Getting ahead in the world of work can be a challenge. But the single mom in this story shows that trying hard will always pay off.
Faye Lewis is now 27 years old. Recently, she was struggling.
Her motivation had been at a low point. Careers have their ups and downs, and recently hers was more down than up.
But Faye’s Mom found a way to inspire her.
It involved using a set of objects that almost everyone gets during life but which most of us forget.
When Faye arrived home, looking glum, her mother showed her something. It was a bag. She shook the bag lightly, making a light jingling sound.
The mother explained that inside were things that Faye had earned throughout the years but which she’d forgotten about. And it showed Faye’s mom how proud she was of her daughter.
Faye was confused. She asked her mother what was in the bag.
Faye’s mother looked into the bag and pulled something out.
It was a small square object.
Faye looked closer, and she saw a KFC name badge, with her name on it.
Faye remembered being 16 years old and getting her first job at the KFC in town. She also remembered why she took that job. Her friends were partying all weekend, and she wanted to join in. But her parents were struggling with money, so she took the job to help out.
And then, a few years later, Faye graduated from high school. She decided to study Nursing at college. So she moved away from home for the first time. But she was able to transfer to another KFC. Even at college, she realized the importance of having a job.
But in her freshman year, something happened that would derail her studies.
She became pregnant. She dropped out and moved back in with her parents.
Faye, while sitting with her mother, remembered this event and became saddened. But then Faye’s mom pulled out another badge. It was like the previous KFC badge, but it had something written beneath Faye’s name.
After leaving college, Faye went back to work the at same KFC once more. While this felt like a step back, something good happened.
By this time, she was the person who had the most experience at the KFC. Despite being pregnant, she was promoted to a manager.
But when she had her baby, Faye lost her job at KFC.
This memory returned to Faye when looking at the badge. But then Faye’s mother pulled out another badge. It was from Faye’s time as a housekeeper at an assisted living facility.
Faye remembered how, shortly after the birth of her son, she was able to find a job so quickly.
Then Faye’s Mom pulled out another badge. This one was from the Memorial Medical Center.
Faye remembered how she’d been able to enroll in a licensed practical nurse program. It was tough. Instead of the slow approach that she’d had at college, Faye was immersed in practical training. From day one, she was working in a hospital.
Despite the difficulties, Faye got certified in only nine months. That allowed her to become a nursing assistant.
This certification was great for Faye’s self-esteem. In the same amount of time it had taken her to have a baby, she’d been able to get a job she liked.
But Faye needed more. She decided to study Nursing at college once more and left home again.
However, when Faye was at college this time around, something terrible happened.
One night, a fire started in her family home. Faye’s mother got out. But her father and three cousins didn’t. They died in the fire.
Sitting in front of her mother, Faye started crying. Then Faye’s mother showed her another badge.
It was for the Memorial Medical Center again. But it now listed Faye’s job as a registered nurse. Despite losing beloved family members, Faye was able to succeed at college.
After looking at how far she’d come, Faye realized that she could overcome her latest challenge. She’d been through so much more!
Faye’s currently studying for her doctorate. It seems certain that she has an incredible career ahead of her.
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