The inspirational women in my life: Top 10 list

There are so many inspiring women in my life. The list is very, very long. As a 25 year old woman I feel so lucky to have met and worked with these women who have left a special imprint on my heart. I promise I will also make a list of the men who changed my life. Maybe I will leave that for my next entry or I'll leave it for fathers day who knows. Now I will begin by saying this will probably be a very long entry so please be patient with me. So here is my top 10 ten list of inspirational women. I will tell you all who inspired me to write this. The assistant director of the Point After Club. Charlotte. Now here goes nothing.

1. My mother is  of course the first inspiration in my life, when I got sick in April of 2009. She was there for me from day one. She would come visit me at the hospital and she supported me when I was discharged. My mother was the one to bring me to the Point After Club. I know I needed to do something with my life besides just sit on my butt and sleep all day. My mom is a shoulder to cry on when I need it. She encourages me and gives me that extra little push when I need it. My mom is special to me. She is an amazing woman who has a lot of strength. I am so lucky to have her in my life.We certainly have our moments but let me tell you I don't know know where I'd be without her.

2. My 3rd grade aide- Mrs Devito is another inspirational woman in my life. She is a another mother for me. I remember when I first saw her when I was just a little girl.  I knew she would have a special place in my heart and was I right. She was always there for me. She walked me through a lot of things in my life. She loves me unconditionally. I still keep in touch with her to this day. She is still important in my life. I think of her often. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if she saw me now. I bet she'd be pretty proud of me for what I've become. Because of Mrs Devito I want to pay it forward and help someone else.

3. Mrs Arias is another special person in my life. I know she was a part of my life for only a year but she also left a mark on my heart. Thanks to the magic of facebook we became friends. Mrs Arias like Mrs Devito is another person that watched me grow for a whole year. That's pretty special in my book. We keep in touch too. I write her on facebook when I can and she writes back when she can. I feel so fortunate to have been able to work with her and to have had her as a teacher.

4. My advocate- Nilda who has been working at the Point After Club for almost 3 years is another inspiration. Although she is younger than me I consider her to be mature and a friend. She has taken me to young adult events. And I know I can talk to her about pretty much everything. She supports me and helps me whenever I need it. It's often times she notices that I'm down when I come to the club but she cheers me right up. I consider her to be a brave person and a hard worker. She helps the members that work in the Campbell center. I think she is an inspiration for me and many young adults at the club.

5. Charlotte- Charlotte is a very special person in my life. Here is another woman who is like another mother to me. I went to Boston with her today and she said to me she treats me like a daughter. Right away she thought I was uncomfortable by her words but I was not. Charlotte you are always there for me when I need to talk to you. You are a kind, and loving person. I'm pretty sure you were the first one I met when I first came to the club. I was still in recovery mode. But you smiled at me and even though I was still stuck I also knew you would be another woman who was an inspiration. Now I hope it's okay to say this and if not I promise I will take this off my blog. But you also love me unconditionally. You always ask how I'm doing and you never hesitate to smile at me if I'm having one of those days. But I know you love everyone at the club. You support me and everyone of us on a daily basis. And for that you will always have a place in my heart

6. Gerry- Gerry who is another staff person at the club has supported me through the jobs that I've had through the club. I worked at Garden Street. Stop and Shop. And most recently Kohl's. When I had an issue a while back at first I was very nervous to ask her for help. I really don't know why I was. But when I told her what was going on Gerry came through. She helped straighten it out and I am really thankful for that. Gerry is an awesome person. If I need anything and nobody else is around. I'll talk to her. Most recently I started work with a new vocational counselor and Gerry has supported me by sitting in meetings with me. Thanks Gerry for always being there for me.

7. Mrs Waybright- I know I shouldn't be putting another teacher on here but I'm going to. She came at a time in my life when I needed her the most! High School. She guided me through math which was the most difficult subject area and a lot of other things. . If not for her I never would have passed MCAS! I remember the cheers and hug she gave me because of course she was the first person to find out I passed the math portion of the MCAS!! I remember how proud she was of me. I haven't seen Mrs Waybright in 2 years but I'm hoping one day I get to see her again and tell her thanks for being an inspiration in my life.

8. My life skills coach from Landmark College- Deb you supported me through a lot when I started work with you. When I needed you the most you were there for me. I remember when my mom got sick and Deb came right to me and wrapped her arms around me. I was very hesitant at first to hug her back but I did. I didn't know what else to do. I owe this woman so much for supporting me and caring about me. I can count on her to keep in touch with me too whenever I send an email to her.

9. My sister Jessica- Jessica is another inspiration in my life. She takes care of my amazing almost two year old nephew William. I love her so much. She also came to visit me when I was in the hospital. I can talk to her too and she is always around. When we talk she always makes me feel better. She also knows how to make me smile. I love you Jessica.

10. Last but not least is Kerry who also works at the Point After Club. I can talk to her too. She makes me laugh all the time. She is a wonderful person who helps everyone that comes to the Point After. All the women staff who work at my program are inspirations to me. I can talk to each and every one of you and I know I can count on you for support.