Personal Narrative: Oh The Places You Ll Go

Oh the Places You’ll Go

Growing up in a very strict environment as a child, I questioned many things that I was told to do. My dad once told me that there are three important things that I need to always do in life. My dad taught me how to be a prayer warrior, respect my elders and to always work hard. Over the years, I lived by my dad’s advice, and it has truly paid off.

As a child, I was always taught to pray and to always equip my life and decision with prayer. I vividly recall as a child being taught to pray when I wake, at meal time, before going to bed, when we went to church and any other time when I wanted to have an intimate moment with God. With my dad being a pastor, I recall many moments witnessing my dad pray for someone
during altar call and seeing them receive their healing. My dad not only said to pray to give thanks, but that I could ask God for anything and with faith, I shall receive it. Being born premature, I encountered many health issues. As a teenager I had pneumonia 5 years back to back from age 11 to 16 and with prayer, I was healed every time. I learned to model my life as my dad said and now I believe I am a living and walking testament of prayer changes things.

My dad always said, “Respect will take your places where money can’t”. I was always told to respect my elders and have manners regardless of what happened. I often felt the pianist at my dad’s church picked on me and treated me unfairly. I always managed to respect her and be nice to her although I don’t feel she reciprocated. My dad’s pianist was also the Superintendent of the local school district. I was blessed to be able to finish high school a semester early and due to my communication with her and always respecting her as my parents said, she offered me a part-time intern position with the school district. I was able to graduate high school and work in the district office. The opportunity to work and gain experience with my local school district was such a blessing.

Lastly, my dad taught me to complete every job/task as if it were my last opportunity to do so.
He mentioned, as I get older, I would one day realize that hard work pays off. My dad said it should not matter how small or large the job is, he taught me to own every task. Over the course of my entire life, I own every task and job and give it the very best that I can. In doing what I was taught, I believe every job that I have held in my entire life has prepared me for where I am today. Although I did not go to college and graduate, I have been blessed in my current career. Every job that I have had in the past, I excelled in it and it has helped prepared me and given me the experience for my current role of Payroll Analyst for my local school district. Being a military wife and relocating to Virginia, I started out as a Payroll Specialist and in February 2013, given my dedication and commitment to the job, in October of 2013, I was promoted to Payroll Analyst. Although I have experience being a Payroll Specialist, I have no experience being a Payroll Analyst. My new supervisor advised me that she hired me because of my attitude, dedication and hard work that was done while I was a Payroll Specialist. She was willing to take a leap of faith and hire me because she knows from my attitude that she can train me and that I will learn my new responsibilities and excel without a
problem.

Every day I’m thankful for the many valuable lessons that my dad taught me. I will always remember the lessons of Lee Blue, Sr; for these three things will take you places where money will not. I am a true testament that my life lessons are of value and I will instill in my child, the power of prayer, respect and the benefits of hard work.