My name is Lee Cameron Wilson.  I was born on September 3rd, 2005 addicted to methanphetamines and opiodes. The doctors performed a variety of tests to check my functionality. It was uncertain what my physical or mental capabilities would be. They stated more than likely as I grew they would manifest themselves. I was also being treated with Paregoric, a medication used to help me fight the withdrawals I was experiencing from the drugs in my system. The hospital notified the Department of Human Resources and I was released to their Foster Care program. I was immediately placed with the ones who would be my forever parents. The first few years I battled many physical and mental health issues. I developed chronic bronchitis and severe asthma. My allergies were unreal as if I was allergic to everything in the air I came in contact with. My parents felt that my behavior was overwhelming at times, that not normal of a toddler. They visited several doctors who referred me to psychiatric and psychological therapies. At 4 years old I was diagnosed with overly defiant and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.   Medications are always trial and error, therefore my parents tried natural ways to go about helping me cope thru the day, but I stayed in trouble at daycare. My parents felt they had no choice but to begin medication. It was suggested I play sports to help me release some of my tensions and hyperactivity. This began my 12 year football journey. And, yes I was defiant as can be for several years because I fought any person with authority over me. If it weren’t for my parents support and encouragement as well as good coaches along the way, my dad volunteering to coach football to be there for me, I would have probably been kicked out of the team. I’m proud to say just played my final High School game this past fall.  The journey I’ve been dealt with has not been easy at all. It was difficult to maintain friendships, some of the family didn’t understand my mental health issues and would state I just needed a good belt wearing out. In reality, that would anger me even more making me more hostile to deal with. I lost some important people in my life due to my state of mind at times. I have many regrets of what could have been. I am now 18 and a High School Senior.   I continue to battle my inner demons daily, but I’ve learned many ways to cope and find positive outlets. When it gets overwhelming and my parents observe certain behaviors they remind me how far I’ve come. Occasionally I do have to rely on medication to help me stay focused and calm. I am the Senior Class Secretary and a member of the Alabama Youth Leadership Development Program.   March of 2023 I began working at a Nursing Home, part time.  I have found a new love and plan to pursue a career in Nursing.  My reason for choosing nursing as a career is the emotional, mental and physical struggles I have endured help me relate to others.  I feel drawn to helping others heal from trauma; especially in some of their most vulnerable moments. I do not only want to be a caretaker, but I want to be a friend, an advocate and trusted advisor to my patient.  My family has always had a motto and now I understand it more than ever; "We have been placed in this world to help those who CANNOT help themselves".

My name is Lee Wilson. I am 18 years old and am finishing my senior year of high school. My parents are both veterans. My dad retired from the military. met while on active duty in Mannheim, Germany in 1993. They both served as Military Police Officers in the U.S.Army. They married in 1994 and dad was transferred to another unit, 2 married soldiers were not allowed to work together. Dad was sent off several times. He doesn’t talk much about his deployments, but mom says he came back a different man. She says he struggled with many demons, as many other veterans did during deployments, but would not seek help due to the perception of mental health issues. Post traumatic stress disorder is only one of the diagnoses my dad has. Today, my dad is in a good place. He is one of the Bravest men one will ever meet. During my Junior year, I experienced a huge loss. My best friend Harlee and I ended out work shift at the nursing home we worked at Part time and we spoke for awhile at our vehicles as usual then parted ways, to head home. I followed behind her as we live in the same community. Ten minutes later, just five miles from home Harlee was hit head on by a vehicle traveling in the wrong lane that should not have been behind a wheel. m My best friend, lost her life right in front me that night and I was not able to extract her from her vehicle to perform any life savings techniques, which I am trained to do. That year I quit trying to build relationships and academically I was failing. I honestly did not see the purpose of anything and one day it hit me. My friend, Harlee was full of love and life. The legacy she left will never be forgotten and she would not want me to fail. I decided that my Senior year I would run for student counsel officer in her honor and I won. I applied for the state Youth Development leadership Program and was accepted. One of the main programs we do is raise funds for non profit associations. I was amongst the top ten in raising funds for our Veterans foundation. I participated in my first Walk for Warriors and am looking forward to participating in the events we have planned for the remainder of the year My parents have always had a motto ; “We are here on earth to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves”. I want to honor these words as well as Harlee. I have so many projects and community services I want to perform, it’s what I have been brought up to do. I know it all comes with time. Meanwhile, I want to focus on bettering the stay of our residents at the nursing . I have plans to partner with local service projects groups to help provide some of the basic needs and wants for our residents. For example we just did a fundraiser that provided, warm blankets, Sox, crosswords, snacks, toiletries specific to there needs. Lastly, I feel thankful and blessed for the people God has placed in my life. I hope I can be half of what my parents have been to our community I want to leave a legacy, that I cared and I tried to make a difference in someone’s life.

