Back in 2012, my parents got divorced in December near Christmas time.

when this happened, the

family was distraught about what happened. I thought my world shattered and everything I knew or
thought of was falling apart. I spaced out frequently in school and had a hard time in school and focusing
in class was close to the hardest thing during that time. my parents divorce really affected a major part
in my life and development as kid. I feel as if it helped me grow mature faster than some kids but not by
a lot. It helped me be who I am today, but I wasn’t happy. I was stressed, distracted, and broken.

A person who helped me a lot was Mrs. Shrum. She was a school teacher who checked up on me
frequently and took her time with me. she had lots of patience with me. every time after school she
would take her time and talk about different things and asked if I as okay. If I needed anything, she was
always there to help me. she put me in a program that helped children who were dealing with some
hard problems at home. Mrs. Shrum really helped me in my time of need because if she didn’t, then I
probably wouldn’t be where I am today. Thanks to her, I’m in a better place and in a better mind set
than I was before. A lot of who I am, and my morals is thanks to my parents and to Mrs. Shrum. She not
only was my mentor for my mental health and development but also my mentor in math, science, and
English. She was the best teacher and friend that I could have ever asked for.

Another person in my life that affected me and helped me was my church leader. His name was
Vladimir. This man throughout my whole life has supported me in the good, the bad, and the ugly. In
good or bad times, I could always count on him to be there. He was my young men’s president and
when the divorce of my parents affected me and started to show, we would always talk about how I feel
about everything and how there can be different ways I can view the divorce. Thanks, it him I have a
different perspective in life and not only that, but I try to see everyone’s perspective and started to
respect more people and how they see things. Not everything Is as clear as black and white. There’s
color and meaning in this world. Its my thanks to him for making me who I am now and I’m grateful to
him. In my time of need and change due to my parents, I saw why and understood better why they got
divorced. I used to blame them for leaving me and my siblings, but they did it for us. I don’t blame them
anymore and its thanks to him. I thank him and I will forever respect him.