Virginia (Gigi) Hudson is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever had the honor and privilege of knowing.  In fact, she is so unusual that her story, when heard for the first time, can be difficult to believe.  However, anyone meeting Gigi for any length of time will quickly come to realize just how wonderful she is.  Although she has lived through some VERY difficult times in her life, and she regularly deals with many negative influences, Gigi remains honest, caring and focused.  Furthermore, she is kind, considerate, compassionate, up-beat and out-going.  People who know her are always genuinely happy to see her, and touched by her warmth, loyalty, and cheer.   She grew up in Chicago.  When she was 14, her mom moved Gigi and her siblings to Minnesota.  Soon there-after, her mom went back to Chicago, leaving Gigi and her 15-yr-old sister to support, care for, and raise their 5 younger siblings.  Gigi and her sister each worked 2 jobs throughout their entire high school careers.  To make matters worse, their mom continued to claim them as dependants, although she lived 400 miles away, and did nothing towards providing or caring for them.

At the start of Gigi’s senior year of high school, her older sister, and her 17-yr-old sister both decided to move out.  Their “Dad” (not Gigi’s paternal father) agreed to take the 2 youngest siblings, leaving Gigi to care for and support her other sisters Angela – 14 and Antichae – 12.  Because her older sister was moving out, Gigi was forced to find a new apartment.  Compounding matters further, Gigi couldn’t obtain her driver’s license because of  incomplete information on her birth certificate.

 

Once she turned 18, Gigi was able to legally become the care provider for her sisters.  For the past year, she has been the sole provider, care-giver, and nurturer of Angela and Antichae.  She has provided them with food, shelter, and clothing, but more-so she has given them a loving home.  She has encouraged and facilitated their activities, commitments, and appointments.  She has attended their conferences, concerts, and games, just as any responsible parent would, even though she is their sister.

Gigi is also an excellent student.  She is a natural leader, and captain of her basketball team.  Obviously well-liked and admired, it wasn’t much of a surprise that she was elected Homecoming Queen.  I have walked the school halls with Gigi, and witnessed teachers running out of their classrooms just to say “Hi” to her.  I have watched an auditorium full of her peers erupt as Gigi and her friend stepped onto the stage during a multi-cultural program.  I have seen her working with school officials, looking out for the best interests of her sisters.

 

Although she has endured many hard times and tremendous obstacles, Gigi has remained the “rock”, and sole provider for her sisters.  Although her story can be difficult to imagine (let alone believe).  I can attest to Gig’s honesty, integrity, and values.  I am honored to know her, proud to call her my friend, and confident that she will go on to do great things, and provide a positive influence on our society, and be a leader of our future.