Homes Sweet Homes

Although divorce seems common and even somewhat normal these days, living in two homes is not. I am more fortunate than others that my divorced parents have lived in the same small city. It has been great to have both around me, but a shared custody agreement has also caused me to go back and forth between homes from the time I was three years old.
Through the challenges of living in two homes I have learned how to deal with the differences in people. For many years I had to figure out how to shift my mindset from one lifestyle to another on a weekly basis. Dealing with this constant transition from my dad's house to my mom's house and back again, has given me the ability to adapt to change and eventually I formed a balance between the two homes, finding peace within myself. Living in my dad's house nurtured my academic side. As an only child he spent a lot of time with me and kept me motivated to learn. When I was 10 he became permanently disabled with a debilitating illness. I had to get used to my dad's disability, which involved physical and financial concerns, and accept that he could no longer do everything I was accustomed to him doing. His disability made me appreciate the life God gave me. As I saw how my dad managed his illness I learned how to be more patient. Watching how he continued to support me, not letting his disability get the best of him, encouraged me to use my will to overcome obstacles. Living in my mom's house nurtured my social side. At her house I was the oldest of three kids. This created quite a contrast from being an only child at my dad's. As the oldest child I had to assist my mom with cooking, cleaning, and caring for my younger siblings. I would take time out of my day to help my sister with her homework, or go watch my brother's baseball game. It was important for me to consistently make them a priority because they depended on me and I did not want to let them down. Having to be a role model, I soon realized how my actions impacted others. I better understand the value diversity brings to families and have become more aware of not only my own needs, but also the needs of others. Shifting from different homes has given me leadership skills that I have applied to other areas of my life. My ability to effectively communicate has made me a leader in both school and the community. I have been active in the associated student body (ASB) in both junior high and high school, having become a vice president and special events commissioner. When the sophomore president could no longer fill her obligations, I took over her role, as well as my own duties, in order to create a float for homecoming. This required me to fundraise, organize, and supervise the building of a float to represent my class. This role was not one I expected, but was able to do successfully, by using the input and help from other students. I have also participated in numerous community service activities, such as becoming a coach for girls' soccer.
Through my positive attitude, I taught them how to never give up and to always have fun. During activities at practice, I was able to take a group of 12 girls that didn't know each other and unite them. They learned how to work together and become a team. I was able to pass on the qualities that I had learned from living in two homes and teach them not only soccer skills, but skills they could use in their life.
My experience from living in two homes will allow me to adapt to the changes that will be taking place in college. I hope to use these skills to grow personally as well as professionally.
My individuality, which is in many ways an outcome of living in two homes, will add to the diversity seen around campuses. It will also undoubtedly help me be successful during this phase of my college life and beyond.

Article provided by www.nextSTEPmag.com

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