Tell us about acts of service that you perform in your life to help others. I began leadership acts of service at age 16. I was in the Miss Texas Pageant and community service was required. I orchestrated a March of Dimes Walk A Thon in my hometown. Everything from marketing, gaining sponsors, funding and community involvement were essential to the task. So young to begin my humanitarian efforts. Since then, I have...  Taught my children to give back. Example. When the Joplin Tornado hit, I asked my children to rummage their closets for old clothes and toys. I took them to Joplin so they could see the disaster, donate their clothes and toys and work in a church kitchen to feed the homeless victims.  Assembled four semi-trucks of supplies for my hometown that was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.  Taught my Girl Scout Troop how to sell cases rather than boxes as a donation to the service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. The troop sold over 20,000 boxes in a five-year span and 3,000 boxes were sold and shipped overseas.  Mentored my Speech and Drama Team in Sioux City to become State Champions. I worked at an inner-city High School where finances were nonexistent. I took my team to a thrift store and assured that they were dressed in suits as they prepared for competition. I fed my students, drove them home after practice and housed a homeless student for a year. We have moved to a new city. Currently, I am finding my place in our new church. I will begin with volunteering until a leadership opportunity presents itself. I have more stories to share. Any act of service is needed by all.

How do you actively listen to those around you? I give my full attention, provide eye contact, and acknowledge what is being said. I wait for the other person to finish before I provide input. I genuinely care about what the other person is saying and listen intently. Sometimes, a person may only need to vent when in times of distress. Listening skills are key during these times. If a person is willing to confide in me, this provides a clue that they know I am a good listener. I know when to keep my mouth closed and speak only with body language. Communication does not necessarily need to be of the spoken word. A hug is worth a thousand words. What does listening mean to you? Active listening is one of the most difficult skills to learn. In my field of communication, listening is another component of the communication cycle. A person engaged in a communication situation without listening skills simply breaks the cycle. Listening must be learned, practiced and self-evaluated. Listening is truly an art. Mastering this art takes years and years. When you have mastered this art, people take notice. Lost is the art of listening due to technology. Texting a conversation interferes with human contact, body language and eye contact. So critical for the human condition. This loss of interpersonal communication is a tragedy. I wonder what our neurotransmitters are doing in today’s world. I simply think that they are underused and simply bored. Firing up our neurotransmitters in conversation create a newfound energy. Ponder this. Am I filled with energy and purpose during a dinner conversation or am I filled with energy and purpose as I eat alone, with the TV on, while texting a friend in need?

How has being a parent affected your journey to higher education? It took 6 years to finally have children. A blessing to say the least. I could not find it in my heart to go to graduate school while my children were in their formulative years. I chose to be a parent. With such a choice comes great responsibility. So, I placed my aspirations on the backburner for over 2 decades. No regrets. I focused on mentoring my children for their college pursuits. Now, they are both in college and blazing their individual trails for their future. Mission accomplished. Currently, I do not have a dime to go to graduate school. I have faith in the scholarship system. I apply to scholarships every day. My will is strong. I will complete graduate school and become a professor of communication. I am only 56 years old. I find myself, once again, investing in myself for a future. Just as I did over 30 years ago. How will you use your higher education to support your family? We have a mountain range of medical bills from our son’s four open heart surgeries and my autoimmune disease. A master’s degree will assure payment of these bills, so that I do not leave a legacy of debt. My husband and I have depleted all financial resources to pay for medical bills. However, these bills continue to stack up each year. It seems like we are chasing our tails. We would do it again. Our personal funds have kept our son alive by taking him to the finest doctors at Mayo Clinic. If we had not done so, he would not be with us today. I would rather be poor and happy than rich and unhappy. I will always utilize every penny to support my son’s health. Material wealth cannot travel with you to heaven. I have yet to see a hearse pulling a U-Haul. My children have small loans. I would like to pay for these loans as best as possible and allow my children to pursue their careers without the stress of lurking debt. I look forward to becoming a grandparent someday. I plan to invest in a 529 for their future college so that the burden of finance is lessened.

