Why I choose them: These are my parents. They are the ones I picked for my hero. My parents are my hero because they do so much for me. They sent me to a catholic grade school and high school. It means a lot knowing they are willing to spend that kind of money to give me a great education. Also they allow me to participate in sports and clubs which I know that it is a lot of time and money. Club volleyball which is expecially expensive and time consuming. They take a lot of time out to take me to practices and to drive all the way out to tournaments.
They both do so much for me that I don’t even realize because I am so used to having them done for me since I was little. They take me and my sisters on family vacations every year, making meals for me every day, helping me with my homework when I ask for help, and so much more. They always put their children before themselves and always are there whenever we need someone to talk to. I know that I can go to them whenever and for anything. My parents help me so much, I love my parents a lot and I’m very grateful for all that they do for me
About My Parents: My Dad, James Anthony Hayden was born on January 4, 1955. My dad had 6 siblings and is the oldest of his family. He went to St. Francis for Grade School, Roger Bacon for High School and UC for College, my dad works for the IRS as a Project Manager. My dad is a hard worker and an over achiever. My dad always helps me and does so much for me. These are just a few reasons why I picked my dad for my hero.
My Mom, Jacqueline Rose Hayden was born on April 16, 1963. My mom also has 6 siblings. She went to St. Teresa for Grade School, Seton for High School, and UC for College. My Mom works for the IRS as a Budget Analyst. My mom is also a very hard worker and always does her best. I can always go to her for anything and I know she will be there. These are just a few reasons why I picked my mom for my hero.
Interview of My Heroes: Mom's Interview
In your lifetime, what is the biggest obstacle or struggle you have had to overcome? "An obstacle that I had to overcome in my life was the loss of my father about 18 years ago. It was Memorial Day weekend and I got a call from my brother that my dad had cancer and had just about 2 weeks to live. He had been pretty healthy lately so this all came as a shock to me. I spent the next week in the hospital visiting with my father who passed away a week later. This probably hit me harder because he was the first person close to me that had died." How did you eventually overcome your struggle? "I did not overcome his death overnight, in time I did accept it and will always appreciate the good times we had and what he had taught me. I learned to live life to the fullest and always appreciate what you are given because you never know when something can be taken away so quickly from you." What accomplishments are you most proud of? "My two proudest accomplishments would have to be my three daughters. They have been a lot of fun and have turned out to be wonderful young ladies." How do you think your life has impacted others? "Hopefully my life has impacted others in a positive way." What was your life like growing up? What was your family like? "I grew up in a large family with 2 sisters and 4 brothers. We were your typical family where the father was the breadwinner and the mother stayed at home and took care of the family. We were all very close and had a lot of fun. We didn’t have a lot of money so vacations and eating out were rare but we accepted it. I had a great childhood and would not change a thing." What are some of the differences you see between your generation/experiences and mine? "There are so many differences between my generation and my daughters. When I was growing things were not so fast paced. My parents were not running me from one practice to another or social engagement throughout the week. If I had a volleyball or soccer practice I got on my bike and got myself there. If I wanted to hang with a friend I would walk there. Life was simpler back then and a lot safer. We didn’t go the mall and buy designer clothes unless it was a special occasion or if I had saved enough money to buy something. We spent our free time outdoors playing and not sitting behind a computer or texting our friends. We actually used a telephone to talk to our friends but only if no one else was using it because we only had one phone – not five like our family has. We had dinner together every night. Now and day it’s hard to get the entire family on the same schedule so family dinners are not always the normal like it was in my generation. Things are definitely different between our generations, some for the better and some for the worse." What advice do you have for me/others? "Enjoy your teenage years. They go by so quick so enjoy every minute. Have fun and live life to the fullest."
