It seems like just yesterday I was in high school roaming the halls with big dreams in my head. Of course looking back at some of those dreams I can definitely tell that my 15-year-old self was a bit zealous. I used to think that I could take on the world with nothing but my dream to travel the world and a few tools I knew I could pick up along the way. I was in for a real eye-opening experience when I found out I was pregnant at the age of 15.
Although I know some stories may paint the picture of being a young mother as depressing and unmanageable. I actually had an amazing support system with my family and friends, I was able to go on and complete and receive my GED when I was 16 years old. So now I’m 16 going on 17 and actually have two babies at this time and thought to myself, how will I achieve my dreams now? How can this single mom of 2 beautiful babies even start to work towards her dream?
Something I learned at this time was that my previous dream of becoming a business owner had to be put on hold. It wasn’t until I turned 18 that I realized that I was now an adult who once upon a time had a dream to travel the world and experience all it had to offer. I was still young and had plenty of time to work towards that dream. I decided that in order to achieve this dream I needed to take those first steps, I just knew that taking the first step would ultimately lead me down the road I desperately want to walk down.
That first step towards my dream was enrolling into school for my Associates Degree in Business Management. I quickly enrolled for online classes and got to work, It took me 2 and a half years but I finally graduated and received my Associates Degree in Business Management. The day I took my final exams and viewed my final results for all my classes was surreal. I had finally finished my step one in working towards my dream I was ecstatic and elated.
Armed with my college degree and all the knowledge I picked up from school I quickly applied to a new business which once was called SweetNSourDeals.com. I had applied all of my business management skills and quickly built up a fanbase and shared things I loved. I shared freebies, samples, coupon deals, recipes, funny videos I found on the internet. Fast forward to 2014 and I was soon faced with the fact that I wasn’t doing what I really loved. It was then I realized that the big rebrand I had been dreading was a must at this point.
After adventuring through some other endeavors and rebranding my blog to Jay’s Sweet N Sour Life I finally was able to do what I truly love. On top of being able to do what I truly wanted to do, I get to do it with the people I love the most in my life. I have always wanted to travel the world and taste many different foods, experience life, and different cultures. My dream I had when I was younger is finally a reality, and without planning to I now have 4 other beautiful people to spend it with.
Although things seemed a little bleak when I was younger I feel like going for that education was the turning point I needed in my life. Nothing but amazing things have been happening and I hope they continue to unfold and that I am able to continue to share everything with my family. Have you been able to follow your dreams? What’s a dream you have had since you were younger that you would love to chase and fulfill right now?
robin rue says
I don’t know if I’d call it a dream because I would be ok if it didn’t happen, but I would love to go back for my graduate degree one of these days. Or law school….
Heather McMechan says
My dream was to be successful but that has changed over the years. Who knew at 45 I would be a blogger?
Cindy Ingalls says
Many of my dreams have come true all through hard work and effort.
AnnMarie John says
This is so inspiring. It’s amazing how you were able to do everything that you dreamed of while taking care of your beautiful and adorable babies! I hope this post inspires a lot of moms out there who feel like they don’t have time for themselves anymore.
Cecilia C. Cannon says
congrats on making it happen! you are a rockstar mom and worked for your dreams to become reality. inspiring.
Amanda Dorich says
Love that you are following your dreams! I am following my dream my blogging, writing, and photographing!
Kristina says
I love writing. I always want to write books. Maybe one day that will happen. I’m excited to dig more into my passion with being a SAHM now.
withkidsandcoffee says
I would love to go back to school for a second BA in an area that I could actually do something with, or a Masters. It’s amazing what education can do.
Brittany Muddamalle says
I love hearing stories like this! My mom went back to school after she had my brother and it was one of the best decision she had ever made!
theclutterboxblog says
it’s so amazing what can be done when you turn your dreams into reality! Good for you for going after it! I hope to go back to school in a year or two! It’ll be a exciting adventure for sure!
everydaythoughtsbybrittany says
Good for you for following your dreams and getting the education you needed to make them happen. Your children are beautiful!
Andrea says
Wow, this is awesome! It is so amazing that you were able to turn your dream into a reality. I am in the process of that it is the most satisfying feeling ever!
Amber Nelson says
That is what life is all about! Following your dreams and making a happy life for you and yours!
Shannon Gurnee says
That is so awesome to go back to school and get your degree. Congrats girl and best of luck!
Lily says
Your story is very inspiring !! Its not always about reaching the long term goal, its about succeeding at all your short term goals that lead you to where you are happy. & at times it is completely different that what you originally planned. I love going through unplanned experiences because that is how we get to where we truly want to be. I have been following my dreams and I’m happy with the process 🙂
cvnxena says
IT’s amazing how much we are actually capable of! I had my son at 19 and although it was still quite young (plenty of looks and comments!) I too had a good support system and it’s really helped! you have 4 beautiful children now and plenty of time to spend with them 🙂
Stacey says
As a teacher truly believe that an solid education will prepare you and open many doors! Congrats on getting your degree and rebranding your blog. All of that took loads of work.
Jasmine Espinal says
Love your story so nice to hear of other young moms with uplifting stories like this. I too was a teen mom that got her life together and came out on top!
Alison R (@SoChicLife) says
Wow what a great story and good for you! Congrats on your degree and on being a single mom of 4.
Krystle Cook says
This is such a great story! There is so much to be learned from it. You can accomplish whatever you want if you put your mind to it!
Cathy Mini says
Such an inspiring story of heart, dedication, and perseverance. Good for you!