Project Runway Model winner Liris has teamed up with Celebrity Makeup Artist Christopher Michael to celebrate women of all sizes and colors! They want to change the way the fashion industry looks at women who are of all sizes and varying ethnicity and colors. If you watch Project Runway, if you agree all women are beautiful, if you want some advice on looking flawless.... take some time to listen to this one and share it with your friends! This was an AMAZING interview!
Liris and Christopher are CHANGING THE WORLD! Let's help them!
Oh boy! We're into the holiday week- and LOTS of time with the family! Take some time to listen to this podcast and find out how adding a few spices can help promote good mood and health while celebrating the holiday season!
!!!!GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!
Jaya Jaya Myra is giving away 1 copy of her book! Tune in to learn how you can enter to win.
Ever wonder how to turn your hobby into a profession? Erin Slattery Black did just that when she landed her dream job as a Costume Designer for Jim Henson Studios! Erin is now a small business owner with the wildly successful "Lyla Tov Monsters!" and now you can have one!
!GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Lyla Tov Monster Charlotte
Want to win Lyla Tov Monster Charlotte? One lucky winner will get a chance to own her. Please listen to this podcast and share with your friends to learn how!
Jacqueline, Elizabeth, and Carol M. Baldwin
Photo credit: Jacqueline Keuchler-Calveric
Jacqueline Keuchler-Calveric is the granddaughter of Carol M. Baldwin, the founder of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. Jacqueline also serves as the organization's Associate Director and spokesperson. Alongside her grandmother and mom Elizabeth, Jacqueline works to raise critical funds to support breast cancer services.
Jacqueline didn't always know this was her path and she hopes her winding tale can provide comfort to others as they discover their passion. Take a listen to part 1 of our conversation where she talks being a member of the famous Baldwin family, health scares and moving back home.
I'm so proud of this interview. This is a podcast I hope you share with your friends and take a moment to rate and review. Subscribe and get all my podcasts sent right to your phone: iTunes, Google Play or Stitcher.
Even as a journalist it's not everyday you get to interview an Olympian... let alone a three time Olympian, two time silver medal winning Olympian, but that is the situation I found myself in recently! I came away from my interview with Juan Miguel Moreno empowered to talk to more people who have achieved amazing accomplishments.
Juan's message of personal excellence can be one that you can learn from whether it's your own professional goals or those that you hope your children will accomplish.
If you want to hear some advice on achieving personal success- this podcast is for you.
If you want to be a better parent of a student athlete- this podcast is for you.
If you ever wondered what it's like to be an Olympian- this podcast is for you.
If you've ever wondered how to overcome a perceived failure- this podcast is for you!
After losing her grandmother and mother to breast cancer Cecilia was devastated to learn she had an aggressive form of it as well. A terrible turn of events with her husband left her with no family to turn to. Cecilia's story is one of survival and how a positive state of mind can help determine one's fate.
How are those New Year's resolutions going? Did you set some goals at the beginning of the year but fall short with inspiration when it came to getting them across the finish line? Don't feel bad about it. It's not too late, and you don't have to wait until next year to try it again. I completely understand, and I want to help you recommit.
Check out today's Step to Success mini-podcast. It's jam packed with inspiration and tips to help you get back on track. Share with a friend.
I'm really excited to launch a new segment called "Step To Success" this week on my podcast "Success with JoDee Kenney." We will still have fantastic long format interviews from influential women, and now S.T.S. will also offer short format content for you to take in when you just need a small burst of inspiration.
We are kicking this segment off with one of the most powerful steps you can take to make sure you achieve your goals. Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals have helped me to achieve dreams I thought were unattainable. I know they will help you as well. Please Share with your friends.
Lakishia Holley has survived a lot. She is a mother of 5 who shares her story of amazing triumph despite all odds. Lakishia Holley shares her story of growing up impoverished with little food to eat, living in an orphanage and sexual abuse. Her story didn't end there. This one is a powerful tale of how a woman can overcome. She is inspiring and truly has a success story to tell.
