High school can be tough on kids if they don't have the right support system, but thankfully Jade Gonzales has plenty of people in her corner.
Gonzales’ best friend, McKenzy Isbell, is her rock, and gets her through any challenge life presents.
“We are always there for each other, no matter what. We are soul sisters,” Jade said.
The pair have consoled each other through what they both agree to be the hardest times in their lives, when they separated from their parents.
Gonzales’ father, Bobby Gonzales, moved to Tennessee in late September last year in search of a job after the oilfield crashed, and her mother, Cathy Gonzales, soon followed.
Gonzales was given the opportunity to move with her parents to Tennessee but chose to stay behind and finish her senior year in Cordell.
“I had a starting position on the high school soccer team here in Cordell, so I didn't want to move to a new place and start all over, because I probably wouldn't be able to actually play. It's also just a tough time to uproot, right in the middle of my senior year,” Jade said.
Not having her parents around is painful for Gonzales, who misses them dearly.
“It tears me apart not being able to see them every day, especially my little brother. He's my best friend, but they live like 16 hours away, so it's hard to just take a day to go see them. They were my inspiration for everything. It’s taken a big toll on me,” Jade said.
Isbell also separated from her parents recently, moving back to her hometown of Cordell after three years in Beeville, Texas. The move was tough on Isbell but reconnecting with Gonzales, her childhood best friend, eased the blow of moving and helped Gonzales immensely.
“When I moved back to Cordell and out of my dad's house, it was very hard on me. It hit me like a truck, and then I had a fallout with some of my other family. I was stuck in a rut, just spinning. I didn't know what to do. I was lost for a very long time. Jade helped me out of a hole that I thought I could never get out of,” McKenzy said.
Though Gonzales’ parents are far away, they still go out of their way to remind her of how much they care for her.
“My dad was really upset about leaving me and my older brother. My dad and my mom will call us and apologize for leaving sometimes. I can tell that sometimes they think we feel abandoned,” she said. “It's hard, but I know they are just a phone call away, no matter what. They also come to see me when they can, my dad is coming to stay for a few days pretty soon, and my mom is going to stay for graduation.”
Gonzales’ mother being present for her graduation means a lot, given one of her worst fears about her parents leaving was not having anyone to cheer her on during her senior year.
“If my mom wasn't staying for my graduation, I wouldn't have anyone to see me graduate. That’s really scary,” Jade said.
Gonzales’ mother is one of her biggest supporters, always giving her words of encouragement.
“I'll ask her for everything that I need help with. She always tells me exactly what to do, she always says, ”Just listen here. Just do this, and you'll be golden. I'll take you out for ice cream too,” Jade said.
Gonzales’ father is who inspired her love of soccer, coaching her soccer team when she was five years old.
“He was a mean soccer coach, but he’s the reason I started playing soccer. It was just our thing to do, I miss him so much,” Jade said.
THE GONZALES FILE
YEAR: Senior
SPORTS: Softball and soccer
PARENTS: Bobby and Cathy Gonzales
FRIENDS: Lacey Burch, Madison Damon, McKenzy Isbell, Sadie Stewart
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Babysitting Lacey and Zach Meyers, Driving around with friends, painting, and cleaning the house