I had the privilege of being a presenter at the Wasatch Woman Awards last Friday. I have done some freelance writing and photography for Wasatch Woman magazine and most recently submitted a story I had written about Jestina (click for her story). The editor liked it and told me they were trying to find a spot for it in the upcoming year when she mentioned the annual Wasatch Woman Awards were coming up and suggested nominating Jestina for these awards. I thought about it and was nervous to contact Jestina and seek her approval as she is very humble about recognition. She told me to go ahead as she thought she had no chance of winning. Ha ha! But win she did, along with 5 other women. Jestina received the award for perseverance. The awards ceremony was held at the Little America hotel during a banquet and I had the honor of presenting Jestina with her award.
In talking with her after, I mentioned how amazing she is and she said, "I'm just a normal person." She proceeded to tell me how there are millions of other refugees and war victims that are still in her country and throughout the world trying to put there lives back together that have been through the same thing and receive no recognition for their sacrifices and here she is getting an award for it. From my perspective, she and many others are heroes. I look to her and my trials of getting an education while being a single parent seem very insignificant when compared to what she experienced the majority of her life and where she has ended up. I applaud her for the wife and mother she has become and for the goals she has set and accomplished and continues to set. She is beautiful both inside and out and I consider it a blessing to have crossed paths with her.
This is the second year I have been able to attend these awards and each time I leave I am uplifted and inspired. There are some marvelous women at these events who have some incredible stories. I leave and feel that I can accomplish anything. I wish I could attend something like this once a month just to give me the inspiration and esteem I need to accomplish what I someday want to. I hope to one day open my own business, a business that will incorporate the talents I've been given. I'm not sure what it will be yet, so if you have any ideas for me feel free to share :). Right now my priority is my kids, so I've got some time to think about it. Through my business I would also like to start a scholarship fund for single mothers as this is what helped me to receive my education. I am left feeling extremely blessed for what I've been given and the people that have had an influence on my life.
In talking with her after, I mentioned how amazing she is and she said, "I'm just a normal person." She proceeded to tell me how there are millions of other refugees and war victims that are still in her country and throughout the world trying to put there lives back together that have been through the same thing and receive no recognition for their sacrifices and here she is getting an award for it. From my perspective, she and many others are heroes. I look to her and my trials of getting an education while being a single parent seem very insignificant when compared to what she experienced the majority of her life and where she has ended up. I applaud her for the wife and mother she has become and for the goals she has set and accomplished and continues to set. She is beautiful both inside and out and I consider it a blessing to have crossed paths with her.
This is the second year I have been able to attend these awards and each time I leave I am uplifted and inspired. There are some marvelous women at these events who have some incredible stories. I leave and feel that I can accomplish anything. I wish I could attend something like this once a month just to give me the inspiration and esteem I need to accomplish what I someday want to. I hope to one day open my own business, a business that will incorporate the talents I've been given. I'm not sure what it will be yet, so if you have any ideas for me feel free to share :). Right now my priority is my kids, so I've got some time to think about it. Through my business I would also like to start a scholarship fund for single mothers as this is what helped me to receive my education. I am left feeling extremely blessed for what I've been given and the people that have had an influence on my life.
Comments
Thanks again for nominating and presenting me with the award - I really never expected it. I think I'm more grateful to you because of the many absolutely fabulous and inspiring people whom I've met as a result of the nomination.
Thanks again!
jestina