Each Tuesday we turn over the blog to a successful woman who will share her special message. Last week Kierra Jones inspired us to shine with her special story of success found after she questioned all the milestones in her life. If you want to share your story email me at JoDeeKenney@gmail.com for more information.
Every dream can come true with faith, forward thinking combined with purpose, passion and persistence. My early training consisted of me obtaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work. I worked with individuals who were addicted to mind/mood altering chemicals, the mentally ill, the mentally ill/chemical abusing, runaway homeless youth, domestic violence survivors, and adolescents. It was a tough field and I started to experience burnout from the work. I thought it was the population and decided to become a school social worker. In the beginning my heart leaped for joy each time I walked into school to greet my colleagues and spend time counseling and playing games such as go fish and chutes and ladders with my students, while I sat on the floor of my office. As the days, the weeks, then months passed by my energy started to drain and what once made my heart jump made me feel drained and unfulfilled and I needed intellectual stimulation . I knew if I said go fish one more time, I would SCREAM!!!
One of the Turning Page moments for me is when I decided to attend Mega-Fest – it is a yearly Christian conference that is led by one of the most inspirational speakers I have ever heard – his name is Bishop TD Jakes. I attended with two of my children; Danielle was 12, Christopher was 10 – it was a conference that included activities to meet the needs of the entire family. The woman’s conference included 70,000 women; I can still sense the electricity in the room with all those women singing songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. I recall during that time, a still small voice whispered, “Kathleen, you need to quit the Social Worker job and start your own business”. I ruminated over those words during the entire remainder of the conference.
I returned home to Latham NY and was sitting in my kitchen and heard the still small voice again, “Kathleen, you need to call Unity House in Troy NY because there is a job opening for a night cleaning person”. I followed the voice and called. I am totally aww struck as I hear the woman on the other line state, “You’re timing is impeccable – the person just left a couple of days ago, you’re hired! My job duties included cleaning 6 bathrooms, the kitchen and distributing medication to the clients every morning. I decided to capitalize on my time and when I wasn’t cleaning, I spent my time learning about as much as I could on diversity/inclusion/leadership etc. I might as well, since I was up all night. It was a humbling experience to clean up after adults. By night cleaning and by day I was attending networking events. Usually, I would take a quick wash up and throw on a suit for my last task of the day before I would be heading to an am networking event .
One day one of the clients came up to me while I was mopping the floor, and said, “Hi Cinderella”. At first I was so tired that it just passed by me. I realized Cinderella s’ story changed and so would mine. Six months later as I was walking out of Walmart – I received a call from a contact person at SUNY Albany and I was offered a job. I worked with a non-profit /SUNY for two years while maintaining my business on a part-time basis. Then I had the most outstanding amazing job for 5 years providing consulting, coaching and training for a NYS funded initiative. While working I decided to pursue a second master’s degree. I was living my dream as I traveled and developed teams and it brought me such joy and great fulfillment.
In 2013, I finished my MBA the same month I was laid off and my employer paid for 50% of my tuition. I was heartbroken and somewhat devastated from the layoff as my daughter graduated from high school and off to college she was going and college is not free. I honestly believe there is never a good time to be laid off from any job for anyone. Initially I looked for a job and not one full-time door opened. The only doors that opened were contracts. I have been working as the CEO of The McLean Group – executive coaching, consulting and training firm that specializes in diversity , team building and leadership since 2006 and have been full time since 2013. I have two other paid individuals on my team. I have several clients and doors are opening consistently. I have learned the following:
Even when you think nothing is happening , something is happening – Keep moving and keep motivated.
Self talk is key to survival. My self talk is , “I dare you not to give me this contract or proposal”!!!
Theresa Odom-Surgick is a published Christian author, singer, and songwriter. She is also an author who talks about questioning her faith in hard times and hopes to inspire people with her revealing story and open heart. I hope you enjoy her story as much as I do.
Each week I turn the blog over for a day to a successful woman to highlight a lesson learned. Last week Marny Nesher took on a challenge she never expect to do by taking over the blog for a day. Her message of slow and steady really resonated with many of us. If you want to share your story email me at JoDeeKenney@gmail.com for more information.
