A
story about Broyhill camp
by Sherry Illerburn
Hi.
My name is Sherry Adrianne Illerbrun and I am going to tell you
a little bit about myself. I am 17 years old and have a 17-month-old
little boy. I am currently attending Central Piedmont Community
College and going to receive my GED in a couple of months to a
year. After receiving my GED I am going to start some RN classes
to hopefully receive my degree in nursing in at least 2_3 years.
I am currently a cashier at the Kimmerly Glen Food Lion in Charlotte,
North Carolina, making $6.50 an hour. My son goes to daycare during
the day and comes home at night. My son has been recently moved
to another foster home because of some problems my foster mother
and I were having with him, but I should be getting him back soon.
Well, I think that should cover everything about myself and my
life. I was just wanting to let you know a little bit about myself
and now I want to tell you a story about a lovely camp that I
went to.
The
name of the camp is Broyhill Camp at Belmont Abbey College, in
Charlotte. When my social worker first told me about this camp
I wasn't too sure about it because I didn't know anyone attending.
Also, I didn't think I had any problems.
I
finally agreed to go to this camp and at first I was uncomfortable
because I knew no one that was attending this camp and I thought
I was the only one with a child. Well, come to find out I wasn't,
there were several other people there with a child or children.
I felt better after I found that out.
As
the day went on I met a lot of nice and wonderful people, males
and females. I went to this camp with a negative attitude and
came out with a positive attitude. I also went to this camp with
low self-esteem and came out with a higher self-esteem than ever.
It's still not all that high, but I have improved.
I
learned a lot at this camp. I learned responsibility, how to control
my anger, and a whole lot more, how to not only look at my physical
appearance, but also my mental and emotional appearance. I learned
how to take
criticism
a whole lot better. Sticks and stones may break my bones but words
will never hurt me. This is no lie. Before I went to this camp,
I cried all the time when I was hollered at, told I done something
wrong, or even being on punishment. Now, after that camp, I hardly
cry about anything except when I'm really upset or hurting. I
learned how to make friends and I learned how to deal with people
who don't like you, but it really don't matter to me because I
will always have friends, God, my son, my mother, my foster mother,
and most of all my best friend of three and a half years, Amanda.
No
matter what I do wrong they will always love me. My best friend
and mother have been there for me through thick and thin. I also
appreciate my social workers, for being there for me.
The
main reason why I am writing this story is to try and encourage
people who need help with anything about their children or anything
else, then please find it in your heart to find someone to help
you, and it don't matter who. Here's two examples: Moore County
Department of Social Services and Mecklenburg County Lutheran
Family Services.
Don't
be afraid to ask for help, please. I've been in a rough situation
just like a lot of other children and adults have been in. Just
don't be afraid. And for the children in foster care or who have
been in foster care, please think about attending Broyhill Camp.
It helps you out with everything. Other teens there can also give
you advice because they might have been through what you've been
through or are going through what you've been through. I liked
it so much that I want go back next time. Don't ever forget there
is always someone out there who will always love you, and that's
your heavenly father, Jesus Christ.
Thank
you for taking the time to read my lovely story about Broyhill
Camp in Charlotte, NC.
Contest
Would you like a chance to be published in the next issue of
Fostering Perspectives? To enter, send us something you're
proud to have written or drawn. Drawing contest:
1st prize: $50; 2nd prize: $40; 3rd prize: $30. Writing
contest: $25 for works of 250 words or more and $15
for shorter pieces. Mail to: John McMahon, Jordan Institute
for Families, 340 Victoria Rd., Pines Bldg., Room 403, Asheville,
NC 28801. Artwork should be mailed flat (unfolded) on white,
unlined paper. Include your name, age, address, social security
number (used to process awards only, your confidentiality will
be protected) and phone number.
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