MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan – In a large family, being the middle child can often mean that you don't have enough time for the things you want to do. Whether there wasn’t enough time to enjoy personal interest, or too much time spent on attending different events for family, there may not be enough time for everyone. Catherine Matchem-Watkins was this middle child, and she was determined to find a way to include her own personal interests in her daily activities.
Growing up wasn’t easy for Matchem-Watkins on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, especially being part of a family of 15.
“I am child number seven. I have six older sisters, two younger sisters, and four younger brothers,” said Matchem-Watkins. Half her life was spent living with her dad and the other half with her mom. Having six younger siblings, she had to step up and help raise them due to the difficult circumstances while still going to school every day.
![Faces of Iwakuni Mrs. Catherine Matchem-Watkins]()
