There are a couple of things in life that I am a firm
believer of. There is no such thing as the Loch Ness monster, Big Foot is
probably some guys uncle out in Jersey and there is no such thing as the
concept of normal. With every second that ticks by, there is something
different on the horizon. Good or bad, we find ourselves adjusting to a new
normal way of life, which usually takes time and patience. And patience is something I am working on,
especially now…
A couple of years ago in my darkest times, I could not phantom
that I would be where I am today. At that point I was alone dealing with my
grandmother’s accident, unable to finish school and had no idea where the money
for the rent was going to come from, let alone how I was going to feed my
mother and I. That was my normal for a number of months living a life that I
had grown to hate. As the years went by, everything changed where I was
employed, up to date on all the bills and had enough money to splurge whenever
I wanted. But like all things that changed and I had to quick adjust again to a
lifestyle that was pretty much left me
depending on other people. The act alone is something that I truly loath with a
passion.
There had to be a point where I had to take matters into my
own hands and direct a future for myself when I thought one was not possible.
Before my mentor passed away, he told me that I would be great in social work.
I shrugged it off, but it still lingered in the back of my mind and ever so
often the idea would reappear. When I started to have serious health issues
during the course of last year, a social worker reached out to me and was able
to help me during those difficult times with obtaining health insurance,
medications and other important information that I needed to know. It felt
really good that there was some one that didn’t even know me going out of their
way to make me at ease.
That is when I decided that I wanted to be one of those
people who gave up their time and energy to help others. I started to attend
workshops and gain certificates in the attempt to have more knowledge in
different fields that I never had before. I took and GRADUATED from a peer
educator class at an organization called AIDS Service Center, which helps those
who are infected, affected and at risk for HIV/AIDS virus. During the course of
the cycle I learned a great deal and hope to share the information that I
received to others by way of PSA (Public Service Announcement) blogs here on
Blogger and Tumblr or just helping those get the info they may need to better equip
themselves. In addition, completing was a big step for me. Last Thursday, I was
in a cap and gown and walked with my other peers in a very special graduation ceremony.
Plus, it felt really good that my mother got the opportunity to see me walk,
since that was the first time I was in a cap and gown in my adult life.
A year ago, hell 6 months ago… I didn’t think it could be
possible for me to do so. Everything is changing all the time and I am
adjusting to it. So I find myself dealing with a new normal… Last month, I laid
out a plan for the next couple of years of career goals and personal goals that
I would like to see accomplished. I want to continue to gain certificates, work
on my CASAC, go back to school for social work and at the same time pursue a
career in photography and writing. However, the reality is that in a few weeks
my unemployment will end and I am still unsure if I am going to receive this
peer position, but instead of crying over spilled milk, I have made back up
plans to deal with anything that may come up. I see opportunities out there and
I no longer want to waste them on dealing with issues that I do not have the
power to change like I did last year. My dreams and goals are not going to
happen over night, but one thing I know for sure is that I am ready for that
new normal thingy to happen…
Kenny.