My Name is Lee Cameron Wilson. I am 18 years old and a Senior at Curry High School in Jasper , Al. When I turned 16 years old, my parents bought me a vehicle, with the agreement that I would have to work in order to help pay for my insurance and gas and they would cover my car payment as long as I kept my grades up. I worked at a local landscaping company that fall and spring, while attending full time classes, welding at trade school and playing football. Once football seasoned ended i picked up any extra shifts I could. A friend of mine encouraged me to apply at a nursing home she worked at where they were hiring students to help the nursing staff with on the job training. I applied and immediately was hired. My employer has been great at working with my busy school schedule as well as any extracurricular school activities. I honestly had no idea how difficult it was going to be, trying to maintain good grades, play sports, participate in school clubs and work would be. I’ve definitely had to learn some time management skills quickly. Until recently I had no intentions of going to college. I chose to take Welding at trade school, because I wanted to graduate high school with a trade and go straight into the work force. But working this past year at Ridgeview Nursing Home has really opened my horizons on what I feel is my calling in life. My goal is to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. have applied and been accepted in 2 colleges that provide a bachelors of Science in Nursing. I have taken several classes my job has offered on working with disabled patients. But, I also find interest in health teaching, preventive care, and social justice aspects of community health which lead to advocacy for the patients. In my future, what I would like to see is that one day I am able to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources necessary to better manage their own health and that of their families.  Most of all, I am looking forward to managing a healthy environment in which the staff, residents and the community can flourish. I have put too much time into welding, to give up now so I will still continue welding and within the next few weeks I will be taking the welding certification test which will allow me to obtain jobs in the welding field as well. If all goes as planned I will begin college in the fall of 2024, while continuing to work at the nursing home and pick up any odd jobs I am able to do in the welding field in order to help my parents pay for my college and dorm.

My name is Lee Cameron Wilson. Due to my body being in distress I made my big entrance on September 3, 2005. According to hospital records and my adoptive parents, my lungs were not well developed and I was born addicted to opioids and methanphetamine drugs. This being the case the Department of Human Resources took over as my legal guardians, placing me with my parents in Foster Care. My doctors and parents set a medical plan to help wean me off the drugs in my system. In hope I could have a normal functioning life. My parents told me the withdrawals were harsh on a by my size, but I never gave up. My parents have always been active in the community and encouraged my sister and I to always help those that cannot help themselves, Wal-Mart ringing the bell for the Salvation Army was one of my favorites,as well helping prepare and build the floats for our community parades. Recently o volunteered in The Tim Tebows Night Shine Prom event for special needs individuals and I’m looking forward to helping this endeavor as it is close to my heart, being that my sister is autistic with a severe learning disability. During my Junior year, I experienced a huge loss. My best friend lost her life right in front me. My friend, Harlee was full of love and life. The legacy she left will never be forgotten and I want to make her I honor her name so I ran for class student government on behalf of Harlee and I won. I always thought I wanted to pursue a Welding career and have focused academically on reaching my certifications thru our technical school, but 11 months ago I began working part time at a nursing home and I found that I love working with there. I do believe this is my calling, to go in the medical field, to help those that can’t help themselves. I feel a connection and have empathy for those as I was, born addicted to narcotics and having ongoing health issues the first few years of my life. I feel drawn to helping others heal from trauma; especially in some of their most vulnerable moments. I do not only want to be a caretaker, but I want to be a friend, an advocate and trusted advisor to my patient. Therefore, my plan after High School is to pursue a nursing degree, while continuing to work part time at the nursing home. Looking back at the short time I’ve been on this earth, i have accomplished so much and have so many projects and community services I want to perform. But, I know it all comes with time. Meanwhile, I want to focus on bettering the stay of our residents at the nursing home. I have plans to partner with local service projects groups to help provide some of the basic needs and wants for our residents. For example we just did a fundraiser that provided, warm blankets, Sox, crosswords, snacks, toiletries specific to there needs. Lastly, I feel thankful and blessed for the people God has placed in my life. I hope I can be half of what my parents have been to our community I want to leave a legacy, that I helped my patients feel better, that I cared and I tried to make a difference in someone’s life.

