My name is Jesse Albatrosov and I am a mother of three boys, certified lactation counselor, doula, and independent placenta encapsulation specialist in Port Orange, FL. I am passionate about prenatal education and supporting families during pregnancy, birth and on the challenging road of parenting. I am also an aspiring midwife and writer—focusing on birth related creative nonfiction and advocacy, but I enjoy short fiction and poetry as well..
I hope to attend the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery in Spring 2014 and have my own home-birth practice someday! In the mean time, click here to contact me concerning birth and lactation services!
Favorite Quote:
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My name is Khalil Kabir Gaya and from Nigeria. I was born on 29 March 1993 in Kano, a state in north Nigeria. I went to Crescent International High School from 2005-2010. Lived most of my childhood years in Kano and later moved to Abuja, the capital city. Growing up in Nigeria gave me the luxury of learning three languages. I came to the United States to obtain a degree in aeronautical science.
Favorite Quote:
“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” -Mahatma Gandhi
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My name is Willow DuPont. I am from Manchester, New Hampshire. I moved to Florida in 2004, and have been living here ever since. I paint avidly. I use acrylics mainly because I like the fast drying qualities of them. I paint landscapes that feature non-traditional, bright colors. I have been painting all my life. I attended the New Hampshire Institute of Art for a few weeks.
I have always had a desire to learn more, and be more informed about the world I live in. I read textbooks for fun, these include, medical books, science books, geography books, and astronomy books. I also thoroughly enjoy reading fact books. I enjoy writing, and I look for ways that I can improve my writing.
Favorite Quotes:.
"A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle." -U2 (Tryin' To Throw Your Arms Around The World)
"Uncertainty can be a guiding light." -U2
“Don't turn over the rocks if you don't want to see the pale creatures who live under them.” -Janet Fitch, (White Oleander)
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My name is Lindsey, and I am twenty-three years old. I have lived in Ormond Beach, Florida my entire life. I graduated with honors from Seabreeze high school in May 2008. Now, over four years later, I have returned to school to start my college career. I plan to get my Associates of Arts degree in general education and continue on to get my Bachelor degree in teaching. I am close with my family and spend as much time as possible with them. The rest of my time is spread out between school, work and hobbies. My newest acquired hobby is refinishing furniture, but I also enjoy reading, painting, and collecting shells. Eventually I plan to move to Colorado and one day possibly owning a resale shop selling my refurnished furniture and paintings.
Favorite Quote:
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
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My name is Nena. I was born in Stuart Florida in 1969, but have spent most of my life up north, Maine and Boston mostly. I moved back here a little over a year and a half ago because I absolutely hate snow and cold weather. I have two grown children, my son who is 26 and a daughter who is 22 who are the greatest accomplishments of my life. I also have 3 grandchildren, my son's daughter is 6, his son is 1 and my daughter's son is 1 1/2. A few years ago after my daughter graduated I decided it was time for me to go back to school so I enrolled in a few courses while I was still up North, then after my year residency was up here in Florida I enrolled here at Daytona State College. My short term goal is Medical Billing and Coding, but I do want to continue on to get my associates degree in Health Information Technology.
Favorite Quote:
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
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My name is Christopher Cochran. I am 20 years old and married to a beautiful woman. I am going to school for Culinary Management. I hope to own and run a restaurant somewhere one day. I love cooking and video games. My favorite kind of food is seafood, mainly shrimp and crab. My favorite type of video games are RPGs (Role Playing Games). I have lived in Florida my whole life. I grew up in St. Augustine and recently moved to Daytona for college and to start my new life as a married guy. I got married on February 29, 2012. Yes, on leap year day, so I don't have to remember my anniversary every year. I'm horrible with dates and days. But that's not why we got married on that day. We thought it would be a cool date to get married on, so we did.
Favorite Quote:
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas A. Edison
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An introduction to Nicholas Gannon: I’m a f#@%in winner! I didn’t post a profile photo because a picture doesn’t do any justice for how handsome I am in person. Most people that have known me will tell you that I’ve been a dear friend, and all that I have graced by working alongside with can’t deny my rock-solid work ethic. I’m a native to Daytona Beach, Florida. I was born on October 3rd. 1990, in Halifax Hospital. I spent the first couple of months of my life in Florida before moving to Adrian County Michigan. I attended first and second grade in a Christen private school, were I was beat unmercifully by nuns. In the third grade I relocated back to Florida and have stayed in Volusia county ever since. I love women’s beauty, but I also appreciate their perspectives on life as well, especially in the following quote.
Favorite Quote:
“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” - Marilyn Monroe
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Hello, my name is Holly Wood. Yes, that is my real name. However, my mom did not name me that at birth. That would have given kids even more of a reason to make fun of me. It was my married name of 8 years. However, I got a divorce and decided to keep the last name. I wanted to keep that last name not only for the name, but also because that is my children's last name. One thing that I have learned in life is that it throws you many curveballs.
Favorite Quote:
"Happiness is not something you postpone for the future, it is something you design for the present."
