Turning 30 has been a bittersweet milestone, one filled with a deep sense of reflection and gratitude for the winding path I’ve walked. Looking back, my journey has been anything but conventional, filled with changes, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped me into the person I am today. From a childhood filled with struggles to becoming a mother, pursuing higher education, serving in the Navy, and creating a business from the ground up, my story is one of resilience and reinvention.
From Childhood to College
I started my journey in a place where dreams seemed out of reach. As a child, I experienced hardships that most couldn’t imagine. But those early years set the foundation for a lifelong determination to push through adversity.
I went on to college and obtained a degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations, not knowing then how many turns my career would take. My time in journalism, radio, and working as an elementary school tutor and waitress gave me a broad view of the world, but I always felt like something was missing.
The Navy: The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done
In my early twenties, I made a life-changing decision to join the Navy. This was, without a doubt, the hardest thing I had ever done, but it was also the catalyst for transformation. My time in the military taught me the meaning of discipline, strength, and resilience. I learned how to push myself further than I ever thought possible and how to face challenges head-on. Little did I know, these lessons would help me survive something far more difficult than any boot camp or deployment.
Escaping an Abusive Marriage
Leaving an abusive marriage was the most difficult and dangerous decision I’ve ever had to make. Escaping with my life was a battle,but it was also a turning point—a moment when I realized I was capable of far more than I’d ever believed. It took everything I had to rebuild myself, to find my voice, and to create a life that was truly mine.
Education and Nursing Dreams
After surviving that chapter, I chose to pursue a degree in Health Science, setting my sights on becoming a Nurse Practitioner in the Navy. Being accepted into nursing school at the prestigious George Washington University was one of the proudest moments of my life. I worked hard to get there—studying late nights, navigating the challenges of being an Active Duty mom, and trying to stay grounded in the midst of it all.
During this time, I also worked at some of the most respected institutions in the country: the Naval Academy, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and even the White House. I served my country in ways I never imagined, and it was incredibly rewarding to contribute in such meaningful ways.
Injury and New Beginnings
Unfortunately, my time in the military and my dedication to serving led to a life-changing injuries. Medically retired, I had to come to terms with a new reality—one that didn’t include the nursing career I had fought so hard to build. But resilience is in my blood, and I wasn’t about to let this setback define me.
I turned to something that had always been a dream of mine: homesteading and farming. I started a farm and business while battling chronic illness, all while juggling my health, family, and the dreams I still held close. It’s been a rocky road, but it’s also been incredibly fulfilling. Every day on the farm is a reminder of how far I’ve come, and how capable I am of creating a life that reflects my passions and my values.
The Road Ahead
As I look ahead, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had so far. There have been so many unexpected twists and turns, and though I didn’t always know where the road would lead, I’ve learned to trust the process.
When I write my autobiography someday, I’ll likely call it "Obnoxiously Resilient". Because, let’s face it, you have to be obnoxiously resilient to make it through this life. Life has a way of throwing challenges at you, but it’s the grit, grace, and love that you carry with you that make all the difference.
Turning 30 is more than just a number—it’s a milestone that reminds me of everything I’ve overcome and everything I still have yet to achieve. The road may be rocky, but I’ve learned that it’s the bumps that make the journey worthwhile.
Here’s to resilience, grit, grace, and a whole lot of love. The best is yet to come.