As long as I can remember, my parents have discussed with us kids how important it is to sacrifice now for the things we want to achieve later. They taught me to live within my means and that wants are not always needs. My goal is to be accountable for all my finances and where my money needs to go and where it’s actually going. Ultimately being debt free out of college without having to incur any credit card debt. This way I am able to enjoy life and help those in need. Thankfully, my parents have started me on a financial plan in order to achieve success during my college years in hopes that I will be disciplined enough to continue on this path of growth without a big financial burden. Once I graduate and begin my career, I plan to seek advisors on how to maintain a productive Retirement plan and learn how to properly invest. I am aware at 18 that all my plans might not come about as I presently see them to be, but I am focused and have an amazing support group. Society tells us that we are only successful if we have the big house, with the latest model vehicle. Wearing Gucci, lululemon or owning the latest innovation out on the market. I see Success as an individual achievement. It may be that one wants to drive up the career ladder and achieve all the rewards that comes with it, while for others it mean a house in the middle of a farm land, sitting on the porch, surrounded by loved ones in a relaxed life where materialism and wealth aren’t important factors. It’s what makes us happy in life. I cannot walk into my future success expecting everything to go my way and be easy. Therefore, I will need to find ways to adapt because we can’t always get what we want on every particular situation we are in. I learned this quite rapidly last year when I lost my childhood friend. , I experienced a huge loss that was certainly unexpected. She lost her life right in front of me. My attempts to save her were fruitless and for a while it took a huge toll on me emotionally, physically, spiritually and academically. One tiny moment can turn our goals, our successes upside down I quit trying to build relationships and academically I was failing. I honestly did not see the purpose of anything and one day it hit me. My friend, Harlee was full of love and life. At her young age she had successfully given so much love and had been so loved. Even through this tragedy so many opportunities arose for me. I learned coping skills and ways to express myself better. My relationships became much more meaningful and my drive to enjoy life increased. I was able to grow more than I would have if I hadn’t gone through this ordeal. It just took a few twist and turns to get where I presently am. I am aware I have a lifetime of lessons to go, before I reach my mountain top. Meanwhile, I want to make the most of my last semester in high school. Focus on bettering my past, present and future relationships. Continue working at the nursing home, while I embark on a nursing degree so that I am able to take care of others. Lastly, I feel thankful and blessed for the people God has placed in my life. I hope I can be half of what my parents have been to our community I want to leave a legacy, that I cared and I tried to make a difference in someone’s life.

