The Life of Katie Graden

Decisions, decisions, decisions In life, we make many decisions- whether we are going to resist the temptation of another chocolate bar or whether we are going to give in and scoff it, what school we are going to, what we are going to buy for Christmas presents, what we are going to have for lunch or what car we want to drive, but on this day, I made the biggest decision of my life. Not a typical day in the life of Katie Graden It was a seemingly ordinary day in the life of Katie Graden, I had been at school, did my homework, laughed I don’t know how many times, talked incessantly, but when I arrived home mum was telling me that she was going out. I didn’t listen because mum was always out and about doing various errands, but she was going to a Baptism information meeting at Thriving Life, immediately I felt an urge to go, I put it down to supporting my mum and granny, but when I arrived I knew there was something more. I felt strange walking into room 222, I mean I kne...

A BORN FIGHTER A small spark to a roaring fire Chelsea is a young boxer who trains and fights at Ards Boxing Club and never in my life have I met someone so committed, determined and courageous. She is just 15, but already she is so focused on her future and has her eyes set on competing in the Olympics. I had the privilege of meeting Chelsea at Nendrum College where we both went to school, I watched her grow and develop for four years. I remember Chelsea when she was unsure and unmotivated about life, but now she is a fighter, she gives everything her best and no goal is too great or too small. Chelsea always had a kind heart, but she didn’t have the drive to help in her community, although Chelsea may have never believed in herself before, I always believed in her. You see Chelsea had a spark in her- I knew she was unique and I knew that her transformation would be absolutely incredible and I was 100% right. Living the life of a boxer Chelsea told me that before boxin...