This multi-genre project by Angie McClain highlights her joy in raising her son Jordan over the years from his birth to the present. It includes photos of Jordan from infancy through high school and short essays from Angie about memorable moments like his first day of school and getting his driver's license. It also includes comments from others about Jordan's personality and accomplishments and encouragement from Angie for Jordan to pursue higher education after high school graduation. The project aims to show Jordan how much he means to his mother and the pride she feels in the man he has become.

1. Angie McClain
November 12, 2012

2. Author’s Page
Hello, my name is Angie McClain. I’m the proud mom in the center of this picture.
My husband and I have four wonderful children. One of which will be graduating from
high school next year. I created this Multi-genre project for my oldest son Jordan. This
project highlights the joy that his father and I have gained raising him and watching him
grow-up over the years. I plan to present this presentation to my son at his graduation
party next year. For parents like myself that have young children, just remember to love
on them daily and cherish every moment with them because in a blink of an eye they will
be a Senior in high school.

3. One Look Changes Everything
On July 19, 1996 a new and amazing little life was placed into my arms. I will
never forget how I felt on that day. I was a teen mom, who had been raised
by my parents and taught that children came after marriage. Even though I
felt like I had disappointed them, I vowed to do my best not to disappoint
you.
For the first time I realized that the world no longer revolved around me.
As you looked at me for the first time I began to wondered, how will
I ever live up to your expectations, dreams and goals.
I was barely old enough to legally vote but I was now responsible for a new
little life. My whole purpose in life was transformed on that day. My goal
was to improve my life so that I would be someone that you would look up
and would strive to be like. At that moment I also realized that I had the
privilege and responsibility to teach you about this
crazy mixed up world called “life”.
As I rocked and sang you your first lullaby,
I promised you that I would always
be your mother, best friend, cheerleader and
most importantly to love you unconditionally.

4. Photo Essay
“The joy of raising …”
Jordan Marquis McClain

5. Jordan at six months
Jordan at one month

6. Jordan is always smiling !

7. Jordan’s First Days of… Pre-School, Intermediate
School and High School

8. 8th Grade Graduation
Kannapolis Middle School

9. Freshman Year
Battle for the Bell
Kannapolis vs. Concord

10. Big Brother Jordan

11. DMV-August 13, 2012
Today is your big day. As I look back over the years you have had a lot of BIG days. I can remember
your first day of Kindergarten and seeing that gleam of excitement in your eye about riding the school
bus for the first time. As I look over at you while you drive to the DMV to take the on the road
driving test, I began to notice that same gleam of excitement in your eye.
We had practiced all weekend on making three point road turn-a-rounds. And as you pulled into
the DMV, at that very moment I knew you were no longer my baby boy but a responsible young man
who was going to accomplish great things today and in the rest of your life. As we walked to the front
doors of the DMV, I hugged you and wished you good luck with gumball size tears in my eyes. Even
though you didn’t realize it I was praying… Dear God ….watch over him… protect him and last but
definitely not least please give him a nice examiner. After we checked-in and they called you back to
do all the preliminary paperwork I believe in that very moment my heart stopped beating. It was
really hard to see you walk away, because this adventure of your life was something that you were
going to have to pass and there was nothing that I could do, negotiate, fix or bargain to get you what
you needed.
As I waited there in the waiting area of DMV ten minutes felt like an hour. As you walked back in
from your driving test with the biggest smile, I immediately flashed back to the little boy getting on
the school bus for the first time. Seeing that smile on your face was one of the proudest moments of
my life . However you quickly brought me back to reality with the statement: “MOM... Can you come
pay the man for my licenses?” and then I knew you’ll always need me to at least pay for something.

12. Tell me something about Jordan….
 Jordan is a very laid back and reserved young man.
 Jordan takes a lot of pride in his accomplishments.
 Jordan enjoys being on the drum line.
 Jordan is caring and has an even keeled personality
which will make him a great police officer.
 When Jordan sets a goal he does not stop
until he accomplishes it.
 Jordan is a great son and a great
big brother.

13. Tell me something about your big brother Jordan…
•Jordan is my older brother.
•I enjoy being in A.L. Brown’s Marching Band
with my brother.
•My brother plays the third bass drum on
Brown’s drum line.
•My brother’s favorite color is green.
•My brother is always there for me
when I need him in high school.
•My brother wants to be a police
officer when he grows up.

14. Tell me something about your big brother Jordan…
 My brother loves to play video games.
 Jordan’s favorite teams are the: Carolina
Panthers, New York Yankees, Miami Heat
and the Chicago Bulls.
 My big brother is nice to me sometimes.
 Even though Jordan and I have
disagreements he is still my brother
and I love him.

15. Tell me something about your big brother Jordan…
 My big brother is nice.
 He is very tall and he likes to drive his white car.
 My brother comes into my room and he helps me play my
video games.
 He plays with me outside, I like it when we play football
and baseball in the backyard.
 My big brother reads to me.
 I love my big brother.
 I want to play on a football team
and be in the band just like my
brother.

16. College! College !
I know you have big dreams and plans for conquering the world. I want to
encourage you to start those dreams with a good foundation of a college
education. There are so many things that you can study in college and even
study abroad. I hope that you take every opportunity to never stop learning.
There is so much competition out in the workforce and employers are always
looking for the best of the best and having a college degree will help to open
up doors that other candidates may not have access to.
Now will you automatically get a job just because you have a college degree.. “NO”
that’s where displaying dedication and having a positive work ethic comes into
play. Both are qualities that I know you possess. I know you are ready to relax
and enjoy the sweet success of graduating from high school. However, the
relaxing part of your academic career is actually over and working in the real
world has just begun .
Jordan… never stop learning and pursuing great things like a college degree or a
masters degree, greatness is imbedded inside of you and it has been there from
the first day that I looked into your eyes. Now go and make your mark in this
world and remember that I am always here for you and that I love you with all
of my heart. ~Mom