Family

I have two sisters, one younger and one older. My oldest sister, Sophia, is in the army. My youngest sister, Erin, is a recent high school graduate and is preparing to enlist in the navy armed forces. The majority of my family reside in Norfolk, Va. My mother, Maria, moved to Jacksonville, Fla. for a change of scenery and warmer weather.

I try to visit Virginia as often as possible since Sophia gave birth to my nephew, Elijah. I send him all sorts of Gator paraphernalia in hopes that maybe one day he will be a Gator too. He suffered many complications from his premature birth, but recently came home from the hospital and is doing much better. Sophia and Elijah stay with my grandmother, a retired nurse, so he is in good hands. I plan to visit in December so I can be with Elijah for his first Christmas.

My father, Eric, recently retired from serving 22 years in the navy. He now lives in Alabama close to the neighborhood where he grew up in Tuscaloosa. As a result of my parents' divorce, I am not as close to my paternal family as I would like to be. Now that I'm older I am trying to change that and establish a better relationship with them. I am looking forward to seeing all of my family for my commencement ceremony in May. There's no greater feeling than being surrounded by people who love and care for you!