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Barbara manages all awareness and marketing efforts related to CWI's projects and services. She helped launch the organization’s Communications Department, bringing on additional staff to provide greater communications support on all levels. Barbara coordinated with Urban League of Northwest Indiana to bring a customized Diversity and Inclusion training to CWI staff and the region’s One-Stop (WorkOne) team. Before joining CWI, she served as Director of Education & Meetings for the Association Forum of Chicagoland, where she managed the association’s educational initiatives. Barbara also spent her early career in the convention and tradeshow department for Smith Bucklin & Associates, one of the nation’s largest association and nonprofit multi-management firms. Barbara holds a B.A. in Communications from Purdue University and sits on the Editorial Board of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.
What was your first job?
My first job in high school was working as a server in a local diner. It’s where I learned all about customer service and dealing with difficult people without using a blow torch. A huge plus--I learned how to make a mean chili cheeseburger, extra pickles, please.
What activity do you most look forward to post-pandemic?
We are a very social family, and I cannot wait to have friends and family over for barbeques and gatherings. I miss hugs, stories, and laughter!
What would you tell your teenage self?
Follow your gut. We underestimate that feeling when it surfaces. We need to trust it.
EmployIndy’s Vice President, Talent Solutions, Betsy Revell, leads employer engagement strategy, talent network placement functions, and work-based learning initiatives with a lens of accessibility for the residents EmployIndy serves. Betsy has over 15 years of experience in workforce development and business engagement roles, ranging from on-the-ground positions at the local American Job Center, WorkOne, as a Career Consultant, Business Services Analyst, Quality Control, Recruiting and Placement Specialist, and a Recruiting and Placement Supervisor. She began her career at EmployIndy as the Recruiting Manager. She was soon promoted to Director of Business Partnerships due to her drive, innovative ideas, and deep understanding of workforce development. Betsy has launched several significant multi-partner initiatives in her current leadership role, such as Talent Bound, Modern Youth Apprenticeships, and the Rapid Re-employment Response plan. Her quest to emulate best practices worldwide has taken her to Denver, Colorado, to work closely with CareerWise Colorado, a visit to Pathway to Prosperity JFF in Chicago, New York to learn about PTech Schools, and the CEMETS institute in Switzerland.
What was your first job?
In high school, I worked at a family-owned t-shirt shop. We made custom apparel for companies and sports uniforms for various teams in the area. The owner worked countless hours and demonstrated what it meant to commit to your goals. Working in the shop taught me customer service, critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, and work ethic, influencing my career today.
What would you tell your teenage self?
Take risks and confidently go after what you want. Fear of failure will prevent you from meeting your goals. Your path can be different than the paths of your friends and family. It is ok not to have everything figured out.
Is workforce the career you envisioned in college or high school?
I didn't know that workforce development existed or that it was a viable career option when I was younger. Workforce found me by accident, and it has turned out to be a true passion. While in college, I had no idea what the next step would be upon graduation. I started as a student ambassador helping incoming freshmen decide the initial course schedules at my university. This volunteer work later translated into career coaching under an amazing leader who opened the door for professional growth. Career coaching evolved into many other projects, initiatives, and leadership opportunities along the way. While I had no idea this would be my path, I'm continuously grateful to have made workforce my career.
Carl Wesley is currently the President and CEO of CFSS, a non-profit agency located in Milwaukee dedicated to transforming the community through supporting individuals, families, and returning citizens. Carl returned to Milwaukee to lead CFSS in 2015 after serving in various increasingly responsible roles at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin- Platteville. He was previously the assistant director of P.E.O.P.L.E. (Pre-college Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, one of the most comprehensive precollege-through-college programs in the United States. Before his position at UW-Madison, Carl served as Interim Director of Multicultural Educational Resource Center and University Diversity Initiatives, Director of Precollege Programs, and Retention Coordinator. Throughout his professional career, Carl has been instrumental in providing intensive college preparatory, student mentoring, racial identity development training, and retention services to students, staff, faculty, and community members. He has utilized his experience working with youth to develop a unique, organic mentoring model for youth and young adults. Carl has a B.S. in Criminal Justice and two master’s degrees: one in Adult Education and the other in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He also holds a doctorate in Education from Edgewood College in Madison, WI.
