What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?

I’ve had three jobs in my life. Culver’s, McDonald’s, Holiday Inn Hotel and back at Culver’s. Holiday Inn was my longest job I have kept about 5 years. Culver’s so far a little over two years and became manager in April. Probably the farthest I’ve actually came at a job. I love my job and it has taught me a lot about myself. It definitely taught me so much confidence. It’s nice to work with people though who accept and love you for who you are. With my disability 22q deletion syndrome all these challenges I have throughout my day especially at work isn’t easy, but having such an a amazing team to work with makes it so much better.

I have people telling me multiple time through my life that “you got a restaurant job what that gonna do for you.” It can do a lot for me such as one day maybe become a general manager or one day maybe own my own store or become more ahead of that.. for some people it’s easier for them to get high paying jobs for some it’s not. I’ve tried factory and it wasn’t for me. I went back to college twice and it’s just so hard for me and I don’t wanna give up on that, but I see myself staying at Culvers for a long time and hoping to do more for the career.

Just because I have a disability though doesn’t mean can’t work because at least I’m working to support my son and I and that matters. I still pay my bills, buy him clothes and food. I been with him since day one and have done so much for him. I may not have my own place, but I will some day. I’ve come so far where I’m at now with who I am.

I’m just saying no one is perfect by any means. Life isn’t easy it’s not supposed to be to be. We just keep living and moving forward. Doing our best we can.

What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take — but haven’t been able to?

I want to stop being so scared of who I am. I’ve came such a long ways though. My disability doesn’t define who I am. I am me and I’m not ashamed. I love who I am and I wouldn’t be any happier.

I want to do more for who I am like getting my disability out there for everyone to know. I write books and I don’t want to be scared to get them out in the shelves. I’m trying though, but I know I can do harder.

What are you most proud of in your life?

Being a boy mom it’s changed my life in many ways. Hes actually saved me for who I am. We both have 22q deletion syndrome which is the missing 22 chromosome. I love who I am no matter what. Don’t judge me because everyone is different in their own unique ways. Don’t ever judge anyone by its cover, get to know them first.

We both have speech impediment and a learning disability. What’s difference between my son and I feel as if being the younger version of him was a lot easier then it was for me. For me, my younger days I hated myself for who I am because of the bullies. They made school so hard for me. Everyday after school I came home crying because they all hated me. My son had some bullies, but not as much as me because I feel as he got a little older like maybe as he got to 5th grade it was easier. For me, it took all the way up to middle school that took me a little longer to not be ashamed of who I am. He’s much stronger than me. my little man definitely saved my life.

He keeps me stronger every day when I’m feeling sad and when I’m happy he’s always by my side no matter what. I’m not saying neither of us are perfect because we aren’t, but even though we’ve had some bad times in our life we kept moving forward no matter what. I love him for putting up with everything we both been through. He’s so strong, kind, caring and loving. I am so proud to be his mom!! 💙😍