Values

From a young age, I was taught, that if I wanted something I had to work hard and get it for myself. This fundamental value, which I learned very early on, has brought me to where I am today. This taught me if I wanted something the only person I could depend on to get it was myself. It taught me a strong work ethic, it taught me responsibility, it taught me how to manage my time. Sometimes I feel as though I grew up too quickly, but then I wonder if I didn't I most likely wouldn't have some of these core values that make me the woman I am today.

I remember walking into my high school freshmen year with my working papers to get signed like it was yesterday, Finally, I was fourteen and a half and was able to work at the Dunkin Donuts that some of my other family members worked at. I was so eager to start working so I could finally get a cell phone. My mother told me that once I could start paying my own cell phone bill, I could have a phone. I was so excited! That was my first reoccurring financial responsibility. Before this point, I would do odd and end jobs to make some cash to buy myself the personal items I wanted like clothes and takeout. I started at Dunkin with a couple of shifts a week, more than enough to pay for the phone bill. 

By my sophomore year, I quit sports so I could work more. I had my heart set on getting myself a car. My mom was able to set up a deal for me on a used Kia. My boss at the time was generous enough to give me a personal loan, under a few thousand dollars, with no interest. A portion of my pack check went to her to pay off my loan. Having a car also meant more expenses, I now had to pay for gas and car insurance which added to my recurring expenses. Before I knew it the loan was all paid off. After this, it was a ripple effect, if I wanted something I would work hard to get it. I started working more and more hours at Dunkin. Little did I know I was igniting a fire inside of me and I was just getting started.

Learning at a young age the value of hard work has been one of the best life lessons I have learned to date. It certainly wasn't always easy and there were times I missed events with my friends but it taught me discipline, accountability, and consistency. Learning these core values at such a young age has continued to keep me motivated and self-aware. I believe it's important to demonstrate through my own experiences that hard work pays off. Consistency is key, and we should never give up on our dreams.