What has the pandemic taught you about yourself?
I don’t love Technology as much as I thought I did.
What are you reading?
The Sum of US: What Racism Cost Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together (Heather McGhee)
What do you want to be doing in ten years?
Working to promote access to wealth and equity for the people in some of the most abandoned segments of the Milwaukee Community.
Why did you choose to live in your community?
I choose to invest in the community I come from because I believe that it is incumbent upon those who gain access to resources to share those resources with those that have not had or recognized opportunities.
In his role as Program Director, Chee serves as UNCOM’s primary contact with the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board with the out-of-school youth population 16 to 20 years old. The program is funded through the Workforce Investment Act, providing support and service for youth to accomplish their education and occupational goals. Before joining UNCOM, Chee was an Ongoing Case Manager with the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare. He provided assessments, supervision, support, and resources to ensure a safe and positive environment for children. Before joining the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, Chee was the Out of School Youth Coordinator for the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board, formerly known as the Private Industry Council. He has spent most of his professional career working directly with youth and the WI department of corrections. Chee holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare from the University Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is married to his wife May and is the proud father to two sons and a daughter. When not working Chee loves to play and watch sports, reads, and enjoys traveling with his family.
What is on the top of your bucket list?
The top of my bucket list is to travel and visit my birthplace (Thailand). Waiting for the pandemic to be over!!
Do you have a mentor, and if so, who is it?
My mentor is my former supervisor Mr. Tony Shields. I talk to him about everything. Having a mentor in any profession and life allows you to see things from different perspectives.
Proudest accomplishment
My proudest accomplishment is becoming a father. The responsibility and life-changing moment that we all are not prepared for makes you think about life differently.
Claudia is responsible for implementing and overseeing the City of Chicago’s COVID-19 contact tracing effort and companion resource coordination hub. This includes management of 30 community-based organizations contracted to recruit and employ the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Corps of 450 contact tracers and 30 supervising contact tracers, and oversight of the entities contracted to implement and operate the COVID-19 Resource Coordination Hub. A seasoned workforce development professional, Claudia began her tenure with The Partnership as a Business Service Representative, leading the charge for the Chicago launched Schultz Foundation and Aspen Institute 100,000 Opportunity national initiative. Claudia has extensive experience in government, private, and non-profit sectors. Before joining The Partnership, Claudia served in management roles at Instituto Del Progreso Latino, advancing workforce development in Chicago’s LatinX communities. Additionally, Claudia served as the Manager, Admissions, Placement, and Community Outreach specialist, where she maximized participation to boost Northwestern Institute of Health and Technology enrollment. Claudia received her master’s degree in Business Administration specializing in Leadership and Change Management and Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, focusing on Human Resources from Concordia University. In addition to being a superior workforce champion, she is a recipient of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals and former VP- Historian for HACEMOS during her time working at AT&T. In 2020, Claudia was elected as the Illinois State Board Representative for the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.
Who is the person you would most like to meet?
President Barack Obama. He humanized Washington, DC for me- politics, the White House, the Capitol. He demonstrated that we could fight issues in this country with grace and not always with anger, just smile and be unbothered.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Completing my education. I dropped out at the age of 16 years old, and it took me 26 years to complete my educational journey. As a mother of 4 kids, a wife, and full-time employee, I was able to complete my Associates, Bachelors and continue to my Master’s in Business Administration in 2020.
What would you tell your teenage self?
Love yourself to the fullest. There is nothing better than to love yourself regardless of who or who is not in your life.
Dan started with the Workforce Initiative Association in 1999, coming from the Youngstown workforce system. He is a WIOA performance expert. Dan transitioned to the Board in 2016 and has served on many state-level workgroups over the years. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University. Dan’s innovations include utilizing state resources to support a more coordinated outreach to unemployed individuals receiving UI benefits. He is also well-versed in state reporting systems and policy applications.
What was your first job?
My first job was mowing grass in my neighborhood. My first real employment was washing dishes at Ponderosa. I resigned from that position to go back to self-employment. I made considerably more money cutting grass.
Is workforce the career you envisioned in college or high school? Why or why not?
