I believe in I Can
While growing up, as kids we were always told that can’t never did a thing in its life. For a long time never did understand what mom meant by that. As I became an adult, those words are at the very for-front in my mind. I have lived my life by that rule. I was taught to work hard at everything I did. If something became difficult or seemed impossible, I can hear those words coming out of mom’s mouth. I am the oldest kid out of six. Things were so different back then. We didn't get whatever we wanted, stuff just wasn't handed to us. We had to work hard for everything we had or wanted. I have had many jobs in different fields. With each one, came learning new things. I have done everything by the words I CAN! You can do and be whatever you want to as long as you have the mindset to do what it takes to become whatever it is you want. I have proved to so many that a woman can do everything a man can.
I wanted to be a concrete finisher. My first job was working for a concrete/masonry company. As I was being taught the steps and techniques, I paid attention to everything that was shown to me. Picked up everything pretty quickly and it wasn’t long and the boss was offering me pay raises for certain things like, learning how to run and operate a power trowel. About 8 -12 months later he offered me the foreman position. I started training my own crew and ran the job site most days. Concrete is hard work and can put you in very awkward situations. I’ve had to hang upside down over a chain linked fence, crawl under things, or even trying to finish it at midnight because it wouldn’t harden. Even went as far as becoming certified in concrete finishing. Not just anyone could pass the certification test. It took me taking it twice. Never second guess yourself, always go with your first hunch. Nothing has ever come easy to me. From studying for tests to learning new things. Nothing is going to just come natural for all. It take practice to become good and fluent at something. Being in the construction industry being a woman wasn't easy. I had to prove my skills and ability to work hard or even harder than a man.
After working in the industry for 10 plus years, I finally decided that wasn't for me. The hard work was really starting to take its toll on my body. Ended up developing tendinitis in my right elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome. It was getting really hard to hold onto the tools long enough to finish the job. Another reason why it wasn’t for me is the lack of year round income. Can’t pour or finish concrete in the winter if it has stayed below 32 degrees for long periods of time so I would get laid off for most of the winters. We were guaranteed unemployment but most banks won’t claim it as income so can’t get approved for any loans. I’ve done many different jobs until I realized what I really wanted to do. While working at a call center, I use to take baked goodies in to share with everyone. It always brought smiles and could even make someone’s day brighter. They kept telling me that I needed to open up my own restaurant. And that’s when I realized my passion. Cooking and baking for others. The next step was probably the hardest step, enrolling in college. In my mind I was constantly telling myself I Can do this. It does take hard work and dedication to be good at something. Anyone can do the minimal, but if you really want to succeed and prove to yourself and others that you can do great things, you will need to put every ounce of your all into it.
As for me, when I look back at my high school years, I didn't try, never brought homework home, never studied for tests. Just did what had to, to get by. Parents never did harp too much on grades, homework or studying. It seemed like it was more important to help out around house with chores and such. As a college student, I don't want that same mindset. I want to accomplish great things and prove to myself and family that you can do anything you put your mind to. I am in my freshman year at college and have accomplished so much already. Even though my first semester was all developmental classes I was able to finish the semester with a 4.0 GPA. Something I never thought was possible with the high school student mindset. My family couldn't be any prouder of me than right now. That gives me the confidence and courage to continue with the path I'm on.
