Diversity In My Life

I frantically look at the time as I race to pick up my siblings from school. I take them home, then rush to coach my cheer team of 16, ten-year old girls. I am extremely passionate about coaching; I love to teach my girls all the skills they will need to compete, but lately it has been hectic. My mind is racing thinking of the endless amount of studying I need to do, coupled with how I can help my struggling cheerleader Payton with the routine. Time has been stretched because my life has changed. Many more responsibilities, much more to do, although all of this runs through my head, the thought that consumes me most is, will my mom be okay? My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and my world changed. As I think of what defines me,
My mom has two sisters that are tremendously active in our lives. My house became research central as the entire family researched hospitals, doctors, cancer, and homeopathic remedies. We did everything and anything to help with the fight against cancer. This experience, although difficult, set an example for me and put into reality what I had been taught and lectured most of my life. I come from an immigrant family on both sides, my mother’s family immigrated from Ecuador and my dad’s from Ireland. For as long as I can remember my Abuelito, my Ecuadorian grandfather, always lectured his grandchildren on working hard, never giving up, and always having a positive attitude. When cancer hit our family, I found myself living the principles they taught us. We researched and continued to be positive. We worked hard helping each other and taking more responsibility. The attitude amongst us was to do everything in our power to have the most positive outcome. My mom had moments of weakness, but her attitude and outlook were always positive. This helped me mirror her and allowed me to step up and contribute to my family. I am a stronger, better