Business Fit Magazine Special Editions Mother & Daughter Special Edition | Page 18

USA
Raylene
Jones
Genna Pickett
Your Daughter is the Greatest Person Alive
Raylene’s story
Who are You?
I am Raylene Jones. I was born in 2004 and raised
in Casper, Wyoming. I am 14 years old and I’m in
the ninth grade at Natrona County High School.
I live in a small town outside of Casper, called
Mills with my mom and step-dad Jarrett, but my
second family, the Cole’s, live across the street
where I spend a lot of my free time. They have
always welcomed me with open arms and are a
huge part of who I am.
Everyone always notices me because of my big
curly hair and loud jokes. I am a huge nerd when
it comes to any science. Playing the flute in the
school band keeps me very busy. My parents'
skateboard business LMTD keeps me busy
sometimes also. I support them because they
are helping the kids and groups of people who
usually get looked over. It keeps me grateful for
all the love and support my family and friends
give me.
I was raised by a tribe of strong women. My mom’s
friends always showed up for me and help care
for me when my mother was ill or needed some
help. I have acquired two aunts, two soul sisters,
and two brothers, who may not be blood, but
they will forever be a part of my life and family.
What’s important to you?
My values, education, equality and my people
around me.
just grab a sock out of my drawer and don’t think
people should care or be looking at my feet.
Socks are to keep your feet warm.
Do you encounter racism? And
how do you cope with it?
Oh yeah I encounter racism! I live in a state that
is 0.63% black. It doesn’t bother me as much as
when I was little and couldn’t understand. I was
once told by a group of boys on the bus that
they were going to hang me from my family tree.
When I was small, I would make rude comments
or a scene but now I just don’t care cause I know
I’m going to run into it so I just kill them with
kindness.
Tell us about the relationship
with your mum.
It is really strong because of what we have been
through together. Watching and hearing about
everything she has been through and she still
is so kind and loves everyone, she keeps me
inspired. I know I can tell her anything cause she
has seen a lot and will always love me no matter
what. I trust her and know she always supports
me. My mom never misses a single event, she has
always said she loves me to the Moon and Back.
Even when I think she is too involved it doesn’t
bother me that much. I know she doesn’t want to
make me ever feel like I am alone. My mom is so
special to my life because she is always there and
so strong. I love going on road trips with her she
is my best friend.
Be nice to your Mom if she cares about you, not
everyone gets a good mom.
How do you deal with bullies?
I usually start to agree with them and they get
confused or feel bad. I make jokes of their jokes
that really gets ’em. Bulling is bad but, I know they
are just jerks or they’re dealing with something I
don’t know about.
Sometimes you wear odd socks,
how did that come about and
why do you do it?
HaHa. Wearing odd socks has always just been
a thing since my mom has let me dress myself.
She still tries to dress me sometimes (eye roll). I
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My mom is so
special to my life
because she is
always there and
so strong
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