It was not. My career aspirations went from pilot to doctor to a lawyer, and then I went to work with my accounting degree (which was chosen because it was a good pre-law major). I believe I’m where I should be.
Why did you choose to live in your community?
My family and friends are here. Even though it’s easier than ever to connect virtually, being in person with those you care about is best.
Dionne has been instrumental in leading the development of Re-engagement Centers Strategies for the Opportunity Youth population of Marion County. Her leadership helped promote and guide the launch of the Indy Re-Engagement Center, but she also served as the lead technical support for the collaboration of service providers. Since 2018, the YES Indy REC has resulted in over 2,000 Opportunity Youth being served with mentoring services and exposed to workforce training and Labor Market Information (LMI). She has always taken the initiative and shown leadership whenever she is involved in a project or collaboration.
What would you tell your teenage self?
You have 24-hrs in every day, what will you do with yours to improve your life? You must live each day to the fullest! Live, love, and learn. Make lasting memories with those you love, for some will be gone too soon. Start and complete your doctorate. Continue to travel. No one can ever take your education or your travels from you. It is okay to fall because you have nowhere else to go but up. Have faith and believe. God has an awesome plan for your life. Walk by faith, not by sight! Phil 4:13
Domonique is an innovator, program developer, career advisor, and philanthropist. Her passion for assisting youth in discovering and accomplishing their career and life goals has connected her to youth professionals across the state of Indiana. As the Regional Coordinator for Northwest Indiana’s Jobs for Americas Graduates (JAG) program, she has facilitated dozens of college tours, regional events, and service-geared initiatives. JAG National and the Indiana Youth Services Association have recognized her for the extraordinary commitment to youth; she embraces every opportunity to guide and support their journeys to employment, military, and post-secondary education. Before joining CWI, Domonique served in several public safety roles throughout the state. In 2015, she earned her Bachelor’s degree at Indiana University Northwest in Criminal Justice and became a Certified Child and Youth Care Practitioner in 2017. Domonique believes that when youth have access to resources and opportunities, they can make educated decisions.
What is the best stress release?
I love to run. At the beginning of a run, thousands of thoughts float through my mind. By the end of my run, I have created a To Do List and an I Don’t Care Anymore List.
What would you tell your teenage self?
I would tell my teenage self not to race toward success. You are that! You demand that, not only in whom you’re becoming but in who you are now. Enjoy now! You don’t have to work so hard! Believe it! See it! Manifest it!
What has the pandemic taught you about yourself?
The pandemic taught me that I have no limits and, more importantly, to enjoy life now. No matter what it looks like!
Edgar Largaespada is the Director of Industry Partnerships at Partner4Work, the $25 million workforce development organization for the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. As such, Edgar leads a team of developers empowered to engage businesses and other entities to develop and deploy strategic solutions to solve common challenges in talent pipeline development, recruitment, and retention. Prior to this work, Edgar led Partner4Work's efforts to understand the supply side, studying job seekers and workers looking to begin or advance in a career with a specific focus on job quality, equity, and inclusion. This research has been the topic of several speaking engagements and featured in both regional and national press publications. Edgar holds a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and a bachelor's from Ave Maria University Latin American Campus in Nicaragua. Edgar, his wife Krista, and their three children live in Sewickley.
What has the pandemic taught you about yourself?
The pandemic has taught me how privileged I am as a worker. During lockdown and stay-at-home orders, and for over a year now, I have been able to work remotely without any pressure of returning to the office prematurely. In a time filled with uncertainty, I have enjoyed tremendous job security. And throughout the Zoom burnout and overall stress of the pandemic, mental well-being has been one of the priorities addressed by my supervisor and the organization’s leadership team. So, this pandemic has taught me to be grateful for this privilege and do right by those who do not enjoy the same situation. My goal is that through the work I do every day, I may find ways to support those workers, job seekers, and businesses that found themselves at the front lines of this global crisis.
What would you tell your teenage self?
Aside from buying as much Amazon stock as possible, there are three main things that I would advise my teenage self. First, value your time with your parents and sisters. Time and distance will make it more difficult to nourish these relationships. Second, the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb. So worry less about dating that pretty girl in your class and instead focus on creating deeper bonds and memories with your chosen family of close friends. These friendships will carry you in some of your darkest moments as you learn how to be an adult in this world. And lastly, get out of your comfort zone and take more risks because failing is indeed an event and not a person. (Zig Ziglar) The regret of not taking a change will compound over the years.