Up until the last 10 months my career path was heading in the welding direction. Our High School Freshman year we are asked to choose the top 3 programs offered thru our Vocational School that we would like to participate in. My 1st choice was welding. It is not until our Sophomore year that we are informed which choice we were selected for. Sophomore year comes around and I was selected for the welding program. Which was my priority choice. I spent my entire sophomore and part of my junior year working towards this goal. The 2nd part of my junior year a friend of mine that has now passed on, helped me get a part time job at a nursing home where she worked. At first, this was just a temporary job for me to save money for some of my wants. The more I worked, the more I realized I looked forward to coming to work and seeing the residents. I found a desire to help the residents feel comfortable and be heard. While I continued my welding program at the vocational school, I began to start researching health science programs. The summer between my junior and senior year I worked as much as I could. I also decided to start a Certified Nursing Assistants class that my job offered. During this time my friend passed away tragically after leaving work one evening. I was driving right behind her when a person that should not have been behind the wheel came onto her lane, striking my friends car head on. I was the first one on the scene and the last one to have seen her alive. I tried to extricate her from her vehicle, but was unsuccessful. After that, for a moment I lost all care and concern what was going on around me. I failed one of my main tests and that caused me to fail the class, having to restart the whole program. My workload at school was getting harder, so I decided I would wait on restarting the class, but I did continue to work part time. It is now my final semester of my high school senior year. I am still in the welding program, but I am more eager and passionate about following a nursing career. I have been accepted in 2 colleges that provide a bachelors of Science in Health. I have taken several classes my job has offered on working with disabled patients. But, I also find interest in health teaching, preventive care, and social justice aspects of community health which lead to advocacy for the patients. In my future, what I would like to see is that one day I am able to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources necessary to better manage their own health and that of their families.  Most of all, I am looking forward to managing a healthy environment in which the staff, residents and the community can flourish.

My parents met while on active duty in Mannheim, Germany in 1993. They both served as Military Police Officers in the U.S.Army. They married in 1994 and dad was transferred to another unit, 2 married soldiers were not allowed to work together. 10 months after they married dad received orders to deploy to Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the 9 months that my dad was deployed to what was supposed to be a peacekeeping operation, my mom completed her enlistment time and waited on his return. Dad doesn’t talk much about that year, but mom says he came back a different man. She says he struggled with many demons, as many other veterans did during deployments, but would not seek help due to the perception of mental health issues. In 1996 dad and mom returned home, to Alabama. Dad joined the Alabama National Guard while working as a civilian police officer. They never expected what would come in the next few years. Terrorist attacked America and once again my dad was deployed. He was deployed to Guantanamo Bay Cuba where the Muslim militants and suspected terrorists were housed. Dad’s deployment lasted 1 year. Returning home a semblance of what he once was and he agreed on seeking help this time. Post traumatic stress disorder is only one of the diagnoses my dad has. Today, my dad is in a good place. He is one of the Bravest men one will ever meet. I feel honored to stand by my mom and dad. Not only for what they mean to me and do for me, but for all the sacrifices they both made past and present. March, 2023, I began working part time at a nursing home and I have found that I love working with there. I do believe this is my calling in life, to help those that can’t help themselves. Therefore, my plan after High School is to pursue a nursing degree, while continuing to work part time at the nursing home. My parents have always had a motto ; “We are here on earth to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves”. I want to honor these words. I have so many projects and community services I want to perform, it’s what I have been brought up to do. I know it all comes with time. Meanwhile, I want to focus on bettering the stay of our residents at the nursing . I have plans to partner with local service projects groups to help provide some of the basic needs and wants for our residents. For example we just did a fundraiser that provided, warm blankets, Sox, crosswords, snacks, toiletries specific to there needs. Lastly, I feel thankful and blessed for the people God has placed in my life. I hope I can be half of what my parents have been to our community I want to leave a legacy, that I cared and I tried to make a difference in someone’s life.

