Life Stories

Last week, I was invited to be part of a "Panel of Experts" (which I could not say aloud without giggling). We were to present to a group of students at Penn State-Greater Allegheny.

Each member of the panel, which included 6 professionals from the Pittsburgh area, was instructed to discuss what we majored in while attending college. We were then to discuss what we initially planned to do with our major, as well as the professional journey we have taken since then.

It was fascinating! One man started out with a degree in finance. Throughout his life, he has worked in carpentry, stage production, marketing, and is now working for a non-profit organization. He has re-built his life three times.

Another speaker discussed her career in the military, during which she was able to get a degree. She has since worked in education and finance.

I shared my story too. I started out at Bethany with a major in Elementary Education. I had specific plans to be a school teacher. It had been my life plan from the time I was 9 years old, as a matter of fact.

Three years of teaching children in grades 1-4 taught me one thing: I despise teaching small children. I can't handle all the crying, runny noses, tattling, fidgeting and nonsense.

Life took over for me at that point. We moved back to Pittsburgh from Maryland. I had three babies in three years, worked at a day care and then watched children in my home. After that, I began a 5 year journey with JoAnn Fabrics.

I started as a 'team member' simply working the floor. I was not even trained on the cash register. After only a few weeks, I found myself moving up. First to knitting instructor. Then to Education Coordinator.  Within three years, I was working as store management, and eventually had my own store!

Divorce came and retail proved too challenging for me as a single mom with little girls at home. That's when I returned to teaching. This time, I found myself teaching GED students. I loved it! These kids had walked through hell, survived, and decided to make improvements in their lives.

I worked in that job for over 4 years, gaining responsibilities along the way. Finally, last September, I was promoted to my current position as a Program Manager.

I am back to managing people and yet still working with youth.

I have re-written my plan so many times since I finished college 21 years ago. My initial dream turned out to be a nightmare. And those things that used to terrify me~ being a boss and working with at-risk youth~are now what make me love my job so much.

Did you know my story? I don't know that I had ever shared it before last week.

Now, it is your turn. Please share your story with me. I'd love to hear it! When you finished high school, what was your plan? And what journey brought you to where you are now?