Is workforce the career you envisioned in college or high school? Why or why not?
Absolutely not. I wanted to be a psychologist in high school, and towards the end of my college years, I wanted to be an epidemiologist. Neither one worked out for me, but it was a personal journey that showed me that I would be satisfied as long as I was constantly building new relationships and working towards the greater good of my community. Workforce development was never a thought in my mind. I approached it from a research perspective and enjoyed learning people’s stories. However, it put me on a path through which I discovered how my work could positively affect the well-being of individuals and their families. So maybe in the end, in a nonlinear way, Workforce is the career I envisioned in high school and college.
Ida has over 20 years of experience in business development, recruitment strategies, staffing, and employment as former CEO and majority owner for DiversiStaff; Corporate Director of Sales for a national employment agency; Recruitment Manager for Ohio’s largest newspaper publication and the first African- American woman as Advertising Director for a national weekly entertainment publication. Ida was named by The Plain Dealer & YWCA as one of Cleveland’s Women of Professional Excellence. She is a graduate of the School of Computer Technology, Cleveland State Leadership Academy, and CWRU Weatherhead 100 management training.
Who is the person that most inspires you?
Over the past three years, my inspiration comes from Frank Brickner, Interim CEO OMJ | CC. Frank has a natural way of always seeing the positive side of a situation, a person, or a problem. Through his leadership, I have become more intentional in finding the positive in situations and people. My goal is to bring a smile to someone after being in their presence.
What is your favorite hobby?
Learning the game of golf and Chicago Style dance stepping.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being named one of Cleveland’s Women of Professional Excellence.
JoAnn has been with the Workforce Initiative Association since 2008. She has worked as a Business Services Account Executive, Business Services Manager, Business Resource Network Expansion Project Director, and since 2014 COO. JoAnn has prior experience in the private sector working with Kimberly-Clark and in the public sector working for the Stark DD Board. JoAnn holds a Master's degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her innovations include more coordinated approaches to program integration through the use of technology and electronic means.
Who inspires you?
My parents had the foresight, courage, drive, passion, and incredible work ethic to make a better life for their family when they immigrated to the United States in the early 1960s. I have such an appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices made and the patience they maintained waiting for an opportunity to come to the US. Having no formal education or command of the English language, limited financial resources, no vehicle or driver’s license, a young child in tow, and no connection with any tools that may have been available at that time certainly made acclimating to a new life in a new world challenging to say the least. I truly believe my parents’ path allows me to appreciate and better understand the value of work and a strong work ethic, and the sacrifices we make to improve our family’s lives.
What was your first job?
My exposure to a “first job” at a very young age was helping my older sister with a paper route. At that time, we would deliver newspapers by walking or riding bicycles to homes and businesses along a certain route. We even collected fees, made change, etc. It’s hard to fathom that today. I also had the opportunity to babysit neighborhood children, work in an ice cream shop for four years and help my parents maintain rental properties they owned with painting, lawn mowing, cleanup, and more. What a diverse set of work experiences I had before I turned 18 - I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
What is your favorite hobby?
I so enjoy cooking and baking and find that these activities are hobbies when I am inclined to choose when and how I would like to prepare meals or baked goods. It is a creative outlet, stress reliever, and a way to volunteer my talents to help my church or share my passion with relatives, neighbors, and friends. Food is often a way to share happiness and bring people together.
Lauren Carey has been working as a Program Officer at OMJ|CC since May 2017. Lauren manages the procurement, implementation, and compliance of the Adult and Dislocated Worker program in this role. She’s an advocate for transformation and the constant pursuit to evolve and be better in workforce system processes and service provision. She believes that a diverse and inclusive workforce brings high value to organizations, employees, and society as a whole and is engaged in advancing OMJ|CC’s efforts to improve racial and economic equity for Cleveland and Cuyahoga County residents. Lauren's previous experiences include program leadership positions at Cuyahoga County Job & Family Services and the Florida Department of Revenue. Lauren has a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and an MBA from Penn State University.
