My name is Jessica Leighton-Floyd (Harris) Brain. I am 33 years old and have been passionate about my heritage for as long as I can remember. It wasn't until 2004 when it seemed I was attending far too many funerals that I started really researching my family. Up until that point I was content going off of other's stories and looking through pictures.

My life changed dramatically when I began to unfold the lives of my ancestors. I found that the stories I grew up hearing were far more incredible when all of the facts were included! I come from a long line of wonderful and courageous people (on both sides of my family).

I am a behavioral psychology and human services major. I am constantly in conflict about whether our personalities and interests are shaped by our environment or if they are all genetic. I now believe that much of who we are is a direct result of our environment and our reactions to experiences, but I also firmly believe that there are traits passed down through generations. For example, my great great grandfather was raised by his step father, Rolla Floyd. I believe the influence of his step father shaped him and his thinking and that those things were somehow passed down to me. So even though I am not related to the man who raised my great great grandfather, I know that part of who I am is a result of how he influenced his step son.

Learning about my family members has helped me learn more about who I am as well as grounded me deeper in my faith. I have learned that while my family members were passionate and courageous and adventurous, they were also faithful, serious, and always seeking after the Lord.

I hope to live an exceptional life worthy of their legacies.

My name is Jessica Leighton-Floyd (Harris) Brain. I am 33 years old and have been passionate about my heritage for as long as I can remember. It wasn't until 2004 when it seemed I was attending far too many funerals that I started really researching my family. Up until that point I was content going off of other's stories and looking through pictures.

My life changed dramatically when I began to unfold the lives of my ancestors. I found that the stories I grew up hearing were far more incredible when all of the facts were included! I come from a long line of wonderful and courageous people (on both sides of my family).

I am a behavioral psychology and human services major. I am constantly in conflict about whether our personalities and interests are shaped by our environment or if they are all genetic. I now believe that much of who we are is a direct result of our environment and our reactions to experiences, but I also firmly believe that there are traits passed down through generations. For example, my great great grandfather was raised by his step father, Rolla Floyd. I believe the influence of his step father shaped him and his thinking and that those things were somehow passed down to me. So even though I am not related to the man who raised my great great grandfather, I know that part of who I am is a result of how he influenced his step son.

Learning about my family members has helped me learn more about who I am as well as grounded me deeper in my faith. I have learned that while my family members were passionate and courageous and adventurous, they were also faithful, serious, and always seeking after the Lord.

I hope to live an exceptional life worthy of their legacies.