This week Abishai business owner Fatima Bey drops her knowledge by asking the question are you really a success. She's an expert seamstress who gives clients more than a perfect fit in clothing. She gives them a warm smile, friendship and wisdom.
Are you successful? We all know that we can fail at times seeking success, but did you know that you can be a successful failure? Wondering what the heck I mean by that? Good! Let me explain.
I think the following example can best explain what I mean. Let’s say you become a famous actor. You’re popular, make movies, and make millions! Many would call you a success because you have fame and wealth. Meanwhile, there’s an unwritten book in you that could have helped millions, but you were too busy chasing money and popularity to get there. With this book, it may have brought speaking engagements, in which you would have used some of the same skills you chose to use as an actor. In this situation, I would call you a successful failure. You succeeded in getting fame and money, but you failed in fulfilling your purpose. Furthermore, as a famous actor, you could be popular today and forgotten about tomorrow. As an author and speaker that helped millions, you could have made the same amount of money, if not more. More importantly, your name would less likely be forgotten!
This above scenario was used to make a point. Your purpose is in you and has been there since childhood. It’s that thing that you just can’t get out of your mind. You used to dream about it as a child. Perhaps somewhere along the way you were told that it could not be done, wasn’t realistic, or to sit down and mind your business. Can I tell you something? Nothing will EVER satisfy you like fulfilling your purpose.
For some of you reading this, you are already on that journey. You know what you’re meant to do and you are working on it. Let me tell you - you are a rarity and I admire you! For the rest of you, if you do not yet know your purpose, it’s not too late. Make sure you’re not chasing what someone else told you to run after. Discover YOUR purpose and chase YOUR dream! When we are successfully walking in our purpose, there’s a drive and a passion for what we do. Words can’t even explain it. I want to see you successful in your purpose!
I will end this post with questions for YOU to answer:
• We all were put on this earth and given life for a purpose. What’s yours?
• What did you dream of doing as a child? What did you want to change or see changed?
• Do you work just to pay your bills? Or Have you made a career out of your passion?
• Are you ready to walk successfully in your purpose?
Meet Shine Strategist Kierra Jones! I met Kierra just a few short weeks ago and since then I've seen her shine bright like a diamond! Watching her go live almost daily with inspiration and motivation for women looking to 'shine' has been so exciting!
I invite you to hear how she completely changed her direction in life, even thought it was very successful. She took a chance and now she says she's living the life she dreamed about. I learned from her- go for it and believe in yourself! I'm always so inspired by the women I meet! If you know someone who you think would be great for a future podcast send me an email jodeekenney@gmail.com
Last week you heard from Eileen Doyon about the lessons she learned from the loss of her dad. The loss was so profound, yet she found inspiration from the sadness and is now helping share their message through a series of books. If you're a successful woman who wants to share her story email me at jodeekenney@gmail.com for more information on submitting.
This week you're going to hear a message of perseverance from Shameka Andrews. Shameka provides workshops for people with disabilities, their families and organizations that support them. She is the state coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair NY competition. She posts inspirational videos and is truly a motivating force. I know you will enjoy hearing about her 7 lessons she has learned about Success! Enjoy.
What I have learned about Success
1.Define success for yourself. We often associate success with money and getting stuff. We chase someone elses definition of success only to find out we never wanted any of that stuff anyway.
2.You can always get back on track. As the saying goes it is not about how many times you get knocked down that matters what matters is how many times you get back up. Every minute of every day is a new opportunity get back on track. And we don’t have to do it alone. Nobody does it alone. We all need a support system.
We just need to be open to letting others help us.
3.Be Grateful for where you are on the way to where you want to be. Gratitude has played a big part in the life the last few years. Two years ago, I started doing what I call Todays Favs. At the end of the day I list five things I really liked about that day and share it on social media. This practice has helped me to look at each day differently. People that follow me online often say that this is helped to them as well and some say they have started their own favs list.
