Alby Corrin: A Great Divorce

Alby Corrin shares his experiences and what he learned after his parents’ divorce.

When I was 11 years old, I was shocked to hear my parents were getting a divorce. Filled with rage and confusion, I was certain my life and family would shatter. Like many kids whose parents get divorced, I expected the worst. But this dramatic change caused unexpected growth.

Soon after my parents’ divorce, my mom moved to an unfamiliar nearby county while my dad remained an hour away in San Francisco. My mom kept herself occupied and spent a lot of time meeting friends as she went through this difficult period.

I frequently found myself alone without any pressure from my parents. With my isolation at home, I knew I had a lot of freedom and therefore responsibility. For a long time I struggled; I had inconsistent sleeping, eating and working habits.

I constantly received average grades and felt extremely disappointed with how I spent my time. Through this struggle though, I learned that nothing would change without personal responsibility and discipline. Instead of slacking off I made an effort to work hard knowing that I didn’t have external pressure to motivate me.

This period of my life helped me expand my mindset, but more importantly I gained an ability to be independent. I developed a mature outlook at a young age and even found my love for cooking. I am confident I will settle quickly in college because I have spent time taking care of myself.

While common stigmas suggest single-parent homes cause behavioral problems in kids, I developed a deep sense of responsibility and self-care through my unconventional family situation. Unique family dynamics do not have to be a bad thing. Whatever the situation, accepting it and finding a way to thrive is extremely beneficial and possible. What might seem like a catastrophic change in one’s life (Like a divorce) will likely have some unexpectedly positive outcomes. Furthermore , these dynamics are not always a hindrance, but an asset. With a Perspective, I’m Alby Corrin.

Alby Corrin is a senior at Redwood High School where he serves as president of the Sports Management Club. He plans to pursue a career in the sports industry.