- Jan 31, 2021
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By Laurie Hernandez
Copyright 2017
In the acknowledgements, she lists Lisa Sharkey; her editor Sara Sargent; and her collaborator Hope Innelli, but no formally acknowledged ghost writer
Introduction
Family First
Chapter 1
Copyright 2017
In the acknowledgements, she lists Lisa Sharkey; her editor Sara Sargent; and her collaborator Hope Innelli, but no formally acknowledged ghost writer
Introduction
- On August 15, 2016, whispered "I got this" as she touched the beam for her final routine in the team final
- Didn't expect those words to blow up on social media
- They continued to have power for her as she competed on Dancing with the Stars
- 2016 was a magical year for her, with many wishes coming true
- Hopes everyone hears "You got this" in every line of the book
Family First
Chapter 1
- Actual name is Lauren Zoe Hernandez, but on the first day of gymnastics class her teacher decided to call her Laurie to differentiate from the other Laurens in the class, and the nickname stuck
- Also earned the nickname "The Human Emoji" because of her animated faces in her floor routine. Most people think she most resembles the "Epic grin" expression
- A lot of the joy people see comes from her doing something she's passionate about and from her home life
- Her father, Anthony, is a court clerk and her mother, Wanda, is an elementary school social worker. They met in college; her mother would study a lot in the library and her dad would joke around with her. He's the comedian in the family and always makes everyone laugh. Communication has always been important to them, and they've made sure it's important to the rest of the family too
- Her mother grew up in a not-great neighborhood in New York City and saw a lot of abuse, and they decided they wanted to start a family far from that, so they moved to Old Bridge Township in New Jersey. It's a friendly community, and her mom made sure the kids grew up with respect and love
- Two siblings: Jelysa and Marcus. They all think their parents are great life coaches who raised them to treat each other with respect, and it's because of their example that the kids are always so nice to each other. They don't fight, because they understand they're going to be there for the rest of each other's lives. When they're upset, they talk it out, and once they settle the disagreement, they leave it behind them
- Jay (Jelysa) is 11 years older than Laurie and is a big sister, extra mom, and best friend rolled into one. She has a masters degree and is a social worker like their mother. They're very close, despite the age gap.When they were younger they'd have sleepovers, where Laurie would crawl into Jay's room and they'd stay up all night talking.They finish each other's sentences and have the same mannerisms
- Marcus is four years older than Laurie and in college studying economics and sports management. He ran track in high school and was a middle distance runner during his freshman year at college. Laurie's always impressed by how he juggles many responsibilities–she focuses on gymnastics; he juggles school, family, social responsibilities, and track
- Misses her family while she's on the road and training and competing a lot, especially things like spontaneous dance parties while cleaning the house. Their home is always filled with laughter, a joyous environment that thought her about respect
- Watching her parents, she's learned you can always change your circumstances in life if you put your mind to it.