April 3, 2023 changed my life forever. My friend Harlee Vines lost her life at the age of 17 to a person that should have never been behind the wheel. We were friends since we were 4 years old, in the same classes. Playing for the same toy bowl age group, you cheered, I played football. One evening, Harlee texts me that she filled out a job application for me at the Nursing Home she worked at. She called me and said ‘Lee, you just put your job application in, so when they call you for an interview, make sure you show up’. March 4, 2023, Was my 1st day as a helping hand at Ridgeview Nursing home. Harlee was my job trainer. Until this point, my mind was set on being a welder. I had been doing welding for the last 2 1/2 years at the technical school, earning my certification credits. I figured I would work part time at the nursing home, earn money to make modifications to my car and have fun on my off days with friends. Then the weekend before April 3, 2023 approached. It was Junior Prom for us. It was one of the best weekends partying and celebrating with all our friends. Monday morning rolled around, another fun day at school, discussing the weekend and what everyone did. The school day ended, Harlee and I signaled to each other see you at work in a few. It was a normal shift that evening, we clocked out at 9pm, walked to our cars and talked for awhile. With her always saying, Lee go home and go to bed, it’s late and you don’t need to be worrying your parents with your craziness. We hugged and proceeded to head home with me following right behind. As we are just a few miles from our homes a car pulls out onto Harlee’s lane. Hitting her vehicle. I stop right behind her not being able to tell what is going on yet and I call my dad, tell him “Harlee was in a wreck, I’m going to check on her, see if her car is ok and wait til her grandpa comes, then I will head home”. My dad asks if i need him to come and I tell him no I don’t think it’s anything major. I never imagined April 3rd would be our last shift together at work. See, we had plans and no matter how hard I tried to open her crushed car doors, I couldn’t get Harlee out of her car. I couldn’t save Harlee that night. My next call to my dad, “Harlee is dead dad, I couldn’t get her out of the car dad”. I gave up on life and I went into a black hole. My grades dropped, I could barely work. Then one day it hit me that Harlee was always full of love and life. I began to have a new sense of wisdom, maturity and meaning for my life and that of others. I wanted to honor Harlee and make her proud. This Senior year, I decided to run for secretary of student council on behalf of Harlee, and won it. I was chosen to be part of the Alabama youth leadership development program, where I’ve raised funds for disabled veterans achieving top 10 tier for most raised in our chapter. I want to leave a legacy of being a friend, a helper, a care taker and advocate, just as you were Harlee. Your death wasn’t in vain, it gave me new life.

September 3rd, 2005 I made an early entrance into the world. I was born drug addicted. I went from the hospital into the foster home of 2 people that would forever have my best interest in life. They nursed me back to health, provided, nurtured and have always supported me. They have been with me thru my health issues, my mental heath issues as well as my overly defiant issues. At birth, my lungs were not developed. I had constant bronquitis, pneumonia and asthma flares that required Emergency Room visits. I spent my 1st Christmas in the hospital. Mental Health and defiance have plagued me since I was 4 years old. Meanwhile, my parents always seeked help and gave me all the proper tools and techniques to improve and be better for myself and my future. They constantly talked about my choice in friends and the consequences of who I hung around with at times. Harlee, was my closest childhood friend. She would call my parents if I did stupid stuff that was troublesome. And one day calls me says “I filled out a job application for you at the nursing home I work at, so make sure you show up when they call”. That was just Harlee, always trying to keep me on track. Harlee probably annoyed her bosses and most likely finagled her way to be my job trainer. For me this was temporary, I did not want to go to college. I was taking welding at school and that was my ideal job after I graduated. April 3, 2023 changed my life forever. My friend Harlee, at 17 lost her life. Ten minutes prior we had clocked out, walked to our cars, talked for awhile, hugged and proceeded home with me following right behind. A few miles from our homes a car pulls out onto Harlee’s lane. Hitting her vehicle. I stop right behind her not being able to tell what is going on yet and I call my dad, tell him “Harlee was in a wreck, I’m going to check on her, see if her car is ok and wait til her grandpa comes, then I will head home”. I never imagined this would be our last moments together. See, we had plans and no matter how hard I tried to open her crushed car doors, I couldn’t get Harlee out of her car. I couldn’t save Harlee that night. My next call to my dad, “Harlee is dead dad, I couldn’t get her out of the car dad”. Then, I gave up on life and I went into a black hole for awhile. My Support groups all gave me time to grieve. I knew Harlee would not want me to continue this way. I began to have a new sense of wisdom, maturity and meaning for my life. I wanted to honor Harlee and make her proud. Harlee, because of you, I ran for secretary of our senior class student council on your behalf and won it. Mom had my parking spot at school painted in your honor. I’ve learned life is not just fun a and games, it’s time to get serious about my life. I found a new love in the nursing field. I feel led to follow a nursing career with intentions to work in a nursing home environment. Harlee, because of you my life has more meaning. I want to leave a legacy of being a friend, a helper, a care taker just as you have. Harlee I will never forget you., I will make you proud.

