Thank You, Mom & Dad

By Carissa Hutchinson
@cnhutch1991

My internship with CW50 will soon be ending and the next phase in my career is about to begin. As I make this transition in my life it makes me think about how much my parents are an inspiration to me. Let me tell you about them.

My parents were born and raised in southern California. They met at a teen night club called "Jets" and got married at the age of 19 and 20. Soon after I arrived and nothing was the same. My dad joined the Air Force and my mom and I lived at the air base in Biloxi, MS. My mom's favorite story she loves to tell me about Biloxi is the time when she was gardening and I was sitting in the doorway watching her. All of a sudden I started screaming, she ran over and there was a giant ant biting my big toe. She said it was biting it so hard that its giant butt was in the air!

When my dad was done with his service, we moved to Alpena, MI. My parents didn't want to raise me in the city the way they grew up and my dad had family in Alpena so they thought it would be a good move. My dad started working on the freighters and after a few years my sisters came along. Life was good in Alpena, but my parents felt that they needed to do more. Around the time I started middle school my parents decided to go to college.

College for my parents was a challenge. They did homework, took care of three kids and worked. But with determination and hard work, they graduated. In 2007 my mom graduated with her Associates in Applied Science. My dad graduated with his Associates in Automotive Service & Repair. After much thought he transferred to Ferris State and in 2008 he received his Bachelors in Automated Management.

Now my mom is a Medical Assistant for RMA of Michigan and my Dad is Manager for Quality Monitoring and Electrical for Volkswagen.

I like to tell my parent's story to people because I know for a fact that I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for them. As I get older I appreciate my parents more and more. I know I don't show it but I really do. I realize that everything I thought they were wrong about, they were actually right. They have taught me so many life lessons that I know if it wasn't for all of their help I would be lost in the world. They have taught me that hard work goes a long way and that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to as long as you truly want it. My parents had to face challenges that I'll never have to face and because of them I can strive for the life I dream of.

Carissa Hutchinson is a senior at Ferris State University studying Television and Digital Media Production. She's currently on two internships with CBS 62/CW50 Detroit and M-1 Studios in Ferndale. This is her last article as an intern with CBS62/CW50 but will continue to write for CBS62/CW50. Take a look at Carissa's work at carissanhutchinson.com.