My Life, My Dreams was a homework assignment that Jennifer submitted just a few days before her death to her Journalism class.
My Life, My Dreams
On October 12th, 1986 in Syracuse, NY, a new baby was born. A surprise to her parents, and a “new toy” for her older sister, she was given to a wonderful family who’s only intentions were to love her. I, Jennifer Kelly, have grown up with hardships and joys, lessons have been learned and taught, and dreams have been wished.
My earliest memory as a child is a day at the zoo. I had recently seen the movie “Mary Poppins” and on the particular day, it was very windy with rain. I remember my little umbrella folding inside out and being so afraid that I would fly away like the nanny’s in “Mary Poppins”. I also remember a few 
years after that, when my sister Jamie told me a ghost story on Halloween. Her 8 year old intentions were to scare me into staying home that night so she could get all the candy while trick-or-treating with our dad. The story, a werewolf would follow kids trick-or-treating and eats the youngest one in the family for his midnight snack, was soon explained by our mother that it was a silly story that wasn’t true. Jamie’s punishment for scaring me was that I got to choose any candy of hers to eat that I wanted.
Growing up, I had many memories. My father worked for The Salvation Army so we moved about every 3 years. We first moved from Syracuse to Baltimore, Maryland. From there we moved to East Harford, Connecticut when I was 4. Finally at the age of 7 we made our final move to 
Washingtonville, New York. I have lived here, in NY for the last 10 years of my life. It was here, that I met my best friend Nicole (who moved only a year after we met). Through the last 10 years, we have remained close friends and have made the effort to see each other many times. We even went to Disney World together this past winter. She is the unfailing friend who will always be a part of my life.
The summer I was 15, I met and fell in love with my boyfriend Richie of 2 years. Best friends first, it was a match that had no compare. Our first date, a night at the Ulster County Fair, was perfect. I knew that night we’d have something together for a very long time. With him, I have gone to
Prom twice, and have made memories that I’ll never forget. He is the most important person in my life and his constant love has kept me going. From teaching me how to fish, to waiting for me while I was away for a month, he has always been there. He’s my other half, and I’m lost without him.
A year after I met Richie, I traveled to the country of Jamaica where I volunteered for a month to work at a children’s home called “New Windsor Lodge”. I left on August 1st, alone and afraid to stay with people I never met. I met so many people and each child found room in my heart. To this day I miss them very much. One 
day I remember most is a day we took the kids to the beach. Children who have lived on an island all their life were afraid of the ocean! I never felt so needed and appreciated in my life as when I was in Jamaica taking care of the children.
Now, a senior in high school with only a few days left, my life is about to take a new turn. Ninety-nine percent excited and one percent sad, the day of Graduation is approaching quicker than I imagined. I am planning on attending Liberty University in Virginia to pursue my dream of making music. I want to sing. I may change my mind, like most college students do, but the idea is there. I have a goal and that’s all that matters.
From Mom and Dad: Yes, Jen, there were only a few days left. Yes, Jen, ninety-nine percent excited and one percent sad (about leaving those you love),. Yes, Jen, graduation comes quicker than any of us expect. Yes, Jen, you are already attending Liberty (heaven). And yes, Jen, sing!!!!