Tell us about the simple pleasures in your life and how they make you happy. A HOT GLUE GUN My simple pleasure is the creation at the end of my hot glue gun. No matter the season, I am busy creating, designing, and developing something new. Most times the purpose of the creation is to gift another person. There is nothing more special than a homemade gift. When I create, I create with love. Such a creation gives me joy. This past Christmas Season, I made homemade ornaments for my children. Each ornament donned what most important to them. A mother knows the conditions of the heart, especially her children’s heart. I heard my son telling a friend, “Look what my mom made me.” That ornament hangs on the bedpost of the guest bedroom when my children visit. Such a testament of adoration and love. Over the past years, I have seen my daughter emulate my actions. When in I was in the hospital over the holidays, she decorated my hospital room. Just as I decorated my father’s hospital room before he passed. She has sent me pictures of homemade gifts that she has made for “Friendsmas” rather than Christmas. This is like what I do at the same time of the year. Her smile and glow when she states, “Mom, what do you think about this gift? I made it for my best friend.” is the greatest treasure of all. I find joy in the simple things in life. Simplicity is wonderous and life changing.

Tell us why giving is important to you? Giving Back There comes a time when a life event changes your entire perspective. That day came on a beautiful sunny day with the birth of my youngest child. From his first breath, he was a fighter. A gorgeous baby boy with a congenital heart issue and required immediate surgery. I can remember sitting in my hospital room and hearing babies cry to the left and to the right and I did not have a crying baby. He gently lay in his tiny bed in the NICU. On the fifth day of his life, I was able to hold him for maybe five minutes. It seemed like thirty seconds. Then, the nurse took him to surgery. My world changed. My life changed. My view of life’s little things changed. I changed, forever. My two-year-old daughter was a breath of fresh air and provided much needed therapy for the soul. Twenty years later and a total of four surgeries to date, I have the most amazing young man. I thank the Lord for this miracle. I am a better person because of that sunny day. I see everything in a different light. What you do to give back? I give my time and my leadership abilities to humanitarian efforts, causes and program development. I give back and ask nothing in return. It is the right thing to do, and that is why I do it. I prefer invisibility. This creates humility. My family has endured financial hardship due to medical issues. No matter how difficult, there is always another that has endured more. These are the people that we must help. The goal is to mentor and lead by action so that those in distress may pay forward.

Tell us about something you’re passionate about. Parental Coaching Once I was checking out at a large grocery store where I ran into a family (friends of my daughter). The oldest in the family had recently graduated from high school and was paying thousands of dollars for beauty school. She was working endless hours to pay for this school. She told me that she had dreams of having her own chain of salons. She stated that the beauty college did not accept any financial aid and that she had no choice but to pay. I lifted her spirits by letting her know that there are endless scholarships for trade/specialty schools and that in many cases the foundation will send the check directly to the student. Standing next to her was her sister, a senior in high school. I asked her what her plans were. She stated that she wanted to be a writer but money was an issue. I assured her that doors are not closed and that she could most certainly go to school and graduate as debt free as possible. She replied with tears, “Really! I can go to college? . . . I am so happy!” Their mother was not far behind and only spoke Spanish. The girls told the news to their mother. I could see her relief through her smile. The mom blessed me and told me thank you in Spanish. Joy! So, why is this a parent coaching story? Because the parents of these two girls wanted only the best for their children and supported their dreams and aspirations. Despite the language barrier, it was evident that these two girls had been coached, inspired and mentored in their homes.

