Carrie Orfanos Life story

THE PAST This part of my presentation is about my past, the people who have made me who I am today, and major events in my life.

My Mom My mom passed away when I was 8 years old, so although I know she taught me a lot, I don’t remember a whole lot of it. She was always happy and always helping someone (with 5 kids how could she not be!) She is my hero, and I think about her every day. She is the reason I want a family some day. I learned patience and love from this woman, and I will always cherish the memories I have of her. My mom and me

Daddy and Me After mom passed away dad really had his hands full! Even though he juggled us between him, and a few of our aunts, he was doing his best and I am so grateful for everything he has done for me and continues to do for me!

My siblings! My siblings have always been there for me, and will always be here for me. I love these 4 souls more than I can tell anyone and I know that they have all helped me become who I am in their own way! Stefanie is holding baby Michael, Carrie (me) is laying in the center, Joshua is up above and Tyler is on the far right

Sibling love! Carrie, Michael, Josh, Stef, Braxton, Dad, Tyler Stefanie, Carrie Carrie, Michael Carrie, Stefanie Michael, Carrie Tyler, James, Amanda, Josh, Carrie Carrie, Josh, Stefanie Lenny, Josh, Willy, Tyler Carrie, Amanda, Stefanie Carrie, Josh Josh, Stefanie, Carrie, Willy Michael, Carrie

Brothers and Sisters My brothers Josh, Tyler, and Michael have all helped me become who I am today. Because of these guys I didn’t learn how to do my hair in anything but a pony tail, or put make up on until I was 19! These 3 boys made me the tommiest girl on the block, and I love them for it! I know more about pokemon, fixing cars, and skateboarding than any other girl out there because of my amazing brothers! My sister and I werent super close when we were younger but as we get older we get closer and closer! I love her so much and am so grateful to have such an amazing woman in my life! She reminds me so much of my mother!

Stefanie After my mom died Stefanie, my older sister, was the only woman in my life. She was only 17, but to an 8 year old that is an adult. She has helped me through everything a mother would, she is the most amazing woman I know and has taught me so much! I would not be the same person without her! Carrie, StefanieStefanie, Willy, Carrie

Friends! Now that I've shown you how my family shaped me into the person I am today, lets talk about friends! Top: Whitely (spikey Hair), Ally (Falling), Natalie Middle: Morgan, Carrie, Robert Bottom: Chris, Allen, Andrew, Spencer

I have had tons of friends over the years who have each taught me different things, and helped me grow in different ways. Some for the better and some for the worse. However, there have only been a few friends that have stuck around forever, and those friends have meant the most and have been the most positive!

The now! This part of my presentation is about the present. You will see who I am now and the people in my life right now that help me in my every day struggles!

Carrie Orfanos Today I am 22 years old. I am a huge family enthusiast! I love watching and playing soccer, GO RSL! I volunteer with Planned Parenthood, I work full time, I am going to nursing school, and I love reptiles! In the following slides you will get to know me for who I am today and some of the people who have helped me become who I am!

My Family today Top (right to left) Josh, Michael, Willy (Dad). Bottom: Amanda (Josh’s Wife), Carrie (me), Braxton (Stefanie's son), Stefanie, Tyler These people truly are my world! I owe them each so much! Stefanie has been my role model and wonder woman since we lost our mother, Josh has been an amazing emotionally supportive brother, Tyler has taught me how to find the silver lining in every situation, and Michael has taught me patience and unconditional love. My dad has always done his best to be there for each of us, but it was hard for him to take on 5 kids all by himself. I am grateful for everything he has done for each of us and I love him so much! This is my family, we are dysfunctional, but we love each other. We have all taught each other so much! I would do anything for any of the people in this picture!!

My Dad My dad really has shaped me into the woman I am. He has and continues to help me through life's problems and he always has the right advice for me when I need it. He has taught me about life in every way imaginable. I feel I am a very resilient, confident, smart, mature woman because of my dad and how he raised me. I have learned so much from him, and still continue to learn from him each time I talk to him! Stefanie, Dad, Carrie Carrie, Dad

Sister bond! Stefanie and I, now that we are older and the 8 year age gap isn't a big deal, are more like best friends than sisters. We back and forth through the work day, text and call back and forth after work, and hang out almost every weekend, and whenever else we can. Through each or our own busy lives we make time for each other. And if one of us needs the other, there is no question, we drop what we are doing to help each other. I honestly don’t know where I would be without this amazing woman in my life!! Carrie, Stefanie Carrie (& Manzi), Stefanie

Brittni and Whitley Brittni and I have been the best of friends since 7 th grade. In High school when my home life got rough her and her family welcomed me into their home and their family. To this day I still go to thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations at their home. They are amazing people and I am so grateful for all of them, but especially Brittni! She has been the person I can trust with anything, and I have been the same to her. She just recently had her first baby and asked me to be the godmother. I love that child to pieces! This girl has saved me in so many ways, I owe her so much! These two girls (My best friends) have been there for me through thick and thin. Whitley and I have been really good friends since the 6 th grade! She was one of my first friends when I moved out to Syracuse and we have remained in contact through all of the moving between then and now. We went to USU together, and I was just recently her bridesmaid at her wedding! We have been there for each other through all of our guy problems, shopping dilemmas, just everything! She put me in contact with the girly side of myself! It has been great being her friend and learning all kinds of new things from her for so long!

Brittni & Whitley Left: Brittni and Carrie, Right: Whitley and Carrie

The Boyfriend! This man is the most encouraging, loving, supportive man I have ever met! He will support me through anything I want to do. I have been dating Lenny for over 2 years now and I plan to marry him someday! He has helped me improve my self-esteem and reach so many of my goals in just 2 years, I can not wait to see what our future holds! I love him! Lenny, Carrie, Christian Lenny, Carrie Carrie, Lenny

And his family <3 Lenny’s Sister, Nicole, Carrie, Lenny’s Nephew Orion Lenny’s Mom and Dad Allyne and Ray Carrie, Christian (Lenny’s Son), Lenny Carrie, Lenny, Christian (Lenny’s Son) Lenny’s Nephews: Gavin, Orion, Logan Carrie Lenny, Christian Carrie, Lenny, Chirstian Christian and Lenny These people have welcomed me into their lives like I am their family! Each one of them has supported me through something I believe in. I love them all so much and I am so greatful for each and everyone of them! They have welcomed me into their home and into their lives and the lives of their children and I couldn’t be more thrilled!

Goals for the future Graduate at the top of my class become a nurse Get married and have a family Buy a house of my own! Retire at age 65 Travel the world (Greece and Brazil first!) Face all of my fears! Continue to learn new things