For one Marlow senior, family is the key to her success.

“I have always been close to my family. They are my rock.” –Keverly James

James recently made a trip to Hobbs, New Mexico, for her great-grandmother’s funeral, and although it was a sad occasion, being with her extended family was a positive experience.

“It was bittersweet because I got to see all of my family,” James said. “At least 30 of us stayed together. We were sad, but we were happy because we were together.”

During another time in her life while going through a rough patch, James said she and her siblings grew closer for the benefit of her mom.

“She got cancer when I was one, and when she got it the second time my freshman year, we knew we had to be close for mom,” James said. “Her battle with cancer really put a lot of things into perspective.”

During this difficult time, James said she learned a lot, especially how to cope.

A ray of hope from amid of uncertainty about her mother’s help came after the latest test results.

“My mom recently went to get scanned, and nothing lit up,” James said.

Now a senior, James is facing more tough decisions.

“My family definitely helped me choose my college,” she said. “Having such a close family, I wanted to stay close to home but also wanted to go out of state.”

After her family pushed her to follow her dreams, James decided on studying dental hygiene at Collin County Community College in McKinney, TX.

Her career choice was inspired by her own experience with orthodonics.

“I got my braces on when I was a freshman and got them off when I was a junior,” James said. “Braces made me want to help other people have a good smile.”

James said that anatomy and chemistry are two classes that have helped her through her choice.

Keverly is the daughter of Cinda Solomon and Michael James.

Destiny Nowlin

MHS exPRESS writer