We are all different, and in fact "most of us hold simultaneous membership in a number of groups based, for example, on our personal and physical characteristics, on our abilities and class backgrounds, and on our cultural racial or religious identifications. We may find ourselves both in groups targeted for oppression and in those dominant groups granted relatively higher degrees of power and prestige" (Blumenfeld 3). With these differences in our lives comes a wide array of advantages and disadvantages. It is these differences that make us all unique, all individuals; and yet it is our individualities, the fact that each and every one of us has a story to tell is what unifies us. This is my story .
I've always felt something missing in my life. My parents got divorced when I was about ten years old, and my home life has never been the same since. My mom became a completely different person. She went from being a carefree, confident woman to a total wreck. Her whole life became being "the single mother" and all the struggles that came along with it. My relationship with my father was never that great. Him being the one to leave, I probably blamed him for the shambles my family was in. He made somewhat of an effort to stay in my life, taking me to his place for a night here and there, taking me out to dinner, and playing video games with me. I never felt I was able to talk to him, confide in him or simply get close to him any way. Growing up, it was as if I was holding a grudge and constantly pushed him away, especially when he began living with his girlfriend (whom I hated) and her family. In the past two years I've grown up a lot. Everything had changed. Going away to college has really opened my eyes. My father and I now have a great relationship; I probably would even consider him a friend. For the first time in my life I feel like he's on my side. I have even grown to like his girlfriend, and she treats me like one of her children.