‘Everything I could Ever Want’

A graduating college student and aspiring journalist credits her parents for her accomplishments in life

by Kristin Sherrard

Being a journalist means that you are responsible for recording the events and experiences that will become the history for tomorrow. You learn that everyone has a unique story to tell, including yourself.

My story begins on March 23, 1988, not on the date of my birth, but the start of my life. At eight months and ten days, I was still new to this world and didn’t know much. But from the moment I was held in the arms of Gene and Pat Sherrard, I knew I was home.

My parents have always played an important role in my life. Birthdays and vacations, sporting events and school projects, they were there for every one. It is with their love and guidance that I have become the person I am today.

Throughout my life, people have asked me if I ever wanted to try to track down my “real parents,” and every time I respond in the same way: I already know who my parents are and have no interest in finding my birth parents. While I would love to travel to South Korea one day as a tourist to see what it is like, I have everything I need and could ever want here in Kentucky.

As I sit here writing this, a college graduate looking for her first “real” job in the professional world, I worry about things like the economy and insurance for the first time in my life. However, one thing I do know is that I want to be a journalist. Through my words and photos, I want to record today’s history for future generations to find and to learn from.

My parents always told me to give my best effort in everything I do and to never give up on my goals or on myself. I believe that as long as I continue to work hard and pursue every opportunity, things will eventually fall into place. No matter what happens, I know that I will always have parents who love and support me, and I will always remain thankful to Holt International for bringing us together.

the Fall 2009 issue of Holt International magazine, available in November, is filled with many more stories of Holt Adoptees who have graduated from high school, college or vocational school.  We look forward to this issue every year and applaud each graduate for their impressive accomplishments.  Although starting out abandoned and homeless—with help from their parents—the 2009 graduates have become vibrant and talented young adults with promising futures ahead of them.  Congratulations to the 2009 Holt Graduates!