Personal Childhood Web

      Maxine Clyde Carter is the first influence in my life. She raised me from a young infant to  

This is my grandmother and I

the age of eight. I have affectionately called her "Ma" until the day she left this earth from Alzheimer's. She taught me to love the Lord, self respect and how to love myself. She gave me a sense of pride and family. We celebrated every birthday, holiday and "family night" was the best! We would listen to records and dance until I fell asleep. I remember when we used to watch a television show titled, "Creature Feature" where a Dracula character would introduce a series of spooky shortcuts, similar to "The Crypt Keeper" show. I would be right up under her until I fell asleep but I would always end up in my own bed in the morning. I knew I was loved and safe as a young child. My grandmother had a nick name for me; it is "Pookie". I will always treasure and honor her as my mother.

This is my mother, my two uncles and me

     My mother had me at a young age so she entered my life late. My mother and I had to build our relationship because we did not know each other. It was not easy for me to adjust to my new life with my mother but over time we developed a bond that cannot be broken. My mother and I grew up together and she taught me how to persevere, to be independent and strong.
     My uncles grew up with me as well. I always thought they were my brothers! They loved me, but sometimes they would play tricks on me like taping a glow in the dark life size poster of "Frankenstein" above my bed and laugh like crazy when I screamed! Sherwayne and Jr. gave me security because anytime someone was mean to me I would get them to handle it!

 

My grandmother and dad after my high school graduation

     Wesley Green better known to me as "Dad"! This is the only man in my life that I have called dad and I love him for being in my life. He taught me that love is unconditional and to never give up!










My aunt, great-grandmother and grandmother

     My aunt Carol and great-grandmother taught me about being close with extended family members. Every summer until I was thirteen years of age I would travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to visit with them and my cousins. I felt loved and nurtured whenever I was there. My aunt Carol gave the best kisses! My grand-mother made the best food! One memory of mine is when the neighborhood kids found out that I was from Washington, D.C., I instantly became a superstar, because the kids were amazed that I lived where the President lived! Boy did I eat up my popularity!

My Social Studies teacher Mr. Davis

      This is a picture of Mr. Davis and I when I was visiting family. I surprised him at school! Mr. Davis was an influence in my life because he encouraged me to continue my education beyond high school. He would stress the importance that my grades should not be wasted and that I should pursue a college education. I remember expressing to him that I could not afford to go to college and I really had talent doing hair. Mr. Davis refused to accept my excuse. This man took the time to visit my mother at our home and spoke with her candidly about my future. My mother told Mr. Davis the exact thing I told him, "We can't afford it". Well, Mr. Davis refused her response as well. He personally researched and scheduled an appointment at Morgan State University; in which I am proudly an Alumni, for me to interview for a scholarship. I received an academic scholarship, grant money and a loan. I was excited! Mr. Davis is one of a kind and I will forever be thankful for his encouragement and tenacity for not allowing me to walk away from my future.

     As I was completing this assignment I became emotional because some of the adults that have influenced and nurtured me as a young child; are no longer living. I learned so much from each member and each of them are a part of who I am as an adult to this day. I can truly admit that I have been Blessed with loving people in my life that will always hold a special place of my heart.