Allow me to be completely transparent when I say that I mentor because I have survived the struggles that many others have faced and if you’re a mentor, then I’m sure you understand. This is the story of me, Tequa, working towards the career that I have now. It’s not a story of privilege or luck; it’s a testament to ambition, faith, and the unwavering belief that, even in the darkest moments, there’s a way out.
I applied for a direct professional position that paid $18 an hour in the Metro-Atlanta area. I was currently residing 412 miles away from that job. Still, I applied for an apartment in the area as well. Next, I got the job, and my start date was August 8th, but my move in date to the apartment was September 12th. Now, this was not my first time in the area so I was sure I could make it work, soI proceeded to move even though there was not a single person that told me I should. Now, you already know that the savings were minimal, well honestly the savings were the last pay check that I had received from my previous job.
First, I stayed with a friend for my first few days of work. That didn’t last too long though. I hate being a burden to anyone and honestly, me and the friend were not as close as we used to be, so it felt awkward. After, I started staying in “budget friendly” hotels. I just kept telling myself that I needed to make it to September, and it would all be over then. Now, I’ve always been bougee at heart and you’d think that a seemingly homeless person wouldn’t be so judgmental, but I was and one day, I chose a motel that was not even homey to a rodent. The place has rusted bars on every window, the sink did not work, there were dead roaches in the tub and the blanket on the bed was stained with cigarette burns. I stood in the room and cried until no more tears could fall from my eyes. I walked back to my car, head down because I had never felt so low. I got in my car and just thought to myself how I couldn’t stay there! I didn’t feel safe or comfortable. Now, PLEASE keep in mind that I could’ve driven back home anytime I wanted to because I knew my mom would always take care of me, but I also knew that she didn’t raise a quitter. So in that moment of despair, I prayed, took a leap of faith, and headed to the bank. Now here’s a disclaimer: what I did next isn’t a recommended strategy, but it worked. With barely any money in my account, I swiped my debit card into the ATM and requested $500. Miraculously, the machine complied. With that money, I found a better, still affordable hotel, and that night, I slept with a newfound sense of peace and an overdrafted account. I lived that way for months, not recieving a paycheck because it was already owed to the bank.
From that point until September 12, I faced the storm head-on. I kept my head held high at work, diligently performed my duties, and pushed through the challenging situation I found myself in until I was no longer in that position. Now, I’m pretty sure you can guess how I’m living now.
I shared this with you to tell you that whatever you are going through, pray, and grow through it. Life’s challenges may be overwhelming, but they are not insurmountable. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. So, hold onto your dreams, have faith, and push through the storms – the rainbow on the other side is waiting for you.