4.You don’t have to do it alone. Growing up I believed that if I was not able to do something on my own that I should not do it. But the fact of the matter is nobody does everything all by themselves. We are need a support system and there is anything wrong with that.
5.Step out on Faith. Nobody has a blueprint of their entire life. Sometimes you need to move forward in the dark and know that you are going to get where you are supposed to be even if you may not know where that is right now.
6.When you are feeling helpless that is often the best time to help someone else. When challenges become up in our lives helping someone else maybe in that same situation or facing another type of challenge is usually the last thing we are thinking about but it is often that one thing that makes the biggest difference.
7.Celebrate what you have been able to accomplish. Give yourself credit for what you have been able to do in your life and don’t pay so much attention to what you have not done. I know this is easier said than done. But I will share with you one more thing that helps me to focus it is one of my favorite quote that I begin every presentation with. It is a quote from Edward Everett Hale. The Quote says I am only one, But still I am one I can’t do everything but I can do something and I will not let what I can’t do interfere with what I can.
While surfing the internet this week I came across the "10-thousand Hour Rule". Canadian Journalist Malcolm Gladwell set out to find what factors led to making someone world class in their field. The quick answer was 10-thousand hours of deliberate practice.
I was like... COOL! I'm going to get to practicing my craft so I can become WORLD CLASS!
Then I came across an article that basically debunked his theory.
Hmm... so what does it all mean?
Well, Gladwell actually went on Reddit to participate in an AMA (ask me anything) chat to clear his theory up and he said it was an oversimplification of his theory.
He said: "There is a lot of confusion about the 10,000 rule that I talk about in Outliers. It doesn't apply to sports. And practice isn't a SUFFICIENT condition for success. I could play chess for 100 years and I'll never be a grandmaster. The point is simply that natural ability requires a huge investment of time in order to be made manifest." While many people may try to debunk Gladwell's theory- I am willing to give it some validation. There is NO way we can be great at anything if we don't dedicate ourselves to it. While many artists may burst on the scene, those who stay are people who dedicate themselves to their craft and work to get better, innovate and push the boundaries of the mediocre.
Do you want to be world class? If you do- you have to work, work hard and believe in your ability and know it can take years to achieve your goal.... but you should still try.
Last week you heard from Erin Musto about how to be Successful with a Type B personality. She offered thoughtful insight into how she channels her abilities into action and how she learned so much about the ability of people of different skillsets to come together to make magic. If you're a successful woman who wants to share her story email me at jodeekenney@gmail.com for more information on submitting.
This week Eileen Doyon talks about how the loss of her dad led her to a gift of being able to give other women a voice to remember their loved ones. Our beloved ancestors may be gone but they leave us treasures. Eileen was able to realize that and now she works to share it with others.
The loss of family members early in my life has been extremely difficult, and most recently I lost my dad to lung cancer and was with him until the end. I have been trying to figure out how to deal with death due to it being so much a part of my life. Most people will deal with loss at some point in their lifetime. The two years after my dad’s death were depressing, complicated, and dark. In receiving two treasures in 2012, my dad’s dog tags, and my grandmother’s chandelier, it meant so much to me, my attitude, and my outlook on my own life. I felt their presence and their love all around me. I knew that others in my situation had to feel the same way. If so, I wanted to help. So that became my mission….to help others talk about their loved ones who have passed and to tell their stories of their own personal keepsakes. Our military is very precious to me. We owe so much to our veterans that have served and protected our country. So this became my theme of my second book.
People were so excited, emotional, happy, and sad all in one, but it was all good. We laughed and cried talking about memories and stories of loved ones. Sometimes, those feeling are buried deep down due to the crazy hectic lives we all live, and sometimes it just hurts too much to think or talk about. Everyone’s comments were so supportive and positive. It really became a healing to all and made people feel good.
So, in this hectic life, I have decided to run a series of books titled “Unforgettable Faces and Stories”. We all need to stop and think about people in our lives, both past and present, and stories of those unforgettable magic moments.
