I thought I would start this one off with a little about me and why I do what I do. First, I am a mom and partner. Second, I am a full time employee of a local nonprofit. Third, I am a social media consultant. But, above all, I am Tina.
I grew up in a pretty poverty stricken lifestyle and while I won’t bore you will the details, I did not have a delightful upbringing. I was pregnant when I was 16 and decided to get my GED and get out of school so I could focus on raising my baby. I got married and moved to Long Island when I was just 16. The first few years of my “adult” life was a bit difficult. Being a full time mom of a baby at just 17 and a wife of a husband who was working all the time in an area where I knew no one was hard. However hard it was, I was dedicated to my child. Those first few years, my motivation was my daughter. I was determined to give her a better life than I had – which I think we all are.
Fast forward a few years and I had two babies and was extremely unhappy. My life was stuck and I was going no where. My life revolved around my beautiful daughters but I wasn’t really progressing. I realized that if I kept on the path I was on, my girls would always struggle. So, I made some changes. A part of that change was a divorce and education.
After many years, another baby with a great man, and some sweat and tears, I landed the job that I worked so hard for and then I graduated with my Associate’s Degree! I was the first in my whole family to achieve this milestone and I was finally proud of myself. My life was headed where I wanted it.
Then, I wanted it to go even further. So, I went back to school for my Bachelor’s Degree and got that too! Here I am, 34 years old and starting my own Social Media business.
The answer to the question of what motivates me will always be my children first and the determination to providing a better life for them. But, perhaps bigger than that, my own dedication to growth, self confidence, and independence is a huge motivator for me.
So, what motivates you?