Florida native. Born in Miami and raised in the St. Petersburg area, I lived the life of a vagabond. At last count I lived in seventeen foster homes. The good news: I am not a victim. The bad news: The system is broken.  It was a most confusing life – many days I would come home and my little box would be packed by the front door and off I would go to another home, another school, another set of friends. One day, one woman would be mom, the next I would be calling the new guy ‘dad.’ At one time, kids were changed every few years, or less, to prevent attachment to the foster family; the thinking was that if a child or foster family got too attached, then when the child hit 18 – the age a foster child ages out of the system – it would be harder for them to be put out of the home. Just one example of the flawed system in which I grew up. National statistics show that every time a student is placed or re-placed in foster care, they lose four months of academic preparation. It wasn’t an easy life, but I had hope that I was created for something better.

Spending most of my childhood hungering for truth and searching for answers, I embraced each moment as the most challenging and decided to beat the odds; I gained mastery over my past.

Educational Experience

        The one upside to being a ward of the state? I had substantial financial aid, but was unable to finish college. College felt almost impossible without the support and stability that most students had with family. However, I love school and I love learning. I have not always been the best student, for at times I would rather have been ‘cool’ and hang out with the crowd, but in reality, I desperately wanted a college education.  In high school, I joined every club, sorority, and organization at my disposal, as well as being a swimmer. At one time, I was invited to perform as a cellist in the St. Petersburg Youth Symphony. I have always loved English and consider myself a History buff – especially American history - and have studied the history of Christianity extensively. In high school, I also was involved in our drama/choral department that was at one time considered quasi-professional. I love the comraderies, the bright lights and the accolades. It was an extraordinary experience that allowed my personality to blossom into an engaging, inspiring and happy adult. The music department was led by a sassy little lady who had once been on Broadway; she demanded personal perfection and inspired us to rise to the follow her example. It was a wise example I have carried with me throughout my life.