If you've followed my stories in the past, you'll probably know by now, Brandon and I suffered a miscarriage with our second child, just shy of my second trimester. It was a devastating loss for my family and I, one that leaves heartache which still lingers for our unborn child. I think about my baby every time I see a pregnant woman or hear a new baby cry. Thankfully, my body is finally beginning to get back to normal after almost 3 months and Aunt Flow is back with her raging hormones, breakouts, and un-relentless cramps. The past 3 months consisted of weekly visits to the doctor, blood work, and sometimes an empty ultrasound. I never looked at the monitor-what was the point. Each visit was followed by constant reminders, pokes, and pricks. Alas, my hormones have stabilized and I, I mean WE, can move on with our lives.
I've said it before and I'll mention it again, I've had a hard time finding my place in this world. I graduated from college at a difficult time in our country and jobs are still scarce. You're lucky when you find one, and even luckier if you get to keep it. I'm thankful for ALL the jobs, volunteering, and let-downs I have experienced because they all led me to this…
I decided to venture into real estate. I saw people making a wonderful living and they genuinely looked happy doing it. I thought, why not me? I can totally do this! I've watched enough House Hunters. I began preparing for my real estate license and I'm currently a little more than half way through the course. I needed to learn more about this business and wanted to get all the knowledge my brain could swallow before I took my state exam. I had a friend I grew up with and remembered his mother being very successful in real estate and is still a top producer. I figured if anyone could teach me, it would be her. Very early on a Thursday morning, she kindly answered all my pesky questions and allowed me to pick her brain for an hour. She asked me, "why real estate?" I was honest, I told her, "I grew up exposed to things I want to give my daughter. I'm hungry. However I can, I want to make those things possible. I'm willing to do whatever it takes. She is going to begin school soon and I want to put her in private school." It was through this conversation where she introduced me to the SEED Foundation. She mentioned how fabulous it was and how she wanted to get involved in any way that she could. She said just enough to spark an interest in me. That night, I laid in bed googling SEED. Let's just say, I was blown away! This organization was incredible. I thought, let me just see if they are hiring. They were! That night I submitted a cover letter along with my resume. I received a response that they would love to interview me the following day. Friday morning, I had one phone interview that I felt went very well. As my nerves were finally winding down, I received another phone call from a member of SEED who wanted to interview me. Our conversation was effortless. It just flowed. I didn't have to exaggerate my experience or embellish the facts. I had all the qualifications they were looking for. I submitted my references that same afternoon. Friday and early Monday they called all my old colleagues. I was asked to come in so they could meet me and probably see I was not a bum off the street. That Tuesday, with sweaty palms and anxiety, I drove to SEED to meet my future. Everyone greeted me with open arms and spoke to me as though I already had the job. I didn't want to jump the gun just yet… I met with the Director, we exchanged laughs, ideas, and future plans. I said, "Wait, does this mean I have the job?" She replied, "Yes, we would love to have you! This is our verbal offer... and I'll be emailing you a written proposal." Don't judge me, but I had never heard of such a thing. A proposal? Well, in that case, yes! Yes, I do! They offered me a wonderful starting salary and a full benefits package.
Someone pinch me, I just landed my dream job. I will be working with very powerful and influential leaders in our community, paving way for underprivileged teens to get a college prep education. While SEED has established schools already in place in other states, it is a first for Miami. I am thrilled to be amongst the few who get to see it through and happily send these kids off to college. I get to watch not only our school flourish and grow, but the kids in it. How cool is that? This job was meant for me.
The universe works in mysterious ways. I was never much of a believer in fate or the old saying, things happen for a reason. However, in some wild way, not having this baby has given me a second chance at a lot of things, including following my passion. About six months ago, I reached out to someone with a lot of power and success. I asked her to please help connect me with someone who can help get me a job. In a matter of 30 seconds of shame, she said to me, "Go home and look in the mirror. Figure out what you want and go get it. You don't need me." At first, I thought, what an ass! This woman has connections to the white house and she can't help me at all… In the end, I realized how right she truly was. Every, "No", every "I'm sorry, we've found a better fit", every sacrifice, every job and experience has all led me to this point. I did it all on my own. I sought after something I wanted, believed in my heart it was mine, and fought hard for it. Friends and colleagues have been so generous and offered me jobs I never really saw for my future. I didn't want to settle. I never settled. Finally, it's my time and SEED is now my home.
I've established a foundation for Olivia and for the most part, she is pretty independent. I feel confident letting her begin school now. While I would prefer to stay in PJ's all day with my little chickpea, it is a sacrifice I have to make to give her the best future I know how. I will soon be inheriting 400 kids from SEED and hopefully a few more Smitty's in my future. For now, I'm ecstatic to be entering this new phase of my life as wife, mom and now, career woman.
If you have a time, please take a moment to visit the SEED website. Learn more about this impressive organization and the new Miami SEED program, here.
If you'd like to donate, you can do that here. Thanks in advance.
Now, go chase your dreams! Tackle them! Believe in them. Never settle. Have conversations. Network. Never give up. I believe in you!
