Becoming Parents
When my parents were barely 25 years old, my dad got my mom pregnant, instead of my mom accepting a job from Bill Gates weeks before he changed the world and my dad going into electrical engineering, they hunkered down, got married, and prepared for the arrival of my twin brothers.
The "BIG" Move
Then, they had me sixteen months later. My family moved away from King County and into Snohomish County, specifically Monroe. Dad found undeveloped property outside of the city limits where he could exercise his hands-on knowledge of electricity, plumbing, and construction. My parent’s families were shocked at the decision. For them, it was like my family was moving to a 3rd world country. But I loved and continue to love Monroe. This is where I grew up and still live.
Moving Toward and Away from Church
When a child enters the 2nd grade they become eligible for First Communion. I was in the 1st grade at the time and my brothers were the appropriate age. To save money (at our parish, we had to pay for the classes), my mom wanted to have the three of us take the class at the same time. My mom was comfortable at the parish. She taught ELL classes, CCD, and cleaned the chapel once a week. So, she approached the current priest with her request. Our priest at the time was against this and yelled at my mom for being “too pushy” and other things so loudly the entire parish heard. Embarrassed, my mom stopped participating in church activities. We used to read the bible and pray the rosary together at home, that stopped too. I managed to get First Communion with my brothers, but religion itself was suddenly a missing conversation in my daily life.
Changing Schools
My mom never trusted public middle schools. She had too many stereotypes about them from growing up in private school (both my parents did) and from her education degree. So, she sent us to private school in Everett. I entered in the 5th grade, my brothers in the 6th. I was fine with the change, the uniforms didn’t bug me, it was smaller than public school so I could practice overcoming my shy social skills more effectively, and I was able to take and learn about my faith (it was a private, Catholic school). Our time there didn’t last very long, however. My brothers despised the school because they were at an age that was already developing cliques—and my brothers felt left out. There was also no opportunity to play soccer (my brothers’ favorite sport). So after two years, we returned to the Monroe public schools, my brothers as 8th graders at the Junior High and I, a 7th grader, for my last year of middle school.
Accepting my Faith
Even with religion being a touchy subject at home, we still went as a family and my mother continued to follow her faith. When I was in the 11th grade, I was given a choice. Continue to profess the Catholic faith and be confirmed as an adult in the parish, or abstain because I wasn’t ready for that responsibility (or simply because I didn’t believe). I chose Confirmation and am proud of that decision.
Changing Schools Revisted
I left high school and immediately entered into community college. I chose this route instead of the 4-year university track because, for one, I didn’t complete any applications, and for another, my mom requested I stay at home for a bit longer. I spent a solid year at Everett Community College, attempting an Associates in Arts & Sciences. Unfortunately, I lacked confidence and was overwhelmed by all the courses offered at the school. So, the next year I transferred to Cascadia Community College. Based on experiences (discussed in the Butterfly Effect section), I chose to get a degree in Elementary Education. It took me two more years, but eventually I transferred to Western Washington University.
Finding my Calling
When I arrived at Western, I was instantly accepted into the Special Education (P-12)/Elementary Education (K-8) Dual-Endorsement Program. I loved the topic, but found the classes to be difficult. I succeeded at understanding theories and passing exams (I passed the WEST-B, a teacher test, after all), but I failed at showcasing a teacher presence. By fail, I mean literally. During the three quarters I spent in the program, I was kicked out twice for a low GPA. This made me miserable. I lost countless hours of sleep trying to pass the classes with nothing to show for it. During this time of turmoil I started researching other career paths. I typed "disabilities" into Western's search engine and was led to a page titled, "Disability Studies." Disability Studies is a supplement available to Human Service students. No teaching practicums were required, only theory-based classes, internships (outside of the classroom!), and human service practicums. This was an area I could succeed in. I finally found where I belonged.