Dad’s Interview In your lifetime, what is the biggest obstacle or struggle you have had to overcome? “Looking back today, I believe the biggest obstacle my family and I had to overcome was that my father left my mother with 5 children under the age of 7 years old; he never provided any financial or any other support to our family to this day. We grew up in the “Over- The- Rhine” area of Cincinnati.” How did you eventually overcome your struggle? “We overcame our situation with the support of great relatives, great friends and the help of some very caring priest and brothers of St. Francis Seraph church/school. It also goes without saying my mother provided a great atmosphere and positive outlook for all of her children. In my teen years, our family was blessed with a tremendous caring step-father which was a positive influence on the family.” What accomplishments are you most proud of? “I’m very proud to have attended and graduate from a Catholic High School (Roger Bacon) not a lot of kids were that fortunate growing up in that part of the city. I’m also proud to have 3 daughters that have grown into very caring thoughtful adults. My wife and I are proud that we have been able to provide a catholic education for our children at St. Dominic and Seton High School.” What was your life like growing up?“We were very poor, close knit family. As an example of how poor we were, where we lived there was only one shower for the entire apartment building (5or 6 apartments) my mother worked a full time job. Instead of going on some type of welfare, but even without much money we never thought about that part of our life. I think I had a great childhood. I think you tend to really appreciate the things you have today. Seeing my mother’s struggles and I think that strengthens your work ethnic and appreciation for smaller things in life.” What was your family like? “Growing up it was very plain, hardworking, no frills. With 4 brothers and sisters we played together. We were brought up Catholic. I do feel like going to a Catholic School guided us to stay out of trouble.” What kind of support did you have in your life? “Besides my mother, aunt, and grandmother, we had great support from priest and brothers of St. Francis Seraph Parish. They were there for us, with activities keeping us off the streets. In my teen years our family was blessed with a great step father. All these influences helped mold my life in a very positive fashion.” What are some of the differences you see between your generation/experiences and mine?“I believe my children have had a much wider view and experiences growing up than I was exposed too. There’ve also had a much more stable home life. As far as material things, there’s no comparison between our generations. I think in some ways having a lot of things complicates your life and can detach you from what’s really important.” What advice do you have for me/others? “Stay true to your family and friends .The world will go on with or without you. You have to make your own way, your own happiness in life with hard work and positive thinking. Stay true to yourself and your beliefs.”
Why I choose them:
These are my parents. They are the ones I picked for my hero. My parents are my hero because they do so much for me. They sent me to a catholic grade school and high school. It means a lot knowing they are willing to spend that kind of money to give me a great education. Also they allow me to participate in sports and clubs which I know that it is a lot of time and money. Club volleyball which is expecially expensive and time consuming. They take a lot of time out to take me to practices and to drive all the way out to tournaments.
They both do so much for me that I don’t even realize because I am so used to having them done for me since I was little. They take me and my sisters on family vacations every year, making meals for me every day, helping me with my homework when I ask for help, and so much more. They always put their children before themselves and always are there whenever we need someone to talk to. I know that I can go to them whenever and for anything. My parents help me so much, I love my parents a lot and I’m very grateful for all that they do for me
About My Parents:
My Dad, James Anthony Hayden was born on January 4, 1955. My dad had 6 siblings and is the oldest of his family. He went to St. Francis for Grade School, Roger Bacon for High School and UC for College, my dad works for the IRS as a Project Manager. My dad is a hard worker and an over achiever. My dad always helps me and does so much for me. These are just a few reasons why I picked my dad for my hero.
My Mom, Jacqueline Rose Hayden was born on April 16, 1963. My mom also has 6 siblings. She went to St. Teresa for Grade School, Seton for High School, and UC for College. My Mom works for the IRS as a Budget Analyst. My mom is also a very hard worker and always does her best. I can always go to her for anything and I know she will be there. These are just a few reasons why I picked my mom for my hero.
Interview of My Heroes:
Mom's Interview
In your lifetime, what is the biggest obstacle or struggle you have had to overcome?
"An obstacle that I had to overcome in my life was the loss of my father about 18 years ago. It was Memorial Day weekend and I got a call from my brother that my dad had cancer and had just about 2 weeks to live. He had been pretty healthy lately so this all came as a shock to me. I spent the next week in the hospital visiting with my father who passed away a week later. This probably hit me harder because he was the first person close to me that had died."
How did you eventually overcome your struggle?