What activity do you most look forward to post-pandemic
Traveling. I love to travel! I really enjoy warm places and relaxing in the sun. If I ever mention that I’m going on a vacation, you can assume it is to a warm climate.
What is the best stress release?
Baking. I love to experiment with new recipes for desserts, and my friends and family love being my guinea pigs. My most requested baked goods are red velvet cupcakes and lemon sour cream pound cake.
Why did you choose to live in your community?
The diversity. It was important to me to live in a place that welcomed everyone. In my neighborhood, everyone is not just allowed to be there, but instead, they fell genuinely welcome to be there.
Markese Long has over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector. In 2009 he moved to Pittsburgh with a goal to start a non-profit working with young adults. adults. He has held several non-profit positions within Allegheny County and served on a few Board of Directors. Currently, Markese is the Director of Outreach and Inclusion at Partner4Work (P4W). Markese has been a key member of the P4W, since 2015 started as a member of the Learn and Earn Summer Youth Employment program team and quickly advancing within the organization and became Program Coordinator for the WIOA Year-Round Young Adult program team. That soon lead to him become the Program Director for Workforce Development with Youthplaces. In 2017, Markese came back to P4W to lead a Neighborhood-Based Initiative that ensured that the Pittsburgh community can take advantage of P4W resources. Markese obtained his Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Point Park University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Performance and Wellness from Saint Augustine’s University. In 2019, he received the Fab 40 award from the Pittsburgh Courier. In his spare time, Markese gives back to the community by volunteering as a baseball coach and serving on a couple of organizations' boards of Directors. His life goals are to simply be a great father to his children, a connector of community, and an agent of change.
What was your first job?
My first job was at the YMCA as a camp assistant and daycare room.
What would you tell your teenage self?
I would tell my teenage self to try out different things, don’t get frustrated when things don’t go your way, and continue to believe in your own abilities.
Is workforce the career you envisioned in college or high school? Why or why not?
No, I had no idea what workforce development was until 2015. However, workforce development has allowed me to truly make a lasting impact in my community.
Michelle Rafferty is responsible for developing and operations strategic workforce initiatives that equip Detroiters with skills and opportunities that lead to family-sustaining employment. She led the redesign of Detroit’s workforce development service delivery system and currently oversees the Detroit at Work Career Center system, training, data analytics, and performance management. Michelle has spent her career creating and launching efforts to reduce unemployment and poverty while promoting racial, socio-economic equity. At the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Michelle oversaw strategic initiatives, resource development, and labor market research. During her time with SER Metro Detroit and Central States SER, she developed new business opportunities and oversaw a team that delivered employment services to the community. At the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Michelle played a crucial role in the design and launch of the Greater Detroit Centers for Working Families and conducted research that guided investments. Michelle earned a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Michigan. When she is not at work, she spends her time with her two sons playing video games (development of fine motor & anger management skills) and binge-watching TV shows (research of human condition and psychology).
What has the pandemic taught you about yourself?
I could be happy living with my family on a deserted island, assuming Netflix and pizza delivery were both available.
What activity do you most look forward to post-pandemic?
This is going to completely contradict the previous response: going back to Chuck E Cheese with my kids. They like to watch me play games there. Also, the pizza.
What would you tell your teenage self?
You are strong enough to get through all the big life events that worry you!
Shelley Penn is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the Full Employment Council, which connects underserved people to in-demand training with industry-recognized credentials, and connects businesses to those skilled workers. Shelley's in-depth experience in workforce development, paired with her commitment to serving the residents of the Kansas City region, allows her to meet the demands of people, businesses, and the community. As a recognized expert in workforce development, Shelley's knowledge of the design and implementation of federal, state, and local employment and training initiatives helped her develop into an active leader in program innovation scopes and business services. She is a proud partner in economic development, closely in tune with the latest workforce development-related trends, and serves on numerous industry-impact initiatives. She develops processes adapted by other organizations because of their success in helping the underserved and underrepresented populations in the Kansas City region and beyond. Shelley's commitment and focus remain on developing a workforce system made up of partnerships that embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity. She received her master’s degree in Management from Webster University and a bachelor of arts in Human Resource Management from the University of Kansas.