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My name is Brittany Cavarretta. I'm 19 years old and I'm just starting to figure life out. I am an optimist, and I believe in the power of positive thinking. I'm a free spirit, searching for my purpose but stopping to enjoy the little things on the way so it's taking me a little longer. I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida which will forever be my home, and hold a special piece of my heart. I just recently moved from Orlando to Daytona for the second time. I am attending college at Daytona State College, my major still undecided. I am working on correcting some academic mistakes that I have made, and trying to figure a lot of things out. I hope to find my passion, something that I want to do for the rest of my life, and put in the hard work to make my dreams a reality. My main goal in life is to always remain positive and happy, and to always see the brighter side of things.
Favorite Quote:
Favorite Quote:
"When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen.. there will be something solid for us to stand on, or we will be taught to fly" - Patrick Overton.
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My name is Caitlyn. I'm eighteen years old and I was born in Salem, Massachusetts. I moved to Florida when I was eleven years young. It was quite the adjustment. I used to be very social and have a lot of friends, but as the years went by, so did my friends. I only have a few friends that I keep in touch with. Other than them, it's pretty much just my boyfriend and me. I used to love team sports. I played soccer for five years and did competitive cheerleading for four. These days, my schedule pretty much consists of sleep, school, and work. I'm quiet around strangers, but outgoing around people I'm used to. My sarcasm gets me into trouble a lot. I like to think I'm a pretty funny person. Oh, and I love puppies. Puppies are my favorite.
Favorite Quote:
"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true." -Leon J. Suenes
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My name is Lindsey. I'm an outspoken person with a quiet personality. As I've grown up, I've gone through many beautiful and also many tragic experiences. But at the end of the day, I've come to realize that life is a beautiful thing. There is a purpose for everyone's being. I try to take life day by day, enjoying the good things about life and ignoring the negative. Writing, to me, helps in some ways, but can hurt much worse in others. Maybe I don't do it enough.
Favorite Quote:
"Try not to become a man of success but a man of value." - Albert Einstein
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I am a God fearing patriot who loves this country. My name is George Nelson, and I am a father of two. My son Darian is 14, and my daughter Tianna is 13. I was born in Queens, New York. I lived in Queens until I was 14, and then I moved to San Antonio, Texas, where I graduated high school and joined the United States Marine Corps. I served 4 years in the Corps. After being Honorably Discharged, I went on to join the Army and became a Paratrooper in the 18th Airborne Corps. I spent 9 years in the army, until I got injured on combat patrols, first in Afghanistan in 2002 and then in Iraq 2005.
From 2005 to 2007, I went through rehabilitation for my injuries in Bethesda, MD, and in Atlanta, GA. I then was medically discharged from the Army and decided to go back to school to become an EMT, and a Paramedic. My ultimate goal, however, is to become an airplane jet engine mechanic. After or during school, I would love to meet the woman of my dreams! Check me out on Facebook ladies!!! I’m Hot and funny!
Favorite Quote:
“There is no greater love than a man to lay down his life for a friend” (John 15-13).
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Hello. My name is Amanda Melendez and I am 18 years old. I live in Palm Coast, Florida just a few minutes north of Daytona Beach. I have been living here my entire life and love it here. I have a sister and two brothers. My mom has raised us by herself. Something’s I like to do for fun are play sports, go to parties or make money. This was my first semester in college. I went away to Alabama on a basketball scholarship, but did not like it, so I came back to attend Daytona State College. I’m majoring in Sports management and my career will be a football coach.
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My name is SungYang Kao. I am from Taipei, Taiwan. I am a very shy person. I like to use computer and play computer games in my childhood. However, I lost a change to get to know much beautiful and nice people in my class in elementary and middle school and even high school in Taiwan one and half years.
After mom found a school in NZ. I started to love it and I found many friends. I didn’t know what is the life is and what I wanted. I was major in Chemistry and Biology and Art and Mathematic. I spent too much time practice basketball in High school, I used to be in a sport in senior team. However, I didn’t study much just to enjoy the campus life. I only got Merit on my final exam of Mathematic on High School and I didn’t get enough credit to graduate. However, I started language school in Daytona Beach State College for 8 months and I studied GED by myself and I passed it. Now I am in College. I am grateful I came so far.
Favorite Quote:
"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." - e.e. Cummings
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My name is Brittney Kam'ron Peeples and I was born in Colorado Springs, CO in 1987. My father was in the military. My mom and dad divorced in early 1988. I was raised in a single-parent home in Fort Lauderdale, FL. My favorite colors are grey and black. I am a shoe fanatic. I am a single parent of two wonderful boys, Jedidiah (1) and Zacharias (4). I am currently enrolled in school for addiction specialization counselor and a second major in cosmetology. I moved to Daytona Beach July 8th of this year, with no family or friends, to better myself and get away from family.
Favorite Quote:
“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” ― Marilyn Monroe
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My name is Ray. A very simple complex person. I play poker, it is a fascinating game. I enjoy people and find them equally fascinating. I am comfortable in a conversation with what society would call elite to the homeless man in front of my local Kangaroo. I have engaged in both extensively.
Life is so short and its interesting (sad and interesting) to watch others so self involved with things in life that simply do not matter. Then again who am I to say? So i just watch.
