Its 2016 and I’m 17, it’s time to choose a path
My parents invested in FL Prepaid
SAT, ACT, College apps
I’m tired and scared about which school to pick on the map
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To choose in state or out of state
Prepaid and Bright Futures paved the way
I chose jax in confidence and I’m thankful everyday
What made the choice easy was knowing I had community
The best and biggest yet from all the cities
Man I was nervous leaving Palm Beach
But I’ve got my support right behind me
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I get to Jax and it’s hugs and dinners
I’m gaining pounds freshman 15 a beginner
Now let me explain what everyone means to me
The roles in my life
And the stories that led up to today
Of why I remind myself I have purpose everyday
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It’s 2017 — Summer A at UNF
I walked into St. Paul’s for the first time
There’s Father Rafael this Filipino dude
He cracks jokes and sings Moana, a vibe and a mood
Guitar sessions, laundry, Gainesville trips
Tuesday, food drives, wearing Lululemon drip
Then comes Father Alex who teaches me how to fly and pray
Chase clouds, trust God, then the worries can go away
I had no idea they’d be a big part of my life and career
But thank you God for giving me their kindness and spiritual steer
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Choosing Jax brought me close
Its always been the Cruz’s and Allarey’s
Who have done the most
And made sure I was fed, slept, and sent me off on a happy note
When I can’t drive or need another ride
They’ve got my back and my heart melts inside
I had no idea so much love would grow here
Families who can make me smile and wipe away my tears
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It’s March 2020 the world’s about to quit
But prior to that Scoop Troop was my tribe
Skating and Angie’s with Ate Sharon, Cruz girls x Matt
They’re the best people I’ve met, really they’re all that
We play Just Dance and we shop at Sunrise
We’ve known each other since ‘12, time flies
I had no idea we’d age and watch each other grow
But I’m glad we did, because they help me stay above and not below
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It’s summer before senior year
I’ve got a couple days off
I’ve been invited to the springs
Allarey’s, Masinsin’s, Esteban’s and Sumbeling’s
Man the waters cold we’re tired and starved
We break to eat and turn on some Lauv
I can’t get enough of these laughs and swimming with the crew
This time meant the world to me I don’t think they knew
I had no idea we’d grow closer than ever
Beyond CFC or being Filipino
That when being together I’ll feel .1% better
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I’m done now with college and I’m out in Mayport
Beaches was the goal for CG and church
I’ve met a lovely couple who offers their support
Their names are Phil and Grace and they welcome me into their lives
But the crazy part is, our paths have already crossed multiple times
Their son and my sisters went to UF together in the past
But CFC was another bridge that makes this bond last
At some point I was unemployed and waiting for work to start
So they took me into their home, kept me company which played a big part
They remind me of my grandparents who I miss everyday
I had no idea they would bring me this joy of plenty
They fill up my heart when it’s on empty
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My sister and her family also live near
Sundays were our day and my schedule was cleared
So I could see my siblings and her kids
Who yell TITA JAMIE and tackle me and throw a punch
They’re growing so fast, when we blink we miss a bunch
I had no idea they’d be around and I love every minute
Of being an aunt and all my fun visits
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It’s 2023 and it’s still the same drill
We’ve all just gotten older it’s quite the thrill
I never thought my life would be like this
Good days, bad days, it’s supposed to be a bliss
I have so many parents and siblings who treat me like their own
A love like this is so unknown
So if the time comes that I end up leaving Jax
I can look back and know I have a place
This family has my heart and takes up a lot of space
Thank you everyone for being there for me
I’ll always love you today, tomorrow, and eternity
Jamie Vergara 