Page 75 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2018 - Online Magazine

together, she has never had to work a day in her life.
The obstacles my grandfather went through shaped him
into the man he is to this day. Never getting the love from
his parents everyone hopes to have, he gave his wife and
siblings that and much more. He not only raised them but
also gave them a life they would not have had without
him. Seeing and feeling the pain that his father caused, my
grandfather wanted to make sure everyone around him
would have a better life than he did as a child. Instead of
turning to drugs or alcohol, he focused on his relationship
with God. During this time, his parents got divorced and
both went their separate ways, causing more pain for my
grandfather and his siblings.

At the age of 24, he gave his life to God. Lost and needing
a Savior, he realized he had to step up more than he had
even thought. Just four years later, at 28, my grandfather
became a minister. He began simply helping people in
their hard times, and he loved it. Later on, with the help
of God, he was able to build and remold four churches in
Plainview, Texas.
I have had the opportunity to watch my grandfather
change the lives of others and help people live a better
life. I truly believe that, because of his past, he has become
the humblest, and yet, most astonishing man. Seeing how
gentle and selfless my grandfather is has always made
me want to be like him. I have always been someone who
is kind to anyone I meet because, in reality, everyone is
facing different battles; some just hide it better than others.
When my grandfather is going through something, it is From everything I have learned from my grandfather,
very difficult to notice. He never wants people to worry one day I hope to make him proud by following in his
about him, but he worries about everyone else and makes footsteps. I hope to become stronger in my faith, while also
sure they are okay. getting my education to be successful, so that my future
family will have a good life also. A huge priority and
His selfless traits have had an effect on me. I believe in motivation in my life is to make my grandfather proud,
having a kind heart over everything. I have learned that for him to see that everything he has done for our family
God can heal all, good or bad. I also know now that, with has influenced everyone, especially me. Every day, I am
hard work, anything is possible. My grandfather worked thankful and blessed to have such an amazing man as my
extremely hard just to give the ones he loved a better grandfather.
life. Never complaining or wanting to give up, he did
everything he could to ensure a secure life for his family.

plainview

Article Submitted by
Yasmine Soto

Yasmine Mariah Soto is a senior at Plainview High School, where she has
played volleyball all four years. She is an officer in FCCLA (Family, Career and
Community Leaders of America) and the Treasurer of FBLA (The Future Business
Leaders of America). She is also a member of NTHS (National Technical Honor
Society). After graduation, she plans to attend The University of Texas in San
Antonio and major in business finance.

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