Family over island parties any, and every day

To a number of students spring break equals partying and getting wild and drunk on an island, but I have realized that spending quality time with my family is more important.


I have never been interested in the friendly bonding trips, maybe because I stayed to myself for so long. In fact, I was never interested in even hanging with my family as much as I do now, but I am glad I have ventured out of my shell. Still, the party life is not for me.


After being away from home for years, I learned to be independent and have grown immune to the distance, but getting the chance to simply relax four and a half hours away from school and work is a great feeling.


For me, going home means resting and not worrying about a single thing. Since I had my daughter Saniyah, last January, rest has been a thing of the past, but when I go home she can run wild with my siblings or ride around with my mom while I get sleep or shop. Family is a very important aspect of my life and I feel it is only right that my daughter knows her family well.


Last spring break she was still a newborn, but I am glad she is walking and pouncing around this year. Thanks to the great weather Texas was blessed with last week, Saniyah experienced going to the park for the first time. In the beginning of course she was afraid to play but quickly caught on. I like that she gets excited when she sees other children, since she doesn’t go to a day care, but the hard part is keeping her from chasing them and trying to kiss or hug them. And the Dallas/Fort Worth area was a perfect play place for her. There, we actually know other children for her to be around.


Saniyah was able to go to Six Flag and walk around this year; although she is not nearly tall enough to ride anything, viewing the rides made her excited. She would stand as close as she could to all of the entrance gates with her hands up screaming with joy, which made me happy.


I did not realize that quality time with the family would eliminate bed time for my one year old, but it was like she eliminated it for herself. Staying up until 1 or 2 a.m. playing is not normal for little tots, but Saniyah obviously believes that she is a college student as well. Thankfully, getting her back on track has been a little easier than I thought it would be.


But I did not value spending time with my family when I was in high school, so it’s new and fun for me. Being the oldest of four children, I get a chance to come home and create the fun for my siblings, and seeing them smile is a great thing.


I love my friends and when they have fun and take trips I wish the best, but when I have an awesome daughter it’s a lot easier for me to keep life simple, still be thankful for the opportunities I receive and have fun.