Every woman who has passed through New Directions Career Center has a story. As this year’s “Woman of Promise” honoree, I have the privilege of telling you mine.
When I was growing up, both in my family and in our culture, not much was expected of women. And although I did go to college I really didn’t think much of myself. I certainly didn’t understand that I could have a career, not just a job. In fact, had you asked me to define “career” I would have drawn a blank. When you’re not expected to do anything, you don’t set goals for yourself.
So even after I graduated from college, I continued with my regular job. It paid well but more importantly, I thought that this blue collar job was all that I could be. I didn’t then have a vision of myself as something more. In addition, I did not possess the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively network and maneuver in society.
Soon, though, several life changing events occurred that created so much stress for me, I could no longer work at my former job.
During a period of intense counseling, as I was putting my life back together, my counselor suggested I connect with the New Directions Career Center.
Those 4 weeks transformed my life!
As the Center’s licensed career counselors led us through various career and self-exploration exercises, I learned that I had value. I had something to offer the world. I also discovered that instead of just working to make a living, I could have a career. I could make money doing something I loved!
I can’t tell you what a life-changing concept that was for me. It was like waking up to my life for the very first time.
The supportive staff at the Center encouraged (and expected) me to dream, to set goals and to develop a plan for making those dreams a reality. I started to throw off old beliefs, patterns and ways of thinking about myself. I stepped out in faith to pursue a new path, and learned that every little step counts on your journey. I began to get excited, and I began to believe in ME!
Another key for me was during the testing I did at the Center, we discovered I have a learning disability. I told you before I went to college, what I didn’t tell you is that it was an intense struggle, and I barely passed. I did it, but I did not feel very good about myself in the doing.
Now let’s fast forward to the completion of the New Directions program. I decided that working in the travel industry was my passion. I went back to school, enrolling at Columbus State to become a certified travel
planner. With the knowledge and tools I had gained at the Center, PLUS the awareness of my learning disability, this time, school was so much easier and I felt great about myself.
I spent a number of years in that industry, even becoming a successful manager. During that time, my husband and I also became legal guardians for 3 young boys who are now grown.
A few years ago, as my sons were becoming adults and the travel industry was changing drastically, I once again put to use the skills I had learned at New Directions and I re-evaluated my career choice.
The result was the start of my own internet business two years ago. The business is called, “Creations For Fun”; we make Personalized Music CDs for kids.
Being an independent business woman would never have been on my radar 20 years ago. The New Directions Career Center set me on a path that enabled me to see and activate a NEW VISION of myself. I am honored to serve as an example of just how far a new vision of yourself can take you!
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