Sample Biography On Autobiography

I am an African American female born in the fall of 1984. I am the second born of four daughters and consider myself to be somewhat outspoken. Growing up with three sisters meant there were no “boy” toys in my home. We were expected to be family oriented and well-mannered as children, but I expect that would have been the same if I had brothers. I was also never restricted from expressing my opinion. My mother was supportive of her children, allowing us to choose our own career paths and dress how we choose. She never set a particular standard for our grades, but she would tell us to improve if we were failing a subject. My mother was my primary role model as I did not have a present father figure. My parents separated when I was a baby and my father did not return to my life until after I graduated from high school. During that time, I only communicated with my father by telephone. This meant that my mother was our caretaker, financial provider, and disciplinarian. She communicated with us in a calm manner and treated us appropriately for our ages. It is difficult to say if my gender was influenced by my family dynamics since my siblings and I are all female and we were raised primarily by our mother, but I have raised my children with the same values my mother instilled in me.
In elementary school, I dressed in traditionally feminine clothing including dresses, skirts, and dress shoes. I also wore colorful bows and ribbons in my hair. During middle school, my friends and I began a “tomboy” stage wearing baggy jeans, tennis shoes, and t-shirts. This was a popular trend that may have been communicated through media messages. As I began to develop physically I was afraid for boys to see my figure. When I entered high school I wore skinny jeans, boots and purses as that was the trend and I had become interested in boys, so I no longer had a problem with them looking at my figure. Again, the media provides images of what an attractive young woman should be and how she should dress, but I was most comfortable in feminine clothes.
My culture has definitely influenced my world view. I was taught not to discriminate against anyone regardless of race, culture, class, age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, or education. I was not permitted to date until I was in high school. Traditionally in my culture, we are expected to date members of our own race and the opposite sex. I had my first child at 19 and a second child before I was married. As a result, I wore an ivory wedding dress, rather than a white one because I did not “save myself” for marriage. In 2006, I was married to the love of my life and had our third child after we were married. My children are all boys.
I originally chose a career in childcare as I have always been a natural caretaker, which is considered a traditionally female-oriented career. I am now pursuing a bachelor degree in criminal justice, which is traditionally a male dominated field. Neither of these choices was influenced or affected by my gender; they are simply different sides of my personality. However, I have experienced both the benefits and detriments of my gender. As a childcare worker, parents and employers are more comfortable with female caretakers. On the other hand, being female hurt my chances of becoming a police officer. I passed the written test but was not strong enough to drag the dummy in the physical exam. Men are also raised to be more knowledgeable or comfortable with weapons. I will continue to work to meet my goals and try harder to pass the physical exam next time. I refuse to give up.
I find that in the working environment men are easier to get along with. In my experience, they usually have more laid-back personalities and it is easier to “get away with things.” This impression may also have been shaped by my early experiences with my parents. My mother had to be strong in order to care for her children, but I also witnessed her struggles to financially support her family. She only had a high school diploma so her experiences influenced me to be strong and pursue higher education in order to provide a better life for my family. My decision to pursue criminal justice was because my career in daycare was not paying enough. I enjoy being able to provide things for my children that my mother could not provide for me.
For the most part, I do not believe that my gender has been the deciding factor in my life choices, but it has had some influence. My mother was strong and independent, working to financially and emotionally support four daughters. In my family, my husband and I are both financial providers for our children. I was not discouraged against pursuing my education and I was allowed to dress the way I chose. I also chose my husband because I fell in love with him and chose to have children. None of my choices were dictated by my gender, but I am privileged to have grown up with a positive female role model.