My name is Justin, but feel free to call me Tyler! I'm from Kansas City, MO and graduated from Blue Springs High School. I moved here in January, of last year, to go to Missouri State. I'm still a Missouri State Student, I'm just taking a few extra classes here at OTC.
I'm from a single-parent household and, until recently, am an only child. All through my life I have been a single child. It was just my mom and I, so life was pretty easy. About 5 years ago, my mom lost her job from the economy crash and life changed dramatically. Instead of worrying and stressing about finding another job, my mom went with her natural instincts and started back up at school. Through her social work, she got the urge to start foster parenting. (Can you tell where this is going?) Long story, very short, she adopted 6 kids in December of 2011.
The two boys in the picture on the right are DeShaun and Cody. On the left picture we have them, my other siblings, and mom - Stacy. The picture on the left, is supposed to be awkward! Everyone always asks why I am texting in it; it's simply because, in that picture, we're all doing what we're usually distracted by when my mom is trying to get our attention! Between Stephanie, Jasmine, David, Mya, Deshaun and Cody, our family can be a little crazy!
My life is pretty easy going now. I live on my own, pay my own bills, I live a fully self-supporting life. I just got into a job that I've been wanting for a year with the MO Department of Mental Health and it's really turning things around for me. I used to stress about bills getting paid, not having any spending money; basically, I had no life. I'm much happier now that I have a job that not only supports me, but supports me going to school and making something better of my individual life, vs them just caring about themselves.
Everything has pretty much calmed down for me here lately. I work, go to class, and hang out with friends. There's much more but it'd take too long and I'd get tired of typing! (;
Hope to get to meet ya' and make some more friends!
-(Justin) Tyler Mays
8 comments:
wow, very awesome story, that is very awesome what your mom is doing since there are so many children out there that need love and a stable family life. it must be exciting to go from being a only child to being a big brother.
congrats on getting the job that you so dreamed of. hope you have a great semester
Your mom sounds like an amazing woman! You seem very close to your family. Congrats on the job!
You sound like a pretty solid guy and congrats on the new job!
Wow, what an inspirational life! I can't even imagine going through what you and your mom have gone through! I am glad everything is looking up for you though!
That's quite an interesting story. I really like the "distraction" picture it's an very creative take on the traditional family photo. It sounds like there would never be a dull moment in your house.
I also like the distration photo simply because it's different than most family photos. You're mom is a great person and it sounds like she raised a very good son with his head on his shoulders. Keep up the good work and good luck !
I think it's wonderful your family fosters children. Definitely something I plan to pursue! You seem like a very nice guy. (:
It's pretty awesome what your mom did. It seems like you also have a good head on your shoulders. Congratulations on your job, I'm glad that you enjoy it because many people don't enjoy their job. Well good luck this semester :)
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