"I did not overcome his death overnight, in time I did accept it and will always appreciate the good times we had and what he had taught me. I learned to live life to the fullest and always appreciate what you are given because you never know when something can be taken away so quickly from you."
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
"My two proudest accomplishments would have to be my three daughters. They have been a lot of fun and have turned out to be wonderful young ladies."
How do you think your life has impacted others?
"Hopefully my life has impacted others in a positive way."
What was your life like growing up? What was your family like?
"I grew up in a large family with 2 sisters and 4 brothers. We were your typical family where the father was the breadwinner and the mother stayed at home and took care of the family. We were all very close and had a lot of fun. We didn’t have a lot of money so vacations and eating out were rare but we accepted it. I had a great childhood and would not change a thing."
What are some of the differences you see between your generation/experiences and mine?
"There are so many differences between my generation and my daughters. When I was growing things were not so fast paced. My parents were not running me from one practice to another or social engagement throughout the week. If I had a volleyball or soccer practice I got on my bike and got myself there. If I wanted to hang with a friend I would walk there. Life was simpler back then and a lot safer. We didn’t go the mall and buy designer clothes unless it was a special occasion or if I had saved enough money to buy something. We spent our free time outdoors playing and not sitting behind a computer or texting our friends. We actually used a telephone to talk to our friends but only if no one else was using it because we only had one phone – not five like our family has. We had dinner together every night. Now and day it’s hard to get the entire family on the same schedule so family dinners are not always the normal like it was in my generation. Things are definitely different between our generations, some for the better and some for the worse."
What advice do you have for me/others?
"Enjoy your teenage years. They go by so quick so enjoy every minute. Have fun and live life to the fullest."
Dad’s Interview
In your lifetime, what is the biggest obstacle or struggle you have had to overcome?
“Looking back today, I believe the biggest obstacle my family and I had to overcome was that my father left my mother with 5 children under the age of 7 years old; he never provided any financial or any other support to our family to this day. We grew up in the “Over- The- Rhine” area of Cincinnati.”
How did you eventually overcome your struggle?
“We overcame our situation with the support of great relatives, great friends and the help of some very caring priest and brothers of St. Francis Seraph church/school. It also goes without saying my mother provided a great atmosphere and positive outlook for all of her children. In my teen years, our family was blessed with a tremendous caring step-father which was a positive influence on the family.”
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
“I’m very proud to have attended and graduate from a Catholic High School (Roger Bacon) not a lot of kids were that fortunate growing up in that part of the city. I’m also proud to have 3 daughters that have grown into very caring thoughtful adults. My wife and I are proud that we have been able to provide a catholic education for our children at St. Dominic and Seton High School.”
What was your life like growing up?“We were very poor, close knit family. As an example of how poor we were, where we lived there was only one shower for the entire apartment building (5or 6 apartments) my mother worked a full time job. Instead of going on some type of welfare, but even without much money we never thought about that part of our life. I think I had a great childhood. I think you tend to really appreciate the things you have today. Seeing my mother’s struggles and I think that strengthens your work ethnic and appreciation for smaller things in life.”
What was your family like?
“Growing up it was very plain, hardworking, no frills. With 4 brothers and sisters we played together. We were brought up Catholic. I do feel like going to a Catholic School guided us to stay out of trouble.”
What kind of support did you have in your life?
“Besides my mother, aunt, and grandmother, we had great support from priest and brothers of St. Francis Seraph Parish. They were there for us, with activities keeping us off the streets. In my teen years our family was blessed with a great step father. All these influences helped mold my life in a very positive fashion.”
What are some of the differences you see between your generation/experiences and mine?“I believe my children have had a much wider view and experiences growing up than I was exposed too. There’ve also had a much more stable home life. As far as material things, there’s no comparison between our generations. I think in some ways having a lot of things complicates your life and can detach you from what’s really important.”
What advice do you have for me/others?
“Stay true to your family and friends .The world will go on with or without you. You have to make your own way, your own happiness in life with hard work and positive thinking. Stay true to yourself and your beliefs.”
PowerPoint of Pictures of my parents^^^^^