When I was younger, I thought this was an easy question, I was me. Smart, fun, creative, energetic, inquisitive and full of curiosity. I loved life, and it loved me. I am a first generation Puerto Rican and grew up in the melting pot that is NYC. The eldest of three kids, I come from a very close family. My mom was a single parent for most of my life but between her and my grandmother, I never lacked for anything. I skipped a grade in H.S. and entered college at the age of 16. I thought I knew what the world was about and if someone asked me who I thought I was, the answer would have simply been Stephanie.
As it is known to do, life moved on. I married, had 2 children, divorced and became a marketing and promotions executive for a large entertainment company. During this time, the answer to the question began to cloud. Stephanie was no longer the right answer. One to throw myself wholeheartedly in all I do, the answer morphed from Stephanie, to a Mother, then to a Provider, and even further to a very successful Executive. I traveled the world and began to see more than what was in my unique bubble. I was proud of the title executive and delighted to say that is who I was. Could someone be more than one thing? I didn’t think so at the time.
Then the economy took hold and I was no longer the Executive. I fought so hard to be a successful female in a male dominated profession that when it was gone I was lost. As time passed however, I realized I was not my job. What changed was my profession, not me. I had time to spend with my children. I got married again and took time to figure out who I had become. Today, when I am asked this question, I realize I am many things at once - a Mother, Student, Wife, Cook, and Business Woman. I am creative, fun and still full of curiosity. Most of all, I haven’t lost my love of life. I love all the different parts I’ve become and look forward to the parts I have yet to meet.
I like that fact you, are ton of the very few people who like to look into within, to find the answers. That is admirable quality, if you don't you never know where you have been. What's interests me even more is that you try not to be forceful about your story. It's honest, and nothing more.
ReplyDeleteWell it truly is a pleasure meeting you Stephanie, the Mother, Student, Wife, Cook, and Business Woman. You help to represent a large body of women who sacrifice but for the greater good. I must say, I am proud of you, your idolizing optimism, your success and the fact that you were able to raise two great kids out of your interesting and fun life. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteIn your bucket list you have Greece and I have Puerto Rico!!!! This semester I am taking Puerto Rican studies and I am fascinated by the culture. This week, I have to compose my first “decima” !!!
Stephanie, since the beginning I have really appreciated listening to your input in class. I was impressed when I first read your background story, and I love how you tie that experience into your posts...I especially enjoyed the originality in the way you described "Teen Voices" (and since I researched this organization as part of my group presentation, I was a little jealous of the ease at which you summed them up :) )... I look forward to your next post! :)
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