Up until the last 10 months my career path was heading in the welding direction. Our High School Freshman year we are asked to choose the top 3 programs offered thru our Vocational School that we would like to participate in. My 1st choice was welding. It is not until our Sophomore year that we are informed which choice we were selected for. Sophomore year comes around and I was selected for the welding program. Which was my priority choice. I spent my entire sophomore and part of my junior year working towards this goal. The 2nd part of my junior year a friend of mine that has now passed on, helped me get a part time job at a nursing home where she worked. At first, this was just a temporary job for me to save money for some of my wants. The more I worked, the more I realized I looked forward to coming to work and seeing the residents. I found a desire to help the residents feel comfortable and be heard. While I continued my welding program at the vocational school, I began to start researching health science programs. The summer between my junior and senior year I worked as much as I could. I also decided to start a Certified Nursing Assistants class that my job offered. 2 weeks before graduation I failed one of my main tests and that caused me to fail the class, having to restart the whole program. My workload at school was getting harder, so I decided I would wait on restarting the class, but I did continue to work part time. It is now my final semester of my high school senior year. I am still in the welding program, but I am more eager and passionate about following a nursing career. I have been accepted in 2 colleges that provide a bachelors of Science in Health. I have taken several classes my job has offered on working with disabled patients. But, I also find interest in health teaching, preventive care, and social justice aspects of community health which lead to advocacy for the patients. In my future, what I would like to see is that one day I am able to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources necessary to better manage their own health and that of their families.  Most of all, I am looking forward to managing a healthy environment in which the staff, residents and the community can flourish.

September 3rd, 2005 in distress, I made my entrance into this world. The time in my biological mom’s womb was turmoil due to her drug issues. According to hospital records and my parents, the 2 people that answered Gods call and fostered me, then adopted me, I was born addicted to opioids and methanphetamines and my lungs were not well developed. With therapy and work, It didn’t take long for me to reach all my milestones. My parents are avid volunteers in our community and encouraged my older sister and I to help those that cannot help themselves, it’s been our family motto as long as I can remember. Ringing the bell for the Salvation Army was one of my favorites, as well as helping prepare and build the floats for parades. At the age of 4, I began playing football with our Toy bowl association. My dad held several volunteer positions throughout the years, therefore I was voluntold and participated in cleaning the fields and raising funds for the uniforms and equipment we needed. Football was my sport for the next 14 years of my life. In Middle School I was invited to the BETA club and my first solo project was to raise enough coffee to donate to the Veterans Affairs Hospitals. We exceeded our goals and we stocked the local Veterans Affairs hospital common waiting areas. I also tried out and made the Archery team . I enjoyed the competitions. Junior year, I experienced a huge loss. My best friend lost her life in front of me. That year I quit trying to build relationships and academically I was failing. One day it hit me, my friend, Harlee was full of love and life. The legacy she left will never be forgotten and she would not want me to fail. I needed to make some life changes. Senior year I ran for student counsel officer in Harlees honor and I won. I applied for the state Youth Development leadership Program and was accepted. Our main goal is to raise funds for non profit organizations. I was amongst the top ten in raising funds for our Veterans foundation. I participated in my first Walk for Warriors and am looking forward to participating in the events we have planned for the remainder of the year. I began working part time at a nursing home and I do believe this is my calling in life, to help those that can’t help themselves. Therefore, my plan after High School is to pursue a nursing degree. Looking back, I have accomplished so much and have several projects and community services I want to perform. Meanwhile, I want to focus on bettering the stay of our residents at the nursing home. I have plans to partner with local service projects groups to help provide some of the basic needs and wants for our residents. For example we just did a fundraiser that provided, warm blankets, Sox, crosswords, snacks, toiletries specific to there needs. Lastly, I feel thankful and blessed for the people God has placed in my life. I hope I can be half of what my parents have been to our community I want to leave a legacy, that I cared and I tried to make a difference in someone’s life.