Tell us about your goals for the future, whether related to your academics, career, or personal life. My academic goal is to complete my master’s degree in Communication and Leadership. My career goal is to teach at a Community College. This endeavor will complete my career. I have had an amazing career in corporate, entrepreneurial pursuits and finally as a published author. I am driven to leave a mark in this world by mentoring my future students with stories of overcoming adversity, how to turn a dream into a reality and how to formulate a personal plan. The youth of today are the future leaders of our country. They will become our legislatures, our doctors, and our teachers. It is my obligation to assist with their foundation, just as my communication professor provided for me. I have so many stories of overcoming adversity to share. In addition, stories of failure and how to overcome failure. The human condition is so fragile. Encouraging and mentoring a future leader is bliss. I had powerful mentors during my academic and professional career. These stories and learning lessons must be passed on. It is my obligation to empower the youth. Even more daunting is assisting a student that does not realize their talent is indescribable. My Story I am a professional speaker and trainer. This would not have happened if not for my community college professor. She said, “You are NOT an actress, you ARE a speaker, now begin writing your speech for the next Speech and Drama competition.” I was not happy. Not happy at all. She could see something that I could not. She took me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to find a talent that I could not even fathom. I went to Nationals and won.

What impact do you hope to leave on the world? Definition of Impact: Have a strong effect on someone or something. I will leave an impact of VISION for my future students. These students are our country’s future. They will lead our world. My job is to provide an academic foundation so that these future leaders can change the world. My role is a backdrop to their success. It is my goal to teach and mentor with stories of adversity, triumph, and wisdom. The youth are in a stage of infancy as they prepare for the ever-changing world ahead of them. By providing vision for the future and teaching how to turn a dream into a goal and then formulate a plan is priceless. This process must be taught. Rarely do you find a youth with the natural ability to assemble the process. I too was a youth in college with aspirations. I did not have the skills to formulate a plan. A mentoring professor assisted me with the process. She gave me the gift of vision. A gift that continues to bless me in all pursuits. How do you plan to do so? My plan is to secure my Master’s Degree in Communication and Leadership. Then, a professorship at a community college. I have chosen the community college route because of the dynamics of the community college student. This student is attempting to find their way in this world and overcome the financial commitment. This is my favorite type of student. They are prudent with finances and strategic with their academics. Many of these students will have the desire to complete only a two-year academic regimen. My job is to assist with advancement to a four-year degree plan. Mentor by example and action. Create champions. Leave my fingerprint behind.

What do you think is the best way to live a long, healthy life? Commitment to a Healthy Life! My father would always say, “Don’t let the bed take you, because it will.” An anecdote that his grandmother taught him. My father-in-law always says, “You can sleep when you are dead.” And he is right. I say, “Mind over Matter.” The only thing that “Matters is Your Mind.” I have Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. But it does not matter. I never asked for this autoimmune disease. I never understood the trials and tribulations of a “Good Day vs. a Bad Day.” I do now, after 6 months in and out of the hospital. So, I rise out of bed despite my weakness. I begin with healthy eating and find that the kitchen has a plethora of options. I feel so much better as I deny fast food and processed food. I eat at specific hours, but not alone. The rushed life is over, and I find myself eating with family. I discover wonderful fellowship and discourse regarding the events of the day. Smiles and family bonding are now a way of life. I ask myself, “How did I lose sight of the greater things in life? Family time around a dinner table and then a walk in the fresh air after dinner are so simple. Proof that simplicity is profound. On the walk, the trees are so tall, the flowers so majestic. The sky so blue and the air so crisp. When you take a walk, your body resets and your mind rejoices. After a long day, bedtime awaits. A deep sleep is necessary to reboot your mind. Nutrition, physical exercise, and good sleeping habits will cure any disease. But first, you must decide to commit.

