I would not pay anything to go to the moon because I ddon’t have any interest in going. It’s too many unknowns for me.
Category Archives: Live strong
My cultural heritage
Daily writing prompt
What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?
I take great pride in our perseverance, our family, and our rich historical timeline. It is disheartening that some attempt to erase our impact on history, as this distorts our true narrative. We confidently turn to our elders, who play a crucial role in educating us about our heritage. I stand proud of all that we are, but most of all, I am immensely proud of our strength and our remarkable capacity to forgive.
Practicing Self Care
Practicing self-care is essential to me because without it, you end up losing yourself. I have several methods. I have grown accustomed to facials. I started getting them done around three years ago. My aesthetician plays relaxing music, uses beautiful scents, and creates a mood that is so relaxing that I fall asleep. I go every one to two months. I had no idea how wonderful she was until I went to someone else in the beginning. I was with a friend and noticed the glow of her skin, and she gave me her information. I had gone to someone else, and it was not a great experience. I also like caring for houseplants. I have about twenty of them, and they bring me peace. Finally, you should make yourself a priority, and nothing should get in the way of caring for yourself. It gives you the ability to be more effective and purposeful.
The greatest gift
Time and attention are the best gifts someone can give me. Distractions during in-person or phone conversations make sharing difficult. This is reciprocal.
Colleges Attended
I have had an incredible journey attending the Community College of Philadelphia, La Salle University, Drexel University, and Eastern University! I genuinely believed I would continue my education despite the challenges of stress and anxiety. I kicked off my academic adventure by earning my ADN and General Studies degree at CCP. After passing my nursing boards, I became a registered nurse. I worked at a hospital that offered tuition reimbursement. What a win-win!
One of the highlights was taking a religion course at La Salle, taught by an inspiring priest. I absolutely loved the class and the way my instructor made everything come alive! I embarked on my BSN journey at Drexel. Then, life threw a curve ball. I went into renal failure. I bravely tackled peritoneal dialysis. I received a cadaveric kidney from a 5-year-old angel. Yet, that kidney only lasted 3 years. I faced skin disorders. I experienced a gastrointestinal bleed. My hemoglobin levels were low. The support from my wonderful coworkers, friends, and family was invaluable. My friend Moe stepped up and turned out to be a match, which was amazing!
I was open and honest with my instructor and everyone about my medical struggles. I made it clear that I didn’t want any special treatment. Our story became a meaningful chapter for many of my colleagues who witnessed our journey. There were tough moments. A ureter detached, leading to a hemorrhage. I lost the kidney, but I fought through and didn’t give up!
Dialysis became a big part of my life, with treatments every other day for ten years. But guess what? I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and earned a certification in obstetrics! My dreams didn’t stop there—I was determined to pursue my Master’s Degree in Nursing Education. After 10 years of home hemodialysis, I was ready for a new challenge. I had one wish: to be officially listed at another hospital after I graduated in June 2018. My instincts told me the new hospital was the right fit!
On February 21, 2019, I received my third kidney transplant—what a miraculous day! I thought I had reached the finish line with my education. Still, I returned for a school nurse certification because it was required. Life is absolutely wonderful now. I’m genuinely grateful to God for all my blessings. I am also grateful for the perseverance I found along the way!
Nostalgia
Music makes me feel nostalgic. I can suddenly hear an old song I haven’t heard in over 20 years. I remember the words. I also recall the feelings from that time.
Okay, ok, K, Kk
Too many people use the word “okay,” and it has now developed into different versions. It’s an incomplete sentence to me. Okay, what? Use your words.
A risk that I do not regret.
No regrets
After 31 years of service, the hospital I worked at closed down. Despite my qualifications, the transition to a new hospital proved challenging, as it became evident that they were not keen on hiring older employees. Throughout three separate interviews, I did not feel valued or welcomed. During the final interview, I was even asked about my current salary, a question that caught me off guard despite its standard nature. Moreover, the interviewer expressed consideration for offering a wage $10 lower than my current earnings and inquired about my union membership.
In response, I graciously declined the offer and made it clear that I would share my experience with others. Subsequently, I discovered that the hospital had chosen to hire younger nurses. Despite the initial disappointment, I can confidently say that I have no regrets. It was undoubtedly the best decision of my life. This experience has taught me the importance of being prepared to assertively decline opportunities that do not align with my worth and values.
My quote to live by,
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Muhammad Ali
What’s my dream job?
I am fulfilling my dream as a nurse, and I am passionate about educating and supporting individuals living with kidney disease. Despite facing multiple kidney transplants and complications, I am determined to make a positive impact. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to share my personal journey at a men’s health seminar. Despite initial nerves, my words flowed, and I captivated the small audience. This experience has opened doors for me to speak at other events and organizations. My friend’s encouragement to share my story has proven to be incredibly meaningful.
“The comeback is always stronger than the set back.”
Dr. Penny
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