| “But the most exciting, challenging and significant
relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can
find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.”- Sex in the City My name is Allyson Elizabeth Ridge and I am an aspiring Occupational Therapist. I am a student at the University of Maine at Farmington studying Rehabilitation Services with plans to graduate in May of 2009. I have grown up in Maine my entire life and would not have it any other way. I enjoy the smell of the oceans and the view from the mountains. After graduation, my plans have yet to be determined; however I plan on attending a graduate school program to attain my Masters in Occupational Therapy. |
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My family is the core of my life. I feel that growing up with a single parent has taught me many life lessons that I may have missed otherwise. I have grown to be a very independent woman, many thanks to how my mother taught me. I am very fortunate to have my mother and brother living within 2 hours of where I go to school, residing in Cape Elizabeth and Poland. |
| I take pride in the relationship I have built with my mother. I do not know too many girls my age who can honestly say that their mother is one of their best friends. We are always open and honest with each other, through our good times and our bad, and I wouldn't change a thing. |   |
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My mother deserves the absolute best in life and she has found that in Brent. They have been together for 5 years, and they became engaged on New Year's Eve, 2007. |
| Growing up without a male figure in my life has created mixed emotions. At times, I think about what could have been if things were different. In the end, my mother and I are both gaining a man in our lives. We have built a great relationship and I look forward to having Brent in our lives, growing with us as a family. |  |
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I am very lucky to have a Nana as wonderful as she is. I had the opportunity to live in Portland with her this past summer, 2008. Since my Papa passed away in 2004, she has stayed strong living on her own and always keeps herself busy. As a hobby, she teaches her own knitting classes at her house on Wednesday nights. |
| When I think about my sibling, I think of him as my other half, a boy version of myself. My brother, John, is truly my best friend. He will always be there for me when I need him. We became closest when I went away to college, realizing we couldn't hang out whenever we wanted anymore. It wasn't as simple as walking across the hall, but it is the distance that brought us closer together. |  |
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We always hear how we resemble each other, and we always deny the fact. Can you see it? |
| My circle of friends creates my largest support group. What is a girl to do without her girlfriends? Movie nights in, dining out, or staying in the apartment playing Maine Monopoly we will always have a good time, good company, and many laughs. |  |
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Growing up and moving out of my mother's house has been one of the best adventures I could have asked for. Living with my roommate, Georgia, on our own, is such an empowering feeling. We live off of each other's energy every day, in our studies and socially. It is nice to have someone you can talk to anytime, anywhere, about absolutely anything. |
| SUGARLOAF = LOVE |
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