What’s turnaround story from your life that you are proud of? Homeless to Graduate School The Pandemic was devastating. The loss my husband’s job led to fleeing from our home. We lived in cheap hotels, friend’s homes, Air BNB’s, my mother’s home, and my in-law’s home. I cared for my father and then he passed. Our income was $400 per week (unemployment). Sure enough, my husband was injured during this time, which led to surgery. In a brief time, we owed a mountain of medical bills on top the existing medical bills. This was our life. We lived out of suitcases as my husband looked for a job. Thank goodness for the dollar menu at McDonald’s and the refrigerated section at the Dollar Store. 2020 and 2021 are over and we do not miss it. Alas, a new job and an income. First thing on the agenda…pay Mayo Clinic so that we can take our son to see his cardiologist and determine if a fifth open heart surgery is needed. Next on the agenda, save money for a place to live and move in. It took months and months to finally settle into an apartment. Here we are. It is 8 months later and time to prepare for the future. Another setback. I am diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and spend 6 months in and out of the hospital. Mortified with my diagnosis, time slips away so quickly. I finally pick myself up and made the decision to not allow one more day to pass. Not one second. I had allowed my body to take over my future. Mind over Matter. Our situation does not matter. What matters is my mind. I begin graduate school in the Fall of 2022. No looking back. No regrets. Future professor!

Why are you studying in the education field? Joy and Passion. The youth of today will become our country’s influential leaders. Their foundation is based on an unyielding structure of higher education. Mentoring future leaders brings assurance to a successful future. What do you hope to utilize your education for in the future? Professor of Communication and Coach of Speech and Drama Troupe at a Community College. There is nothing more gratifying than mentoring a student of communication and aiding them with their journey to find their place in this world. My greatest mentor was my communication professor at a community college. She changed my life. She could see my future. She could see my talent. She abetted in formulating who I am today. I am at the final stretch of my career. I have completed a corporate career, entrepreneurial career and lastly a published author. In my early career, I challenged myself for personal championship. Now, in my later career, I challenge myself to lead and guide the youth of today. My eyes are wide. I can see a struggling student and help with delivering them out of their personal darkness. To see a student be victorious is priceless. Why is education important to you? Honestly, I do not know any other way. I attended my first symphony at age 6 months. I climbed my first pyramid at age 8. My father was a master degreed educator, world traveler and culturalist. During my early years, it was expected that a higher education was a necessity. Understanding the beauty of art and culture was part of my childhood and youth. Indeed, a higher education creates a well-rounded individual. This experience prepares them for an ever-changing world. A higher education supplies discernment into so many areas of interest. Those who do not pursue a higher education struggle with the understanding of the importance of being well rounded and the doors that open to an amazing future and career. Life moments in time derive from an educator mentoring a youth in need. Ask any student who their favorite teacher is and then ask why. You will find astonishing stories. Stories that are life changing. The educator provides a solid foundation for the youth. Education is critical. Imagine investing only 48 short months that empower a young person to pursue their dreams. Dreams that become a reality and span decades. Such a miniscule amount of time to invest for a future. If we are to live for decades and decades, an investment in the self is critical for success. I encouraged my children in the same way that my father encouraged me. My children are in college and like myself, know no other way to pursue their dreams. If my father were here today, he would be so proud. The torch has been passed to the next generation. And my children will mentor their children to reach for the stars. Mission accomplished.

