[Valuing my career]
I love my job. I worked very, very hard to get my job and to be where I am today in my career. It took me reflecting back on the last few years to really realize that.
It was five years ago when my husband (then fiance) and I decided to move back to Michigan from Arizona. I was so happy to be back closer to family, but I was totally lost on my career path. I had already decided law school was not for me but still felt this burning desire to stay in the legal field. I can still remember the warm summer day standing in Lake Huron talking to my husband and my cousin. She suggested going to an ABA accredited paralegal program. It was like having the most obvious answer right there in front of me and looking past it everyday. The path for my career was finally back in sight.
I worked very hard for a year, going to school at night, working during the day, and planning my upcoming wedding. I finished my paralegal program with straight A’s just 2 months before my wedding. It was a very crazy time but it was all worth it in the end. Shortly after my wedding, I obtained my dream job, working full-time at a large law firm in downtown Detroit making a difference in the business Immigration world.
[Valuing being a mom]
I love my family. I love being a mom to my daughter. I also absolutely love the idea that I can show her it is okay to work full-time and care for your child.
It is extremely hard work being a mom. There is this other life that was created that now depends on you for EVERYTHING. It’s exhausting, but so amazing at the same time. We worked hard to get pregnant. I struggled with some issues with fertility but I did what had to be done to make sure I was able to start the family I always dreamed about. We are busy and we work hard but it is all worth it. I have become a more confident woman because I have to be. I need to make sure that my daughter never finds weakness in simply being a girl, or that she can’t do it all. I’m living proof that I can make everything I want out of life work.
[Our everyday moments]
I am now a full-time Immigration Paralegal. I am a Consultant for Rodan + Fields in my part-time hours. I am a mom and I am a wife. It may sound like I am trying to do too much. It may sound like something is going to lose my attention. But so far, I have make it all work and I just take each day at a time. I enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done at work. I love coming home to a smiling toddler ready to play. I feel accomplished when I can discuss the Rodan + Fields business opportunity with someone and they share my vision!
This past weekend, my husband and I had the chance to speak with the priest that married us, four years ago. He said that it gives him so much joy to see that no matter how or when he runs into the two of us, we always seem to have that glimmer in our eye for each other. It made me realize that the reason my marriage, my career, and my job as a mom have been so successful is because I refuse to give any of those things up for the other. There is no rule that says I have to pick one. I can achieve everything I want to out of life and still be the devoted paralegal, wife, mom, consultant, and person that I need to be.