What has been your favorite stay-at-home pandemic activity?
Movie night and hot sauna
What activity do you most look forward to post-pandemic?
Traveling
Who is the person you would most like to meet?
Barack Obama
What do you want to be doing in 10 years?
Relaxing on a beach in Hawaii
Favorite hobby?
Gardening
What would you tell your teenage self?
You have all the time in the world to be an adult. Don’t worry, be happy.
What is another profession you’d like to try?
Investment Banking
Tammy Dickinson, Career Pathways Manager with the City of Minneapolis, holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has over 20 years of experience in workforce development. With a focus on evaluation, collaboration, and innovation, she has led several nationally recognized workforce development programs that are changing the way job seekers are trained, and employers become part of the solution. She manages budgets and contracts with providers to deliver education, training, and career services to un- and underemployed Minneapolis residents and the broader metro area.
Do you have a mentor and if so, who is it?
My mentor is my supervisor, Norm Champ, from my first professional job after graduating from college. He was the co-founder of an urban conservation and employment training nonprofit organization, and he taught me that listening was always more important than talking. He also stressed the importance of developing and maintaining relationships with a broad spectrum of people and allowing those people to challenge you. He also was commonly heard saying, “Don’t believe everything you think.” Finally, he maintained that the key to a good team/staff is always to hire people more intelligent than you. Norm is retired now, but I still have coffee with him regularly, and I thank him every time for his wisdom and mentorship. I credit him for a large part of my success.
What are you currently reading, or what’s your favorite type of book?
While I love to read and usually have about eight books going at a time, my favorite way to gather knowledge and relax right now is to listen to podcasts. I listen to at least 10 of them regularly, but a few of my favorites are RadioLab, The Bulwark, Heavyweight, More Perfect, and Aspen Ideas to Go.
What is the best stress release?
My way of releasing stress is to be outdoors and exercise. Thankfully, the pandemic didn't make that impossible. I can still kayak, run and bike in the warm weather, and I can still walk and cross country ski in the winter. Since I also love to cook, this exercise option is a good balance, or I think my pants wouldn’t fit.
Vickie Miller is a fierce advocate for restorative re-entry practices and has dedicated her career of over thirty years to ensuring returning citizens have equitable access to education and workforce development. Miller is the owner of VMConsulting and the director of the TAPP. Drawing on her vast array of experience in correctional education and labor relations, Miller has taken a unique approach to second chance workforce development that has drawn her recognition and accolades across Ohio and the Midwest. The TAPP program has placed hundreds of returning citizens in manufacturing careers that are custom-tailored to their strengths and untapped talents. Because of her vision and relentless dedication to seeing the possibility in her clients, employees placed through the TAPP program see vastly higher retention rates and job advancement opportunities. Through case management, individual coaching, and skills-based coursework, Miller has created a supportive re-entry service that doesn't just create jobs but lasting careers.
What would you tell your teenage self?
As a teenager, life goes by so quickly. I would encourage myself to step out of my shell. I spent too much time hiding in a shell as a teenager. I missed many exciting and interesting things in my life as a teenager, Such as traveling! Travel and see the world. Look at all the natural beauty and the different types of people. Do not be afraid to talk with new people! Learn about their heritage and how to communicate effectively. I stayed too many times in my shell for fear of the unknown. I would try to make new friends! The same friends are great but think outside your circle! Try new things. I would also tell myself not to be afraid of success! Success can give you the feeling of great pride. I was not encouraged to expand and succeed! I would tell my teenage self, go to college earlier. Do not wait until you have a family and already working a job! That was a killer! Reach outside yourself as a teenager and explore! See what life and bring to your table. I would tell myself, after high school, everything you did in school will be different. The quarterback of the football team is a person! The transition from being someone in school does not matter. When you look back on your life, you will see the difference. The folks who made an impact on your life then will still be there. However, the other folks have changed. What was important in school does not matter in the real world. The real world is paying bills, changing diapers, and taking care of a family. You will learn what it is to work for yourself and nurture the family you have created. As a teenager, look before you leap and leap in the right direction. Be the person you want to be, not someone else's idea of who you should be!