Describe an important life lesson you’ve learned and what it taught you. At the immature age of 19, I had been married, a new mother, a college student and the middle of a turbulent divorce. Can you imagine this at only age 19? While on the road for a Speech and Drama Tournament, the team stopped at a café for lunch. My professor and mentor asked me to sit at a table with her. Alone we sat at this café. She said, “I want you to take a look at the waitress”. I looked and saw a very thin, exhausted woman. She had a wrinkled face that spoke of a hard life of work and despair. Next, my professor said, “If you do not take that chip off your shoulder, that will be you.” I looked again and was mortified. I could not imagine myself in that apron. I could not imagine myself with deep wrinkles, a look of exhaustion and misery as an older adult. My professor said, “Now, take your hand and I want you to grab that chip on your shoulder and throw it on the floor.” I grabbed the invisible chip and threw it to the floor. Next, she said, “Now, stand up, step on it and crush it”. I followed her instructions. We continued to eat, and she said nothing more other than idle conversation. I felt the greatest weight lift from my shoulder. I had taken the first step to properly seeking my goals and was finally on the right path. My heart literally pounded, and I felt the room spin. How will you use this lesson to help you move forward? I have shared this story with my students that have displayed a similar misery. Life is a mindset. Pursuing your dreams takes grit and an immensely strong mindset. This is the only way to go forward. When you become a mentor, you see things from a new perspective. You are empowered with insight and clarity. Such insight will allow seeing life from the outside looking in. When you are young, you are only able to see from the inside looking out. How has the experience or lesson made you stronger as a person and in life? After that day in the café, I never looked back. A suspended moment in time set the course for my future endeavors. I did not realize that I was in such a quandary and my misery was a brick wall. I did not have the necessary coping skills to conquer my feelings. My professor’s eyes and heart could see that I was struggling. She could see that I had a bright future ahead. She could also see that if I did not conquer my misery, that all future endeavors could crumble and that I would not know why. She opened my eyes, my heart and my vision for the future. She helped me that day, Now, I help others and sometimes need to have similar conversations with those who cannot see. If it were not for that day, I would not be the person that I am today. If it were not for that day, I would not be able to help others in similar situations. If it were not for that day, I would not be a mentor to the youth. It is because of that day; I fight to continue pursuing my future graduate studies. It is because of that day, that I look forward to being a Speech and Drama Coach and Professor with my team, just like her

What does Generosity mean to you? Giving every day in so many ways without asking for anything in return. This is the true meaning of generosity. There are inspiration quotes from heroes of our present and past, yet heroes live right next door and are impoverished. These people live in humility, and we will never know their life story or their stories of generosity. That is because they ask for nothing in return and do not boast of how they have given. They do not complain of their living situation. In fact, they are happy with the provided necessities of food, shelter and transportation. These stories are private and held in the hands of the giver. Watch any documentary that assesses the power of generosity, and you find a person giving all that they can, to help others. Most times, the person will be homeless. Imagine a documented test of a person in distress on a street corner. In the background a film crew actively documents the actions of those walking by. More times than not a homeless person will come to the rescue. Without hesitation, this homeless person will utilize their last penny to help their fellow man. This homeless person will ask for nothing in return and then disappear. It is their human condition and nature to aid no matter what. To watch this example can be life changing. To act up their actions and commit to daily generosity changes your life and with such action, changes the lives of others. John Wesley states: “Do all the good you can, ‘By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as you ever can.”

Question: What gives me hope that the future will be better? Answer: The Sun The sun is a daily reminder that we too can rise from the darkness. Turn to the Sun and all the shadow fall behind you. That is called the past. It is over and gone. Learn from it. Grow from it. Move forward. Ask the birds. They do not fret about whether the Sun will rise again. They are supplied for. Food and Shelter. Ask the flowers. They weather the storms and the long winters and yet, every Spring they blossom and bring beauty to the landscape. Ask an elder: This group of magnificent people supply wisdom and hope for the future. Just think of how many days of sun they have met. A 70-year-old has seen a new day exactly 25,550 times. They are in their seventh season of life. Ask the Bible: Philippians 3:13 Be encouraged by Paul's emphasis here on forgetting the past—forgetting what is behind—and straining forward to what lies ahead. Don't let yesterday's failures derail you from the goal of your upward call. Ask Yourself Am I defined by the past? Can I change today? Does my future look bright? Will I bloom in the Spring like the flowers? Does the Sun really cast a shadow when I face it? And the Answer is Yes to the Future! Future looks bright. You are not defined by past transgressions. You are not defined by those who judge. All things are temporary. Emotions are temporary. Everything is a mindset. Change your mindset and you will contribute your verse of Poetry. So now, take on the day with diligence. Inspire. Be inspired. Set goals based on your dreams. Decide to make those dreams come true. And follow the plan. For goals without a plan are just wishes. So, what is your mindset? And remember… "A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water." "Do one thing every day that scares you." "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." Eleanor Roosevelt

