Growing UPstate

Growing up under a single parent's authority is not something every child experiences; while traveling through school envious of other students whom have both parents attending events and hold the picture perfect, white-picket-fence life. In 2005, Makayla's life changed forever when she realized that her personal bodyguard was no longer going to be able to be her shadow anymore. Her best friend, main caregiver and father die when she's only ten. Now, she struggles to grow closer to her mother while she works two jobs just to support a single-income household. Makayla quickly learns how to be independent and make her own decisions as she blossoms through life learning through personal experiences and countless teenager mistakes. Along the way, battles are fought and bumps in the road are smoothed out in the young girl's life in a small town in Upstate New York.

Makayla-Courtney McGeeney is a photographer and published journalist in the Albany Times Union and on WereJustHerePretending.com. Majoring in Journalism and Public Relations at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Makayla has earned a number of Journalism awards and scholarships. At home in the Capital District, Makayla lives with her mother, dog and two cats.