One mother, one brother, and one specific upbringing for the last 15 years. Junior, Oriyah Brown, has combated the hardships of growing up with one parent and goes into depth about her upbringing.
“My family is cool,” said Oriyah. “My mom is very loving; she’s very strong. My dad is very manipulative and it seems to me that he doesn’t care about us as much as his other kids,” said Oriyah Brown.
She won’t forget that warm smile her mom distracts her with. Oriyah recalls the feeling of betrayal that her father inflicted on not only her but also her mom, and her older brother Tyson Brown. It’s not easy realizing that your father doesn’t want to be a part of your life anymore, especially at such a young age–just two years old.
“ I did want him to come to events I had like my graduations and stuff I did at the school,” Oriyah said. “My mom was busy at the time taking care of two children, so it’s kinda hard not having someone there for you,” Oriyah adds on.
Despite having a very loving mother, Oriyah’s mom was unable to attend events for Oriyah’s achievements due to her juggling both Oriyah and her brother Tyson, who struggles with autism. Her dad showing up was not an option for her; she was unable to have someone show up to see her achievements growing up.
“When I was younger I always wanted to see him and I didn’t know what was going on really, but now as I got older I just became more distant from him,” said Oriyah. “He always has excuses saying ‘Oh well we got to do this or do that or I got to go to work’,” Oriyah says, mimicking her dad.
Oriyah has tried many times to build a relationship with her father who has been absent throughout her livelihood. This is the reality for Oriyah–continuous attempts of reaching out due to having hope for a present father in her life. The same excuses she kept hearing over and over lead to disappointment and resentment.
“It’s weird having someone try to play stepdaddy, ” Oriyah states.
Oriyah had to witness new people come into her life and become her stepdad which made her uncomfortable. She didn’t enjoy seeing random guys try to quickly step up to become her step dad. In the end it never worked out for her family. They were perfectly fine as three.
“It has taught me to become more independent and not wait on someone who is just stubborn and not going to be there for you,” said Oriyah.
Oriyah has gained the skill of becoming independent and confident from her absent father. Her mom does so much for her family but having a missing family member builds new skills naturally. She continues to go her own way throughout her journey of attending Jersey Village High School.
“ Stay positive,” Oriyah states with passion.