Favorite Quote:
"A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never recover." - Benjamin Franklin
"A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never recover." - Benjamin Franklin
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My name is Shannon Denise Carias. I was born March 14, 1977 in Charlotte, N.C. My mother is American Indian, and my father of both Vena Zulelan, and Dominican roots. I never had any brothers or sisters, so i really grew up alone. My mom was young when she had me and my father left at real young age. It was hard on her. I feel like she took a lot of her anger and frustration on me. She kept me sheltered my whole life, never really gave me any inspiration either. When I became a teenager I rebelled, and boy did I rebel. I joined a gang and ran away. I looked to the streets for love and security. I did awful things, I robbed people, shot at people, and even sold drugs. I would beg my mom to come home and she would never let me. I learned to be hardcore. To not really care about anything, I was only sixteen and all I wanted was love. I went to prison at seventeen for a robbery I did with a friend of mine, while I was there the child I had at fifteen started calling my mother "mom" and told me I was his sister. I had lost all hope in life. I had nobody. After I got out of prison I continued to run the streets, and it wasn't until 2003 that I realized I had to grow up. I had my second son, and I would be damned if I let my mother take him from me. So I decided to work on my issues on my own.
Now I am thirty-five years old. I have completely changed my life. I moved to Florida about eight years ago so that I could give myself a new beginning. I decided recently that with all the street smart I had there had to be something I could do as a career, so I chose marketing, and advertising. I love being the boss, and working for other people is just not really something I'm used to. I have been through a lot. A mother that dislikes me, a father that abandoned me, even a child that never really connected with me. I have seen prison, jail, been on the news, even had a meeting with the governor. All these experiences made me a stronger woman. I care about people now, and I am never selfish. I am always eager to learn something new, and am focused on being great in my lifetime, not only for my children but for myself. I hope you find me interesting, and do not judge me for my past. I am a great woman at the end of the day.
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My name is Kerry Lynch and I am 36 years old. Born and raised in Bryn Mawr, a suburb of Philly, by immigrant parents in a strict Irish-Catholic home. I have older twin sisters. Bridget (a.k.a. BeBe) was a contestant on Jeopardy! and Cathy is married and has two beautiful little boys. I'm temporarily living in a homeless shelter in DeLand , Florida. I am also a student at Daytona State College pursuing an Associate's Degree. I enjoy doing crosswords, reading, playing mystery sleuthing games online and walking. Recently, I took in a stray cat. He was severely malnourished and decorated with wounds. One month into the rehabilitation, BooBoo has tripled in size, his hair has grown back into a beautiful, thick, onyx coat and having regained his strength, is adept at running up trees. Life is a little crazy for me right now!
After an eighteen year absence, I applied to college in June. At that time, I was employed and under a roof. I thought things were looking up. Shit happens, go with it. A Proverb from the Bible that helps me cope is, "Though the righteous shall fall seven times, they rise again." (NIV 24:16). Reminding myself that setbacks will happen, they are only temporary. I must be patient, ride it out and work hard to prepare for when I'm back on top. During the semester, I often felt discouraged and disappointed because this was not how I imagined my return to academia would be. So, it's not ideal, but in the few short weeks I've met some amazing people and have a real support system, did a 180 in math and discovered a hidden passion for solving for x, able to recognize where I drift into a tangent so I may avoid it and have whipped the computer's operating system into submission. Clearly, I've risen above the 35 year old I was 8 weeks ago!
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My name is Quintavia. I like to think that a lot of people have alter-egos. I am one of those people. It's part of my personality. I'm a 26 year old female with no kids and trying to pursue my career. I love the person I have become. It took me many years to get here. And that's where shaking off my negative alter-ego took place. It took a lot of consequences to bring the good person out of me. And now I am much happier.
Favorite Quote:
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss
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My name is Radad. One of my favorite quotes is "You say you love the rain, but you stand under an umbrella to walk under it. You say you sun but you seek shade when it's shining. You say you love wind but close your window when it comes. So that's why I'm scared when you tell me you love me." -Bob Marley
This quote is how I feel about love, because the word love is thrown around like it doesn't have a meaning to it. People fail to see what love really is, and since it's getting easier to hook up with random people it's so much harder to find love. The world has 7 billion people but no two people have the same exact beliefs, standards , or personality, but even in chemistry opposites do attract, love is a word that can be given a definition but that doesn't mean it should be thrown around like it doesn't exist.
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My name is Char'quaisha. Usually others find it complicated to pronounce my name so I prefer to be called Quai. Pronounced as "Quay." I'm nineteen and I'm a freshman at Daytona State College. After graduating from high school in 2011, I became the mother of a gorgeous baby girl. My daughter and school are the most important factors in my life right now. I go to school to study radiology. I'm a very friendly person and enjoy meeting new people. I also love helping others and giving advice. It's easy to talk to me, I love listening. Each year for my birthday I like to feed the homeless. Whenever I am sad or down, I write poems about my life. I hope I can be helpful to anyone and become someone's role model in life. Enjoy. :)
Favorite Quote:
"When life throws lemons at you, make lemonade."