April 3, 2023 changed my life forever. My friend Harlee Vines lost her life at the age of 17 to a person that should have never been behind the wheel. We were friends since we were 4 years old. We were in the same classes. And played for the same toy bowl age group, you cheered, I played football. Harlee was a force to be reckoned with. Her laugh was contagious. Boy was she bossy too. She was my school mom, making sure I stayed on track and she didn’t have a problem calling my mom when I made dumb decisions, like cutting class. She was always getting onto me for my nonsense behavior, reminding me to straighten up, think about my future, instead being so immature. Our friendship went beyond school. The times I had surgery and was stuck at home, Harlee would have her grandparents drive her to Jacks to get me a biscuit and a milkshake and bring to me. An hour later, after visiting with me and telling me the school gossip she would head back out, because she remembered they were still outside in the car waiting on her. One evening, Harlee texts me that she filled out a job application for me at the Nursing Home she worked at. She called me and said ‘Lee, you just put your job application in, so when they call you for an interview, make sure you show up’. That was just Harlee, always trying to keep me on track. March 4, 2023, Was my 1st day as a helping hand at Ridgeview Nursing home. Harlee was my job trainer. Until this point, my mind was set on being a welder. I had been doing welding for the last 2 1/2 years at the technical school, earning my certification credits. I figured I would work part time at the nursing home, earn money to make modifications to my car and have fun on my off days with friends. Then the weekend before April 3, 2023 approached. It was Junior Prom for us. It was one of the best weekends partying and celebrating with all our friends. Monday morning rolled around, another fun day at school, discussing the weekend and what everyone did. The school day ended, Harlee and I signaled to each other see you at work in a few. It was a normal shift that evening, we clocked out at 9pm, walked to our cars and talked for awhile. With her always saying, Lee go home and go to bed, it’s late and you don’t need to be worrying your parents with your craziness. We hugged and proceeded to head home with me following right behind. As we are just a few miles from our homes a car pulls out onto Harlee’s lane. Hitting her vehicle. I stop right behind her not being able to tell what is going on yet and I call my dad, tell him “Harlee was in a wreck, I’m going to check on her, see if her car is ok and wait til her grandpa comes, then I will head home”. My dad asks if i need him to come and I tell him no I don’t think it’s anything major. April 3rd, 2023, Harlee, never expected Junior Prom would be her last prom. She never thought she wouldn’t make it to graduate High School. I never imagined this would be our last shift together at work. See, we had plans and no matter how hard I tried to open her crushed car doors, I couldn’t get Harlee out of her car. I couldn’t save Harlee that night. My next call to my dad, “Harlee is dead dad, I couldn’t get her out of the car dad”. I gave up on life and I went into a black hole for awhile. My Support groups all gave me time to grieve. I knew Harlee would not want me to continue this way. I began to have a new sense of wisdom, maturity and meaning for my life. I want to honor Harlee and make her proud. Harlee, because of you, I ran for secretary of our senior class student council on your behalf and won it. Mom had my parking spot at school painted in your honor. I’ve learned life is not just fun a and games, it’s time to get serious about my life. I found a new love in the nursing field. I feel led to follow a nursing career with intentions to work in a nursing home environment. Harlee, because of you my life has more meaning. I want to leave a legacy of being a friend, a helper, a care taker just as you have. Harlee I will never forget you.

