nmarinopsych

In what ways did the experiences of your early childhood make you who you are today? How about your relationships with your parents?

-When I was a child, I did not live a normal life. Instead of playing, I spent most of my days in hospital waiting rooms or the doctor’s office waiting with my mother for my sister. When I was one year old, my sister, Dara, was diagnosed with leukemia. At the time I was too young to understand anything, but a few years later I was well aware of everything that was going on in my family around me. As a child, I knew I always had to stay strong for the rest of my family. Being the youngest of three daughters, I always kept everything casual when times were rough. My family felt as though they had to hide her sickness from me in our home, and act as if everything was normal. Inside, I knew it was not that way, so I made sure I always had courage and strength to stay by Dara’s side. My parents and I were very close, and they taught me to always be a positive young woman, and to always believe. Today, I carry those same traits, and am still able to laugh and play with my older sister, who is now healthy once again.

What is your unique outlook on life in general? What type of attitude do you have towards the world around you?

-I have a positive outlook on life. However, I try not to think the best situation will happen. I hope for the best, but I prepare myself for the worst. I believe that when things go wrong in my life or in the world, I should be prepared so that it does not hit me too hard. I hope that these things will not happen; however if they ever do, it will not be a shock to me.