A Life Remembered
The House on Maple Street and My First Real Job
She grew up in a small three-bedroom house on Maple Street with a cracked front step and a kitchen that always smelled like coffee by 6 a.m. Her dad repaired most things himself, and weekends meant mowing the yard, pulling weeds, and helping neighbors when someone needed a hand. At the time, it felt like ordinary life. Looking back, it was where she learned consistency, patience, and how much community can shape a person.
Her first job was at a local grocery store, bagging groceries after school for a little over minimum wage. She remembers being nervous on day one, learning the register system slowly, and feeling proud when she bought her own winter coat with her first paycheck. That job taught her to show up on time, talk to people she did not know, and take responsibility for herself.
