When I was 17 years old and became pregnant with my first child Davonte, I had no idea what I could provide for him and how I was going to obtain it. Given the many things that came with my young age, such as lack of maturity, work and life experience, along with other matters that influence bad judgment, I had very little to offer.

What I did know was that my parents instilled in me good morals, work ethic, and wisdom that would guarantee I would give it my all. I quickly realized that those attributes were in fact the essentials that would generate the well-rounded person I wanted to raise and send off into this world. I quickly grew confident that I contained good qualities to begin with, and the rest I could gain to eventually offer him a better quality of life.

My first endeavor was to complete high school and begin a career. While pursuing my dream of becoming a hairdresser, I became pregnant with my second child, Jalisse. Things grew more difficult for Davonte’s & Jalisse's father and I, causing our relationship to become extremely unhealthy. We decided to part ways, making it even more difficult for me to uphold a family and home all alone.

Things became extremely challenging for me, which encouraged me to seek personal and professional growth. I wanted to gain qualities that placed morality first and would inspire good judgment, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships for a better life. Furthermore, I desired the work/life experience that was crucial for me to land opportunities in the labor market that could also contribute to a better life.

During this journey of complete consciousness of how my choices and behavior would impact my children, I have exceeded my own expectations and have grown at a much greater capacity than I anticipated. By the grace of God and His answers to my prayers, my family and I have been able to accomplish beyond any dreams we could have imagined for ourselves.

We have accomplished academically, financially, emotionally, and relational goals. We are people of compassion, value, and strength. We challenge the status quo, swim against the current to provoke deep thoughts and emotions. We leave our print wherever we go and in the hearts we touch. My children make me very proud in the many ways they are unique and profound.