It has been a month since the launch of our podcast. A whirlwind month filled with mostly surprising highs, thankfully only a few surprising lows and 7 surprising lessons. I thought I'd share with you the ways I am changing and growing in hopes that you may take away a nugget or two to cary on your journey of success.
1. Sharing Your Voice is Rewarding. I immediately knew I enjoyed interviewing fantastic women and felt their messages would resonate with many, but I was surprised to learn that I would feel such great satisfaction and reward from not just listening to, but sharing these stories with others. I feel like it's Christmas eve the night before a new podcast comes out because I just can't wait for you to open each special gift.
2.Doing Isn't So Scary After all. I wanted to launch a podcast a year before it finally happened. I was afraid of the unknown, afraid it wouldn't be professional, afraid it would be a flop, afraid- afraid- afraid. It was the little women living rent free in my brain instilling the doubt and fear. When I finally decided to ignore her and just DO THE WORK- take the steps necessary to make it come to life- IT WAS EASY. What I found is- the fear of the unknown was so powerful... but I was MORE POWERFUL. Now that we are sharing an amazing and different message each week, it's not scary, its exhilarating! It's exhilarating because I am operating in a space of inspiration and joy. I am no longer afraid.
3.If You Love What You're Doing Negative Voices Weaken. It's easy to live or die by the comments people offer about you- isn't it? I am learning that if you love what you're doing- those comments become less harmful. I say I am learning- because I am just like you- a work in progress. But, I've become highly aware of how sharing my voice and giving a voice to others is my gift. This flower is blooming. What is your gift? I challenge you to share it with others!
4. Perseverance Pays Off. I've had two HUGE disappointments happen to me this month with the podcast. Only a few trusted people knew about these... until now. The first- all the interviews we taped at the launch party got deleted. I don't know how. My equipment requires a three step process to delete. It happened. I brainstormed (and mourned) for three days, trying to figure out how to save it. I wasn't able to. Then my 9-year-old daughter reminded me of our Facebook and Periscope videos! She said we could use that audio. She thought and thought- just like me for 3 days... and she persevered through to give me a solution. I still need to work on that podcast.
Then, I spent a marathon day recording a dozen podcasts (amazing content to come) and when I got home I realized the content was recorded incorrectly for mobile devices. Again- three days of brainstorming and seeking technical help- but then on the 4th day I discovered a solution to save it!
Never give up. If you suffer a huge disappointment- you can somehow overcome. NEVER GIVE UP.
5. The Success Continues Here. The podcast is one way for us to continue the Success Mission! So is this blog! Weekly blogs are a wonderful way to give a voice to more people. I want to share YOUR success. Email me to learn how. jodeekenney@gmail.com
6. Failure is OK and So Is Changing Your Mind- Giving Up is NOT an Option. Over the last couple weeks you may (or may not) have noticed I am experimenting on the best days to make our new blogs and podcasts available. I want to be able to provide you this content when YOU want it.
Also- I want to update this blog. If you're a tech person looking to make an in-kind partnership email me! jodeekenney@gmail.com
I have many crazy ideas rolling around in this head. The above are just a couple of them. Before, I'd probably stick with a single plan. Only post on a certain day- even if it wasn't working. Or, I'd ask about tech help and forget it if I didn't receive an answer. Now- I'm learning- you just need to take action. If you don't try- you won't succeed. Being willing to fail means you're also willing to succeed! No risk- No reward!
Be BRAVE. Lets take risks together!
7. We Must Build Each Other Up. We are stronger together than we are apart. Our fates are intertwined. Let's be successful together. Tell me what you want to accomplish. Share your dreams, fears, successes. I would love to know what lessons you've learned. Can I help you achieve your goal? How?
In the last month I've become inspired and humbled by your support and I want you to know it means the world to me. Leave me a comment below. I'd love to hear how you're doing.
