When I first started, I was only 23 years old. I was a bit timid work wise and wouldn't speak up unless asked to speak. I would get walked all over...really! People would take advantage of me. Now, I'm no longer that timid 23 year old and I say what's on my mind. I remember my first boss once said to me, "It doesn't matter that you speak Spanish, nobody cares...." At that time, all I did was stare at her and let her say those things. I wish I could push the rewind button and go back and tell her to her face how inappropriate and lonely of a woman she really was and how no one liked her and so on and so on. I would have turned her in for being so rude and racist to a certain point. Fresh out of college, that first job was hell, but I learned what not to deal with. I regreted every minute of that job, but I look back now and know that it made me a stronger person. Really!
However, because of that first job, I met Crystal...who to this day, we remain really good friends. It was actually quite a small world because she went to UTM with my best friend and knew a lot of the same people I did. I also found my father in law his job there where he is currently thriving and has now become the Computer/IT director for the IT department there. He's making good $$$. Had I not been involved with the Hispanic community, I wouldn't have met the executive director of the job (the job i just left-THDA) I then stayed at for 5 years. He loved me and hired me on a few months later.
At THDA I was a Business Development Specialist and ended at Public Affairs Specialist. I went from training realtors and lenders on our mortgage programs all over TN to promoting our programs at housing events and sponsoring tons of events. I even took ownership of the our division budget which was over $150k. I know, if I go back to the workforce I will be prepared to handle any major projects. My life verse, "I can do anything through Christ who strenthens me." I kept this on my computer monitor at all times!!
Any whoodles, I did make long lasting friendships at THDA. I loved the people I worked with...most of them at least. I also worked hard, I hated it at times, got bored at times, but overall liked my job because I worked with people...which I enjoy/ed! I was just sick of the fact that my salary was no bueno and the drive took me about an hour and our boss didn't fight for us like others did for their teams.
THDA decided to do be a goodbye party...which was sweet of course and I didn't think it was necessary but they wanted to. Actually I was a bit embarrassed by it since I wasn't retiring or moving. I was quitting! All they knew was that I was quiting to be a stay at home mom, but they (directors and stuff) didn't know one of the other reasons I was leaving was because it's so dang policital and so power driven too. And yes, I still liked my job (ignoring that part of it).
My work and personal life was hectic and I wasn't putting my all into my family as I should have been because I was so tired and exhausted from my days at the office. My life turned into a routine. not good! I felt I never had time for anything. For a while I'd been wishing for the opportunity to be at home and God opened those doors. So with a huge smile on my face, I kiss work goodbye with no regrets. It's been a journey of lessons and it's been great professionally and personally.
Here are some of my work people at my going away party.
My teammates...Patricia-boss (left), David, my dear Debby to the right of me and Charmaine. wasn't this nice of them though? I thought it was!
Peeps I worked with....
Tammy...one of my fav coworker friends...
And my Executive director, Ted Fellman. He's the one who hired me on five years ago. 
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