Introduction : 101

As a young girl growing up in Indiana, I had lofty ambitions to find my way East - I had always dreamed of starting a career in New York City. I knew that I had the ambition to match it's pace step for step but it was just a matter of clenching the right opportunity to land me here. And guess what, here I am.

After graduating from college (Go IU!), my real journey East began. I was hired out right by the apparel company that I had interned for earlier in the year. Through persistence ( as in calling the owner of the company every day to follow-up on our initial interview ) and hard work ( as in coming in first and leaving last each day as a measly intern ) I landed my first job in New York! Most of you might not have the chance to live in a place out of your comfort zone, so let me tell you that there is serious culture shock for the first 6 months. My parents patiently answered my daily phone calls of uncertainty and sometimes loneliness. They were always supportive in acknowledging that I could "come home" any time but insisted that I stick it out a little longer. (Spoiler Alert : They were right!) I knew no one here except for my new best friend, Work, but I continued on. Each day making a conscious effort to make it better then the last. There were those early days that instead of meeting step for step with the city, it ran me over and never looked back. Those were the days that I learned the most.

I remember at the end of one long day in particular, I was making copies for my boss that just did not come out right. Copies ! I was nearly in tears because one simple task seemed like it was going to be the last straw of my sanity AND career. I was frustrated that I wasn't learning fast enough, wasn't participating well enough and none of my hard work was good enough. Then it hit me. My determination had turned into complete frustration and I wasn't getting anywhere. I had come way to far in my young career to allow a copy machine to shatter my lifelong dreams. I took a breath, fixed the copies and walked away triumphantly. "If you are going to do something, do it right." From that point on no matter how fast the city pushed me, nothing was done on my watch without the same determination for success that got me here. Yes, there were still times of frustration, but those times were used as tools to grow from, no longer to run from.

That event occurred nearly 9 years ago. Since then I continued to establish my career in the apparel industry, most recently in an operations position for an international apparel manufacturer. I am currently taking time "off" to establish my young family's roots in the area and focusing my "free-time" on being an active member of the community. Most importantly, and above all else, I have my supportive husband and two young boys that I completely adore. For whom, every ounce of energy I have is being poured into expanding and establishing a better life for us and those around us.

What does any of this have to do with my Education Inform blog? As a  community, we need to learn more and understand what we are reading and where/how opinions are being formed. Especially when it comes to education. As a key element to the success of any society,  gaining information on our education system is paramount. Too often in this fast paced, digital age we completely loose touch with each other while being completely surrounded. We need to be involved and that does not mean gaining a brief understanding at face value and calling it fact -- a common mistake we all make. 

My goal with this blog is to gain a better understanding of the current events going on in our educational system with facts and interviews. Even if I am the only one who will benefit, I hope my expression can help others to get more involved as well. Any opinion expressed will be informed and if not informed, it will be based on fact.

My Grandpa always said, "Tell 'em where you got it." And now you know.