REAL LIFE ROSIE

I have spent the previous 26 years in the toughest job in the military…the military spouse! My husband and I are high school sweethearts and have two incredible daughters. Together, we have lived in eight different states and two different countries. Over the years I have taken the jobs that have been available to me to help the family make ends meet. It hasn’t always been easy being a young family with small children. The hardest part of being a military spouse is the constant change associated with his multiple moves. Each time that I would establish myself in a position, it would be time for him to move and time for me to start over. While it was extremely difficult, I wouldn’t change anything…it’s made me who I am today!

What inspires you? I am inspired by so many things it is hard to pick a few. I am a lifelong volunteer. I truly enjoy working with children and with those in need in an effort to make my community a better place. I have spent years working with the United Way, the Boys and Girls Club, and local food banks and would love to do more of that type of work.

Do you have a favorite quote? Yes! Quidquid recipitur ad modum recipientis recipitur – “Whatever is received is received according to the mode of the receiver.” Socrates. Basically, it means that what you receive, depends on who you are more so than the actual message being transmitted.

What are the most pressing issues facing women today? While women are seeing more opportunities than they have in the past, there are still barricades to overcome. Equality will be a lifelong challenge and will always need our attention. The minute we believe the playing field is level is when we will begin to lose our place in this world.

What are the biggest keys to your success? I try to always see the positive in a negative situation. Again, with the constant moving associated with our military lifestyle, I learned to quickly adapt into new situations and be flexible and understanding of new people and their ways. It would have been easy to curl up in a corner and simply give up, but that isn’t my style. This was a lifestyle that we chose and we both worked hard to make the best of it! I also try to work harder than anyone around me. If I didn’t “succeed” it wasn’t because I didn’t give it 100% of my effort and attention.

What are the biggest keys to the advancement or success of women? In my opinion, it all comes down to attitude! We have as much, if not more, to offer as men and we must go into every situation with that in mind. When we assume that we are not worthy of equal status, then we will never achieve the equality that we deserve. In addition, I believe that we must educate ourselves and become experts in the field in which we work. Preparation is the key…you must be more prepared than the next person if you want to succeed.

Are there any additional thoughts or questions that you have? I really appreciate the opportunity to be recognized by rosieMADE. It means a lot to me! Thank you, and keep up the good work!