My football years began when I was 4 years old. My parents signed me up to play with our local community toy bowl association. I was so excited, because I was about to play for one of my favorite teams… Auburn football. Well, that’s what I thought until the coach went to fit me for a jersey and the jersey was blue and yellow and said Curry Jackets. I quickly informed the coach I would be wearing my Auburn jersey as I had worn today (The adults all had a good laugh, while I didn’t understand what the humor was all about). Long story short, I was bribed into wearing the Curry Yellow Jacket uniform. I wore the Curry Yellow Jacket uniform until recently, when at the age of 18, I played my final game for the season. I take with me memories and lessons of a lifetime, leaving behind blood, sweat and tears on the many fields we played across the state. And let’s not count the bench warming nights, due to insubordination or being on the injured list. Insubordination, one of my major downfalls as a kid, from an early age thru my elementary school years. Maybe one of the reasons my parents let me play football at an early age. I needed a way to let out my frustrations and hyperness under structure. Eventually I learned that a great player wouldn’t be going further than the bench until we realized obedience was critical to being a team player. In Middle School we begin playing for the Schools team, so our class behavior was also a reflection of how our practice time on the field began. During this time, the coaches would have us watch the opponents games and our post played games. This was to study the opponents moves in order to execute a counter move on them, that meant not only working on our minds discipline, but a physical and healthy discipline as well. I was fortunate to have supportive parents and coaches that pushed me when I wanted to give up. Who didn’t turn there backs on me, when I made some bad decision that sent me to alternative school a few too many times. These individuals saw my potential and didn’t allow me to be oh pitiful me. By the time I entered High School, I felt drawn to do better for myself and others. I started helping the little jackets during their toy bowl games. I’m 6 foot tall and most these kids were barely 3 foot tall. I stood there encouraging them, giving them water and listening to them while they were out there playing to win. I wanted them to know that this big fella, was just like them not too long ago. Now, as a Senior, with just a few months left before I graduate high school and face adulthood, I see how everything I did or didn’t do during my years as an athlete have made a grand impact on my life and how I want to continue helping out in my community mentoring these little players to be the best they can be. We don’t all fit in the same mold therefore, We all need someone to believe in us, specifically those of us whom struggle with our own selves.

As long as I can remember, welding has been a huge trait in our family. My grandfather has a shop next to my home where he has most of the necessary equipment needed to repair and weld pieces that were broken on the farming implements, as in the tractors, trailers or anything mental related that we or family and friends needed fixed. If we didn’t have the welding equipment needed for a specific task, we would load up on the weekends and go shop for them and local flea markets and or pawn shops. I grew up watching my grandfather and my dad use welding to build trailers, frames, truck parts and so on, I was amazed at the many interest pieces that they built, just by welding metals together. I knew that if I paid attention and was safe around all the equipment I would soon be as good as my grandfather and father were. My dad explained how we would be saving money by doing these projects and repairs in ourselves rather than paying someone else. Dad always made sure we had our safety equipment on and that our welds provided quality craftsmanship. We didn’t always charge people to repair items and that felt good to be able to help, other times we bartered for other services we weren’t able to perform ourselves in our little shop, but we also made extra side money with this trade. I have always imagined myself being able to have a career in welding. So when I heard that my High School had a class at the local trade school, I knew it was meant to be for me. I had to wait until my 10th grade year to apply. I applied and was accepted. I have taken this course every semester since. Our Instructor Mr Poff is one of the best Welders around and he cares about teaching us everything he knows to be successful welders. This is my final semester in High School and I’ve considered underwater welding because while one is welding we get the opportunity to watch some of the world’s marine life and explore some of the country's ocean such as the coral. I find that welding is relaxing for me and keeps me focused. I don’t have to think about anything except what I’m working on. I feel that a welding career can provide me with many advantages, including a stable and fulfilling professional path, job security, diverse opportunities, travel, competitive pay, hands-on work, flexibility, and the potential for continued growth.