Published in the March 2-15, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Ashley Barron

Ashley Barron

Ashley Barron

My family has always supported me in whatever I have wanted to do as I’ve been growing up. The list of activities includes ballet, karate and piano.

The only way I was able to discover and explore these passions of mine was to communicate with my parents. My parents and I communicate very often now, even though it wasn’t always like that. When I began junior high, I was embarrassed to tell my parents anything that happened. What if they didn’t like how my friends acted? What if the reaction I was expecting wasn’t the reaction I received? Even though these thoughts were in my head, I started to slowly emerge from my shell and daily tell my parents about the things that occurred at school. After I started telling my parents more, our communication improved considerably. Since then, I have grown even closer to my parents.

Through high school, I have been able to express what sports I wanted to participate in, and also what service and volunteer opportunities I could attend. By communicating with my family, I can plan my schedule around family events and not miss a family gathering or dinner. During the stressful season of college applications, I was able to communicate where I wanted to attend college, but also hear my parents recommendations. My parents were there for me when I didn’t know what to write for my essay or answering financial aid questions. With the college application process, I was able to ask my parents questions about their college experience as well as seek advice from them about the different types of colleges. My parents gave me so much helpful advice; I was able to narrow down my list of 20 potential colleges to a list of only seven colleges.

Even though applying to colleges can be stressful, my family and I created new memories, had some laughs, and even made it a good time. The relationship I have with my parents wouldn’t be possible without positive family communication.

Ashley Barron, 17, is a senior at Valley Christian High School. Her hobbies include photography, serving others, and being an active member in the Morgan Hill community through the Youth Action Council.