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” JFK What does community mean to me? How will I give back to my community? The definition of community is “a feeling of fellowship with others, because of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. Many say that this country is divided. Perhaps yes, perhaps no. It is completely held in the mind of the believer. Put to the test, my hometown endured a direct hit from Hurricane Harvey. Right before my eyes were the wealthy and the impoverished waiting in line together for food and water. In the air you could hear hammers on roof tops coming from every direction where neighbors were helping each other repair and rebuild. Free Hot Dogs! Hamburger Night! Free Barbeque! Signs posted everywhere. The community gathered. How can I help you? What do you need? Do you have a truck? Are you hungry? Do you have enough water? Do you need a place to sleep? My hometown football players made a new home in the gym where cots, clothing and 3 square meals were provided by their beloved coach. In times of despair, a true community will come together. It is heart wrenching to watch and endure. So how do I give back? While helping in my hometown, I reached out to a friend in Iowa and we both assembled 4 semi-trucks of supplies. Assuring that the basic needs were met. Food, Shelter and Transportation. About Me and my Futuristic Vision? My Philosophy: Mentor our future leaders and pass the torch of wisdom. The youth of today will become our legislatures, our teachers, our doctors, and our new leaders. As always, lead those by example and show via action. Have influence in a person’s life. Everyone must have a mentor. Even I have a mentor. These are the people in your life that can see things that you cannot. Mentors aid with focus and goal setting. A great mentor will prompt you and help you with arriving at a solution of which you find yourself in the realm of discovery of the self. The human condition is so fragile. No matter the season of a life adventure, there is always more to learn, discover and develop. In my early career, I lead for the sake of championship. In my late career, I have led those to find themselves as new leaders. My purpose is to aid the youth of today with their process. I have had an amazing career in corporate, entrepreneurial pursuits, community leadership and finally as a published author. I continue to graduate school to reach a higher level of philosophy and challenge myself to greater heights. All with the sole purpose of giving back and asking for nothing in return. After graduate school, I seek professorship. One student at a time, I will mentor so that our future leaders may reach their goals with wisdom, insight and clarity.

What does great leadership mean to me? A great leader has reached their mark when all work is done, and the team declares that they achieved the goal by themselves. In advance of such triumph, a true leader has accepted their mistakes and learned to grow as a person in times of failure. The more falls a leader endures, the greater a leader they will become. Knowledge is power. Listening is key. A leader does not need a title. When a leader has endured more than most and led by example, soon the followers will take notice. Such a leader’s only goal is to create more leaders by passing the torch of wisdom, mentoring and watching as the new leaders evolve. A fearless leader will not follow where a path may lead. Such a leader will blaze a trail where there is none and leave a new path for future leaders. Why is being a leader important to me? We all have been in a position of following a poor leader. One that lacks skills and tactics and struggles to reach the goal. Disrespect soon follows. The real leader will step in after the poor leader has folded their cards. The real leader will have a plan, mentor, motivate and become captain of the ship. Demonstration of Personal Leadership Middle school Developed annual Christmas Caroling group to visit homes of elderly. High School President of four clubs, Flag Captain and designed a March of Dimes Walk a Thon for the Miss Texas Pageant. Received Outstanding Leadership Award from the March of Dimes. College President Speech and Drama Club. Received Presidential Award for academics, community and extra-curricular. Professional (age 20-30) 2 Presidential Cups, National Spokesperson for Kraft General Foods, appointed mentor for new hires and various subcommittees. Community (age 30-40) Leader of the Year (Girl Scouts), President of my children’s athletic groups. From 2005 to 2010, I was a leader of a Girl Scout Troop. Over 20,000 boxes of cookies were sold. Of that total, 3,000 boxes were sold for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our troop hand boxed and shipped the cookie boxes. Community (age 40-50) My hometown endured a direct hit from Hurricane Harvey. While in the middle of the disaster, organization was underway with a friend in Iowa. The result was 4 semi-trucks of delivered supplies. Developed a Speech and Drama Team at in inner city High School. I took the team to a thrift store and dressed them for competition. All were State Bound. One of the team members became homeless. Our family welcomed her into our home for over a year. Community (age 50+) Became the first Hispanic on a worldwide scale to author a financial literacy book for College Students. College Survivor. I returned to my hometown donning free books and workshops for those in need. Today Graduate School awaits so that I may teach and mentor at a community college and pass the torch to future leaders