Each week I want to share a successful women's story on this platform. Last week Vanessa Richards inspired us with her brave story of her ability to succeed in spite of some painful obstacles. If you are a successful women who wants to share her story email me at jodeekenney@gmail.com
Today Erin Musto talks about being a successful Type B. I asked her to talk about this because I think there is a misconception that you have to be a certain type of person to be "successful". Well, we both agree that's a complete falsehood. Owning who you are is so important to being a success. We are all unique and have greatness within. Erin Musto is such a beautiful inspiration.
I have to admit sometimes it is difficult for my brain to wrap itself around that fact that others are different to the core. I walk into a room often times I forget that not everyone is a solid Type B. When given the question of ‘big deal or little deal’ I am pretty much always a ‘little deal’ kind of person. My perception of ‘big deal’ pretty much warrants a trip to the ER for something serious. My life is littered with lots of ‘little deals’… my car needs tires, I sprained my ankle again, my daughter needs stitches or I spill my seltzer on my laptop. My brain reminds me that all are fixable… ‘little deal’.
Only in recent years have I stopped to really ponder and appreciate all the different personality types- the ranges that people fit into. I used to wander around thinking everyone was just.like.me. Thank goodness, we are not all just alike. The types of people that we are, the types of personalities we each have help draw us to what we are meant to do. I will assure you- God did not make me to build bridges or engineer intricate systems. He knew that who I would become would have a very different role in this world… and it would be far from anything that needed ultimate precision or even level shelving. I am pretty darn grateful for the lover of accuracy, the one who are patient enough for precise… the builders of safe and sturdy bridges.
I love being a bold and honest Type B person. I might as well be accountable and proud of what I am building and what has been built in me. I know that my personality makes it possible for me to embrace vulnerability, share openly and connect to people. I think I was created to be a connector, to meet people and hear their story and connect them to another who fits into their journey.
It was a powerful time for me when I started to see and understand the differences in personalities. It is amazing when we all work together to create and build. Maddie’s Mark and all of the work I have done through this community has shown me how strong and positive melding personalities can be. How we each need one another to do big things… working together to really assess when things are a ‘big deal or little deal’. Recognizing and celebrating my part in all of this with my strong solid Type B right alongside others who organize trips and use tabs… those who keep paperwork and receipts neatly for the future… those who push me to pay attention to details. I love how we all work together with all of our differences…
Being a self-proclaimed strong and solid Type B has some challenges. I have so many nail holes hidden under my picture frames. I like things in sets not pairs. I never follow recipes- so when it is wicked tasty I can never know what exactly made it that way. I travel with a backup plan of stopping at Target if we forget something. I am always the one at the post office borrowing Priority Mail tape to close a package. I always swear someday I will be one of those people who prepackages their boxes and just carries them in, ready to be shipped. I long to be a good packer… someday I will fold compact and neatly. I wish to be the person who doesn’t lose their coat every.single.place.they.go. I will someday be a version of me that takes extreme pride in a perfectly mowed lawn…
Or maybe the gift is that I see all of the above and I just continue being this me and loving me just the way I am.
Successfully living as a strong and solid Type B, or wishy washy Type A or extreme Type A, is embracing our own type and appreciating all the other ones. Love the bits of ourselves that are different than others. Melding our personality types and see the fabric it creates- with VERY neatly woven and completely RANDOM all at the same time. For me, as a Self-Proclaimed Type B, a solid and strong Type B… a bold sharer and a lover of all the vulnerable that makes me broken and healed and happy and messy. I own it, I proclaim it and I work with it. Embracing how we are built and working to build well with others is the key to successfully being any personality type.
Last week's podcast was a cliff hanger for good reason. There are a lot of things that people don't like to talk about... but they should. For Episode 9, part 2 of my talk with Kate we talk about some of those topics. This week we discuss divorce, societal expectations and online sexual harassment. Have you ever experienced any of these and felt the pressure to just shut up and smile? Well, many women have.
This talk was supposed to be just one episode but when we began to discuss some of these issues I kept thinking to myself- these items need to stand alone. While Episode 8 is a must listen, you have to hear the sea serpent story- it's stuff movies are made of, Episode 9 digs deep and leaves you thinking. We also talk about what inspired Kate to become a Youtuber and she answers the question she gets a lot: What's the goal of your YouTube videos?
