JENNIFER, 35 Yrs - USA
“I grew up in a large Haitian Family. I am the third child and the first daughter. Family and faith has always been and remains important vessels in my life. After grade school I went to the University of Miami and majored in Education and Psychology. Throughout the years, I furthered my schooling and earned a few more degrees. Being the first daughter and having a father who was a teacher in Haiti had a lot to do with my joy and interest in education. Throughout the years, I’ve worn many hats in education. But the greatest of all and the one I wear everyday is a student. ”
What’s the biggest life transition you have had?
“My biggest and greatest life transition has been motherhood. It came as a surprise simply because it wasn’t something we planned for. I’ve always told myself that if it happens- great and if it didn’t happen-great. We would accept it. I had many reasons for this approach but the leading reason was the fact that I am naturally a planner. I plan these ideas and ways that I think things should be, and with a baby I thought I would be financially in a better place, with a dream home, and all the bells and whistles. Even if I’d acquired those things, motherhood is one of those things that I would have never fully been prepared for. Instead, it solidifies that I am a lifelong student. Teaching, challenging, stretching , and rewarding me in imaginable ways. ”
How did you handle this transition?
“Initially I took the idea of being pregnant hard. I could only think how motherhood would change the life I had and the future I wanted- or thought I wanted. I didn’t stop to think it would change ME. How it would change me as an individual. But on May 26, 2022 at 7:32pm, Motherhood gracefully came knocking on my door and changed me forever. With a heart full of emotions and compressed with love, I embraced the permanence of motherhood.”
When you rehash this transition again, how can you use it for future life changes?
“This transition has tested and taught me the importance of letting go and truly enjoying the moments.”
“ This will forever change you, and once you accept it, the enjoyment is unimaginable.”
What were the emotions felt during this transition?
“The emotions were very fluid. Depending on the day and time and how I was feeling you would get a different answer. The biggest emotion that I struggled with was the initial acceptance. I was in major denial. I just could not accept the idea that I was pregnant and struggled with the changes that came with it.”
What is something that you have now that if you could go back, you would tell yourself?
“Mélanie Grace. She’s unmatched. Loving her and having her is a blessing. Her cries, her laughter, her mischievous eyes, and feisty- ahhh… brings a whole new meaning to life.”
What was the best advice you had at the time from a friend, a loved one, or a mentor?
“ This will forever change you- and once you accept it- the enjoyment is unimaginable.”
How did it make you grow? What were the learnings?
“This transition has taught me the importance of acceptance. The importance of being surrounded by a tribe/village of loving, caring, and supportive people. It has also taught me the importance of taking the time to truly assess the what and whys of my feelings. And most importantly, it has taught me that faith will carry me through everything again and again.”