Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?

Bobby says to me, “Mom! Have we read this one?” I curiously turn around to see him standing in front of the Dr. Seuss collection holding in the air, the half open One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish book by the rhyming legend himself, Dr Seuss.

My six year old self surfaced so quickly I forgot I was the mom.

I said to him “Bobby, mommy loves ALL Dr. Seuss books” and to my surprise he asks me to grab another so that we could read it together aloud. How could I ever deny this time to indulge in my childhood favorite books and bond with my son ❤️

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

My first name is pretty and unique (like me 😉) . It was especially given to me by my late father and I wear it proudly.

However, if I HAD to change it and I could pick myself I’d give myself a spirit fitting nane.

I think my name would be Aurora or Calypso.

What are you passionate about?

My passion for life and personal growth slow burns at the core of my soul; and the warmth from the flames is felt by many who encounter me.

You are my passion in end

-love.

What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

Good is subjective. What the hell is “good” even? Does good equate happiness in this case?

I personally don’t think so.

I’d say all you need to live a good life are good/pure intentions and time to seek and/or reap the benefits of such.

Describe a risk you took that you do not regret.

Close your eyes and instead of making a wish, take a, risk.

The other day I realized that I’ve lived my entire adolescent and adult life like this; making decisions JUST hoping that I’ve made the right ones. Some calculated thoughts goes into these decisions other times, the vibe just seems right.

(So millennial of me to say)

I’m thirty and I still have the slightest idea what I’m doing. I just do it. For example, at twenty-five after separating from a partner, I knew that I needed/wanted my own place since I had already had my first child. I wasn’t excited about renting so I wanted to see if I could purchase a home instead as it seemed to be a better option. I didn’t know the first thing about buying a home, I just knew I had a job, and my debt to income was fairly low. THATS IT!

I didn’t know anything else. I stumbled across an ad on facebook and set myself up with some people from there. One thing led to another and I had an entire team behind me. Less than three months later I purchased my very own home. I took a risk trusting people I found on a damn ad but in the end it worked out in my favor.

My toxic trait is having this sense of grandiose confidence that no matter how things turn out, I’ll always come out on top in some form or fashion, rather I get the turnout I initially wanted or I learned some sort of lesson. I rarely and I mean RARELY doubt the decisions I make.

What makes you nervous?

Just about everything makes me nervous (actually anxious) but I’m fantastic at hiding it. Meeting someone for the first time, public speaking, posting my thoughts here and specifically, existing. The good thing is though, I get over it quickly, sometimes.

It was time to grocery shopping this past weekend and while sometimes this can be a fun task for me once I get over my nerves , this time it was completely debilitating finding the courage to drag myself from the car.

I sat in my car for a whopping forty five minutes before reaching out to a friend I was certain who’d understand. After telling her about what was going on with me, she suggested I treat it as adventure. She knows I love adventures so that’s what I did. I shopped for specific things with specific ingredients and I was able to tune out the very thing I was nervous of in the first place; the absorption of others energy.

What’s something most people don’t understand?

I have a strong feeling the list is long. But here are 3 goodies:

1. The universe is fully capable and ready to support whatever you put into it…and I mean WHATEVER. That’s its job. Having a negative mindset will ONLY give you negative experiences.

2. Happiness is NOT found outside of yourself. You can search but you won’t find it until you go within.

3. People assign meaning to the things they want to assign meaning to. Everything is inherently meaningless.

What is your favorite type of weather?

I love the type of weather that makes everyone think twice before stepping outside.

I like to avoid most people and most people avoid the outside when it’s soggy and wet with a hint of fog floating just above the ground.

Or

when the blanket of snow is so thick that it absorbs all sound surrounding it and the air is cool and crisp.

This gives me the opportunity to enjoy the quiet in the quiet.

What tattoo do you want and where would you put it?

I’d like to have my sun sign, moon sign and ascending sign tattooed on the back of my neck vertically

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Who was your most influential teacher? Why?

6th Grade: My homeroom teacher (I can’t remember her name) saw more potential in me than she saw in the school itself, its staff and other students combined. She convinced my mom to transfer me to a better Academy where she was certain I’d succeed. I did. There I gathered my self-esteem and academic confidence. The school she saved me from is now permanently closed and happens to also be the name of the bridge that collapsed in Baltimore on March 26, 2024

8th Grade: Mrs Guillmette was her name I believe. She supported me in the most subtle ways, she never said what she was doing or why she was doing it, she just did it. I noticed and appreciated it deeply. I couldn’t forget her even if I tried.

High School (Grade 11): Here I met Mrs. Nierman my English teacher. If I recall properly, as part of an assignment I wrote an autobiography and that either moved her or concerned her (likely both). Either way she enjoyed my writing and encouraged me to do it more. I did. Later that year and many after, she became my mentor and later my friend. She is the reason I love writing now.

College (Year 1): I walked into my writing 101 class expecting to learn how to write better, instead I learned about the environment, sustainability and minimalism. She was incredibly passionate about sustainability and she made it clear as she rode her bike to work everyday, drank water from GLASS bottle, and ALWAYS recycled. I loved it though. I don’t remember learning much about writing but I do know she is where my appreciation for Mother Earth started. The following semester I enrolled in environmental science.

There’s a special place in my heart for all the educators who have and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the children they encounter. My experiences with own my teachers and professors has carried me through countless dark times and for their efforts, I will forever be grateful.