Each week I want to highlight a successful woman's story here on this platform. Last week, Miranda VonFricken talked about Plan B. If you want to share your story email me at JoDeeKenney@gmail.com for more information. Today Meteorologist Vanessa Richards talks about not allowing painful experiences define you. It's true that you never know what people truly go through in life, especially if they have a smile and personality as big as the sun. You know Vanessa as a dependable weather forecaster who gets you out the door with the proper gear on, a community volunteer and my friend and coworker who I talk with every morning on Spectrum news, but you may not know her whole story. Today she bravely shares her tale of perseverance and offers inspiration for you on your journey to success. I hope she inspires you as much as she does me- JoDee
Vanessa and her husband Matt
After a young girl saw the movie Twister in 1998, a dream was born. I was 10 years old and I discovered what my lifelong passion would be. Today, I have been a TV Meteorologist for 10 years and counting, teach part time at SUNY Oswego, married a fellow meteorologist, and have found much happiness and success. This is the Vanessa Richards most of my viewers know. What many people don’t know is the journey, trials and tribulations, and mountains climbed to get here today. However, it’s journeys like mine that many people can relate to and have found themselves faced with in one sense or another.
Many know me as the meteorologist with a lot to say and a big personality to go with it, but as a child I was quite the opposite. My elementary school years were filled with tumultuous home conditions including alcoholism and domestic violence. I hadn’t even begun to think of such concepts as success, I was thinking survival. Home life greatly impacted my performance in school as well as my personality. I became a withdrawn and painfully-shy child. I was content with staying in the middle of the pack, flying under the radar, and just getting by. This would all change by 5th grade.
My 5th grade teacher took an interest to me. He asked me to join an after school program called Odyssey of the Mind which I stayed in until I graduated high school, called on me frequently in class, and worked with me on my studies. Before I knew it I was coming out of my shell and I started to see the potential in myself. I spent the rest of my early school career rising up through the ranks, discovering myself, and getting my stride.
Once it was time to choose a college to study weather, I had another mountain in the way of my passion; MATH. Oh, you mean I have to be good at math to be a meteorologist? A painful meeting with my school guidance counselor had me thinking I may never reach my dream. I was told to find a career that was better suited with my skill set; English, Public Speaking, Writing. I will never forget being told that day, ‘if you do this you are going to fail, you will be wasting your time pursuing this given how poor your math skills are’. After a day of crying, cursing, and searching my soul, I decided I would just have to fail then because I was going to college to study Meteorology.
My college years began by going to a local community college to get my math grades up. After 2 years and a lot of tough love from my math professors I was ready for the big leagues. I went to SUNY Oswego where I entered the Meteorology program with 60 other bright eyed students. It took me 3 more years, but I made it to graduation day. Out of those 60 students, only 12 of us made it through the program and only 2 people graduated with high honors. I am proud to say I was one of those students; and as they say in the movies, the rest is history.
I believe many people flight tremendous battles that, in the moment, seem unfair, painful, un-survivable, and pointless. I have had moments I felt like the world was against me. However, I believe it’s in these moments that we are given the fire and determination to overcome and our thirst for SUCCESS is greater than anyone could ever imagine. So if you find yourself in a bad situation you can’t control, a conversation with someone who doesn’t believe in you, or even come to doubt yourself; just like the change in the WEATHER, this too shall pass, you will overcome, and stay true to your heart!
It was a powerful time for me when I started to see and understand the differences in personalities. It is amazing when we all work together to create and build. Maddie’s Mark and all of the work I have done through this community has shown me how strong and positive melding personalities can be. How we each need one another to do big things… working together to really assess when things are a ‘big deal or little deal’. Recognizing and celebrating my part in all of this with my strong solid Type B right alongside others who organize trips and use tabs… those who keep paperwork and receipts neatly for the future… those who push me to pay attention to details. I love how we all work together with all of our differences…
