I am Charisse James. I grew up in a single parent home headed by my mother. All of my life it has been my mother, my brother Sherod, and me. Up until I was almost thirteen years old, I shared a room with my brother, who is seven years older than me. I always wanted my own space, and though it was difficult to handle sharing a room with someone so much older than me, the fact that we were of the opposite sex was even worse. Over and over I prayed that my family would be able to live in a home where everyone could have their own space. My prayers were answered when my mother told my brother and me about Habitat. We attended several meetings and there were a few other steps in the process to owning our own home. Eventually, my family was approved, and we patiently waited to find out where we would be living. As excited as I was to know that I would be getting my own room, I was also a bit nervous because I had no idea where we would be living and I did not want to leave my school or my friends. Luckily, Habitat was building a development in the same neighborhood that I had already lived in for six years, and we were given a home in that development! Things could not have worked out any better for us! On May 11, 2000, my family moved into our new home! It felt so good to have my own private space, and having two bathrooms was also an added perk! I can change my clothes in my room, instead of dragging everything in the bathroom with me as I had to do when I shared a bedroom with my brother. I have been able to entertain my friends without agitating my older brother and he has been able to entertain his friends without me "talking too much" as he would say. Over the years, my brother and I have become very close. In fact, we are best friends. I feel that having our Habitat home has been a contributing factor to our strong relationship and I am so grateful! In just a few weeks, we will have been in our home for eight years. In my Habitat home, I have made the transition from a teenager to a young woman. I am currently a college student pursuing two Bachelor's degrees: one in Psychology and the other in Sociology. I participate in Habitat for Humanity "Shack-a-thon" efforts at my institution as a way to give back and show my appreciation for the wonderful opportunities I have had as a result of having my Habitat home. My Habitat home means everything to me! It has and will continue to be a more than a place to live. It is also a unique place of comfort, love, and pride!
To read other winning essays, visit the main 2008 Homeowner Youth Essay Contest page.
