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DAVIS COUNTY -- Today's Wednesday's Child feature introduces us to 14-year-old Kemauri, a young lady who has a positive attitude that doesn't quit.
With all Kemauri has dealt with in her young life, she could find plenty of reasons to complain. Instead, she says remaining positive is a choice.
"Life has a positive side of things and a negative side of things all the time," Kemauri said. "A lot of people look on the negative side of things, never the positive side."
Kemauri says she decided a few years ago, she was going to be a glass-half-full kind of person, so she wears a constant smile.
"I figured if I smiled at everyone I would have a better day," she said.
Birthday: 06/1996
Age: 14
Grade in School: 8th
Special Interests: Reading, dancing, swimming, camping
Reading and dancing (favorites include the wave, the jerk, the worm and the reject). are tops on Kemauri's list of favorite things to do. She also enjoys swimming, boating, camping, and hairstyling. This young woman is very engaging and friendly; she wants to please, loves to talk, has a great sense of humor, and is a blast to be around.
That attitude carries her through all kinds of challenges, big and small -- like getting a private lesson from two of the best dancers in the state, which would be intimidating for anyone, but not for Kemauri. She's confident and optimistic.
As dancers Eldon Johnson and Elizabeth Martineau teach her a routine she doesn't get the moves right away, but she's patient and eager to learn. She knows with a little practice she can succeed at anything.
That attitude has helped her deal with the constant change in her life; She's been in the foster care system since she was 8 years old.
Kemauri loves to dance because she says it gives her a chance to express herself. Music is what she hopes to make her career one day.
"I want to be a DJ," she said. "DJ's mix their own music and do different things with music, and they like all kinds of music, too."
What she wants now is a more consistent home. Whether she's an only child or has siblings, she's fine either way. Kemauri says she only wants a family who will love her for the colorful, sweet, vibrant person she is.
"Someone who accepts me for me," she said. "Try living with me for a couple months and then decide."
Email: jstagg@ksl.com