Overcoming Adversity In 1989, I graduated with a BA in Speech Communications from Texas A&M University. I was a twenty-three-year-old divorced single parent at that time. I worked, went to school and volunteered. I was active in extra-curricular and I raised my toddler son. I can remember my dad giving me $30. That was the best he could do. But mom and dad always brought groceries when they visited me and they always took care of my son during finals and in the summer. My parents lived two-and-half hours away and were ready to assist with my son at a moment’s notice. This was priceless compared to the $30. Relatives and friends would insult and judge me about pursuing my education. “You are a bad mother; shame on you”, “You are foolish and not thinking straight”, “You should put food on the table first and education second”. I firmly disagreed. I understood the investment of my time and energy. I was ready to sacrifice anything and everything to achieve my goals. I knew that the payoff would be huge. And I was right. Community – Military From 2005 to 2010, I was a leader of a Girl Scout Troop. Within that time span, we sold over 20,000 boxes of cookies. Of that total, we sold 3,000 boxes for the service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our troop, hand-boxed and shipped the cookie boxes plus a handwritten note to the soldiers. We heard back from several soldiers and were featured on local television each year. Community – Hurricane Harvey Devastation – 4 Semi Trucks of supplies Siouxland News excerpt "Devastation is what Phyllis Friederich and her husband drove up to on what used to be her old street in Refugio, Texas. As soon as they heard hurricane harvey was moved from a 1 to a 2, they were Texas bound in their car all the way from Lemars. “But when we go to a 2, and your parents are 89 and 84 and they’re 15 miles from the shore, and it’s going to be a direct hit, you drive all the way. We didn’t make it all the way — we had to stop just north of san antonio. I lost contact with my parents at 11 oclock at night, and I couldn’t talk to them anymore. So I had to wait all night, I didn’t sleep, got up the next morning, checked the news and said gas up the car we’re going,” said Phyllis. Just when they thought they had finally made it, they could no longer recognize the street her parents lived on — leaving them all the more in shock at what their eyes were taking in. What used to be familiar was now foreign. “So we drive all the way in and videotape going in — my very first views. When we were coming into my hometown as we would normally come in, we went down my normal street and we weren’t sure that that was our street. I couldn’t recognize anything. Finally we found some landmarkers and said oh yeah this is my street,” said Phyllis. Phyllis wants everyone to know that her hometown is strong, but it’s time for everybody to join her in supporting relief efforts. She believes Siouxland will rise to the occasion. “I am proud to be from Texas — I love Iowa, and you know what, there isn’t a better state than Iowa that can help their fellow man,” said Phyllis. Future Community Efforts? Current Red Cross Volunteer – tornado relief Future Education? Master’s Degree – future professor, mentor

“Words of Wisdom” from my greatest mentor… As you meet people in your career and life, you will discover their strengths and weaknesses. You find greatness and dissuasion. Take note of only the “Greatness” in each person. Add that greatness to yourself. Continue to a take the best attributes of each acquaintance that you meet and “MOLD YOURSELF”. Discard the bad and keep the good. Understand the power of the great attributes, and how molding yourself will change everything. You will see life’s challenges in a different light. You will develop beyond your potential and reach new heights. This is needed to become a champion. These powerful words were given to me when I started my first corporate position at Kraft General Foods. I was a mere 23 years old. Since then, I have continued to mold myself daily. I began to mentor the you when I reached my 40’s. I used the same words of wisdom for my students. To see the evolution of a young person is indescribable. There are so many inspirational quotes that you can live by. But these words of wisdom taken to heart and executed to the fullest, will in fact create a champion. They changed my life. I hope they change yours too. PF – Grad student Fall 2022