When I Was Young Career Path

For the month of August, I have challenged myself to blog every day. I know that is a lofty goal for someone who just came back from a two month hiatus but I have faith in myself. While perusing through one of my favorite blogs, Write, Laugh, Dream I saw that Ashley (what a beautiful name), the creator was introducing her "Writers Write Journaling Plan." Score!! The timing couldn't be better. I will share with you my responses to her writing prompts on the days I don't have a topic pre-determined by my editorial calendar (sounds so fancy but it's literally a blank piece of paper I drew a calendar on and mapped out subjects because I am a planning queen).

August 3rd Prompt: When I was young, I thought I would be a _____________. How much has that goal from your younger self changed if at all? Are you where you thought you would be? Has the change been for better or for worse?

When I was young, I thought I would be a _____________.

My thoughts about a career path during my formative years were heavily impacted by television. At age 10 my favorite shows included "Law & Order" (the original- before SVU was created), "ER", "Touched by an Angel", "Wheel of Fortune", "The Price is Right", and all the soap operas on ABC. I spent hours in my Nana's room helping her talk back to the screen.

The dynamic characters, hosts, and story lines made me think that I wanted to pursue an array of careers including: doctor, teacher, actress, lawyer, and television personality. At the core of all these paths was service. Whether it was serving by helping to safe someone's life or serving an entertainment need after a stressful day. I love helping in any capacity.

How much has that goal from your younger self changed if at all?

Although my goals have deviated from the aforementioned professions, service continues to be the main goal in life and it always will be. With Don't Die Afraid I aim to serve my Fearless Family in helping you all overcome fear that freezes you and holds you back from obtaining the riches God has yet to reveal to you. I'm currently working on my Masters in Public Health which will assist me in battling health disparities and barriers around sexual and mental health.

Are you where you thought you would be? Has the change been for better or for worse?

When I was younger I never imagined the life I'm currently living. However, I never limited my dreams, I always knew I would be in God's favor and that is exactly where I am. I can't say if the change has been for better or for worse because I don't know what life would be like if I went down one of those paths, but I can say that I am happy and that is a blessing.

Join the Writers Write Journaling Plan with me! I'm really excited to see my growth during August. Let me know in the comment box below, what you thought you would be when you were younger. How does that compare to your current stage in life?

#BeSureSundays- Blessings from Above

We all know the reason I started Don't Die Afraid was to teach myself how to be comfortable with not having the ability to control every aspect of my life, especially my career. Now a year has passed and I've been pretty successful at that. I landed my current job by walking into an office to inquire more information about their services because I was genuinely curious. Elaine, the woman I met saw my potential and that I would be a great fit for her team. At first there were no positions available  but she advocated for me anyway, in hopes that her office would be able to use me even if it was just for volunteer work. About two weeks later, a position magically opened and the director offered it to little ol' me! It was literally like the position fell into my lap because I got it based off my curiosity for life.

When I started graduate school I was passively looking for jobs because I didn't know if I could handle working and going to school. I went in with the mindset that I would be fine even if I didn't find job because I had a nice stash of money saved.

When I say I love my job, that is an understatement! My job is the helping office on campus because we work hard to make sure students are supported in all aspects of wellness during their college experience. We address the most hard hitting issues: substance abuse, interpersonal violence, sexual health, and nutrition.

The past year working for that office has been an amazing experience and has catapulted me into many other leadership opportunities. I'm so grateful for every minute I spent there. However, since the year is over and budget cuts are the devil, my time with them is over. Bummer, I know! It is unsettling not having a job solidified for September, but I was in this position last year and everything worked out. Everything will be alright....right? When I found out, I cried and briefly thought my world was ending. Then, I remembered three things: my motto (Don't Die Afraid), accept change, and keep my head up. So if you are going through something that has your head down, don't keep it there for too long because you might miss the blessings coming from above. I can't see what my future holds for September but I'm going to go forth fearlessly (the only way).

Have you had any unforeseen recent changes in your career? Can you hook a sister up with a job or pain internship in public health for the summer? (Shoot, I had to ask haha)