Thursday, March 16, 2023

Youth Leadership Graduation

Each year, Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a Youth Leadership for sophomore students different schools in Weirton and nearby counties.  I'm glad our son have participated into it.  

The organizations mission in hosting this event is to raise up and inspire youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to empower them to become strong leaders who will make our community a better place for everyone to live and work.
Selected student leaders were picked based from their GPAs and the essays they have written and submitted to the committee.  
They attended a series of activities from around the city which includes a simulation of a real world as adults. They were put into situations where they have to make a decision and I think it's a great way for these kids to kind have a glimpse into how adulthood is.
The graduation was held in March 12 at Holiday Inn.
Each participants received a certificate of achievement and also given a college credit by WV Northern Community College.
Madonna High School had 7 student leaders who participated.
These boys are goof balls, glad they had a chance to attend this leadership training.
At first, our son did not want us to attend the graduation but upon learning that all parents of the students from his school, I insisted that we do attend.  I did not want him to be the only one who didn't have parents there.  I'm glad we attended.
Our daughter was not able to attend this leadership trainings because of pandemic but she was able to attend the business symposium.  
Some of the students weren't present at the graduation but all of the MHS student leaders were there.
We were a little bit late arriving because we attended a mass (which I felt bad leaving without finishing it).  I just wish that the committee did not schedule it at noon because some  of us attended an 11-12 mass.
Our son is always anxious in attending events like this which really surprise me because he is well-liked by his peers.  I think he got that trait from me, I feel that anxiety every single time I have to deal with people.  What surprises me the most though is our daughter, she's shy in nature but  when it comes to doing stuff like this, she shines, she doesn't back down and just do it like a champ.  

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

F. R. I. E. N. D. S.

 I am grateful that my children have great friends like the Mascio girls.  They have known each other since kindergarten and although they went to a different school in high school, I am glad they still keep in touch.

EJ's first homecoming date was his friend Rissy.
Both of our kids are really close in age with the Mascio girls so they are close to each other.  So when EJ was getting shy of asking Rissy, the older sisters  orchestrated the event for him.
I wanted him to go to HOCO on his sophomore year but he chose not to.  It was fine though because we focused more on our daughter on her last homecoming.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

EJ Turned Sixteen

I can't believe my youngest is now 16!  Where did the time go?  Wow, I can't believe how time gone by so fast.  I still remember when they were little and can't get enough of us, now they are kind of have their own set of friends and different interests than ours so they do their own thing without us sometimes.  With EJ though, he is a homebody, he prefers to hang out at home which I'm glad.  

Our son is a happy-go-lucky guy and doesn't try hard in school but he is equally smart as our daughter.  The only difference is that, she's more focused on her studies but he isn't.  He remind me so much of my brothers who weren't into studying.  Sometimes I worry but I have to remind myself that he is boy and he is young.  He might change his attitude once he becomes an adult.
For his birthday, we took him to his favorite restaurant and had dinner with him.  His sister had to work so she couldn't go with us, however, we all had dinner together from a different restaurant the day before.
I don't like comparing my two kids but sometimes I can't help but to do it to encourage our son to be more focused in doing things.  Just like when our daughter turned 15, she immediately wanted a driving permit which she got right away. When she turned 16, she got her license.   It took us a lot of convincing for our son to get his permit and I'm happy that he has it now coz he can start practice driving.
I just wish that he would not care too much of what others think of him especially his appearance.  It makes me sad to know that despite him being outgoing more that his sister, he feels anxious about social interactions from time to time.  Then again I can totally relate because I am the same way.
Hubby is definitely enjoying bonding with him in the gym.  They work out together which is very special.  Sometimes I feel lost of what they talk about but I'm very happy to see of how they have a special relationship as a dad and son.
Looking at this pic makes me miss when they were little but at the same time, I am glad that we get to witness every milestone in their lives.  
It makes me happy to see both kids are growing up the way we want  them to.  We might not be able to provide them the best of things but we make sure that they are well loved by us and that they know how much we love them.

I love the fact that they are so close in age and they are very close with each other.  At their age (17 and 16), they still go to our bedroom almost every night to talk before we go to sleep.  I think it's very important for every parent to have an open communication with their children.  

To my ever dearest EJ,

I am always grateful that you are such a very loving son and that God gave us a precious gift.  We may not always give you the best of everything but know that we will always be there for you no matter what.  Do not be afraid to explore and learn things.  Soon, you will become an adult and I hope that we guided  you enough to be a responsible one.  We wish you all the best Anak.

Love,

Mom





Youth Leadership Graduation

Each year, Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a Youth Leadership for sophomore students different schools in Weirton and nearby counties...

Friends

Contributors