Meet Matt, Emily, & Ericka from Long Island, NY

Meet Matt (dad), Emily (daughter), and Ericka (mom) from Long Island, New York. Matt and Ericka met over 20 years ago while working for the same company. Ericka was friends with Matt’s sister. They would all hang out together and eventually a relationship developed between the two. Ericka said, “My favorite thing about Matt is that he is one of the most supportive people I have ever met in my life and he’s pretty handy!” Matt said, “We are very similar a lot of ways but we also complement each other’s weaknesses. Ericka is a great cook! Before her, I never realized what it was like to have a rock in my life. I think a lot of people don’t get that opportunity in their lifetime.” Their 19 year old daughter, Emily, is a sophomore in college and is part of a sorority. She is currently finishing up this semester and then moving back home to be closer to her family. She said, “I’m currently in a new phase of life. I’ve decided that sorority life is just not for me. Unfortunately, I’ve grown up in a generation of, “iPad kids.” It can be very isolating. I’ve noticed that the majority of my generation has a hard time seeing beyond themselves, socializing in person, or even understanding basic social norms. Most of my generation is constantly connected to a device. I feel that a lot of them had their childhood stolen from them. I am so grateful that I wasn’t one of those kids. My parents were very present and kept me very active. I think that when technology took such a huge leap and became so readily accessible, parents, at the time, didn’t realize what a deep impact it would have on future generations. I hope that my generation identifies that they’re getting lost in technology and social media. I hope that we can all learn to disconnect to reconnect. My favorite thing about my parents that they love me unconditionally. Even when I am unsure of what the next plan is, they are still so incredibly supportive.” The one thing that this family wants to tell the world is, “It’s OK to not know where your future is heading. It’s okay for your plans to change. Take things one day at a day at time. The answers will come.” Thank you for visiting!