My name is Theresa Collie. I am from Boston, MA and I am a single mother of two. My story began when I was only 16 years old and became pregnant with my son. I had no clue how I would do it all. I knew was he was here and loved him already. We had it rough from living in a shelter to renting rooms around Boston when I was 18 years old. By the time he was 4 years old, we had moved about ten times. I was and still am very ambitious; I received my GED by 19 years old and enrolled in college all while working and going through the everyday struggles of keeping the bills paid, food on the table and clothes on our backs. When I was 23 years old, I had my daughter and, again, I kept pushing. There is no big secret. I just would get up everyday and strive for myself knowing that it would benefit them. I stayed in school and working, I currently have 2 trades under my belt & I am finishing up my degree in education.

Two years ago, my son was diagnosed with a chronic illness. My life changed to where I had to take a lot of time off work and look for jobs that would work with me. I always wanted to work for myself and these circumstances pushed me to do that so, now I currently am running a business from home called "It Works," a health and wellness company. I am working on publishing my first book to share my story in hopes to educate and inspire others. Being a parent and single parent is one of the hardest jobs. I was that mom walking and on the bus in every weather with groceries hanging off my carriage. I've worked two jobs while going to school; sleeping two hrs a day. I'm the mom that's cried herself to sleep from being over-stressed and not having any help when I really need it. But, it is all worth it and storms are only temporary.

If I have a piece of advice for any single parent it would be don't ever give up on your dreams. It may take us longer, but God is a provider, a healer and knows our heart. Our sacrifices are not in vain. Because of my hardships, the most important thing to give my children is a stable and peaceful home. Strive for that and everything else will fall into place.