My Story

March 15th, 2012, I was fired from a job I loved with all my heart... Ultimately, it was my pride that clinched it. Unlike the Motown song, I was too proud to beg. During a meeting I was blind sighted by, I sat in complete silence while my boss told me how awful a person and employee I was (my last review I received was the highest in the company, 97%, but I digress). 23 minutes. I said absolutely nothing. It broke my spirit and took most of my "sparkle" away, which I promised myself I'd never let anyone have the satisfaction of taking. My mama always says that when one door closes, another opens...

Within the week, I started back up at a job I had before (my mama also says to never burn your bridges)... Bonus perk: free fitness classes! I took a few Zumba classes and during that hour, I felt like a little bit of me was falling back into place. I slowly moved from hiding in the back corner to the front row... After a few months, I was completely hooked!

I got my Zumba license in July, wanting only to teach kids at work (naturally, they make you take the adult training before you can take the kids training). After a brutal 8 hour day, I thought to myself, "There is NO way I could ever teach Zumba classes, EVER!"... I still wanted to teach the kiddos though, so I did my Zumbatomic (now Zumba Kids) training in August. I was hired at the YMCA as a sub for Zumbatomic classes in September, subbing a few Zumba classes here and there (special thanks to some crazy Vegas fog for forcing me to face my nerves).

March 28th, 2013 - I taught MY very first class! 

Being fired changed my world upside down. It stripped me of all my confidence and I'm still slowly working on gaining it all back. Two years ago, I had never stepped foot in a gym - let alone a Zumba class. The thought alone of being in front of a class with all eyes on me would be enough to send me into an anxiety filled mush! Here I am today with two classes of my own, and a Zumba Kids class! 

I've met the most amazing people that I probably would have never had the opportunity to meet otherwise. I love each and everyone of you, and you have changed my life for the better.

But most of all, being fired set me free. It gave me an opportunity to discover and find my true passions. I'm going back to school for my Associates Degree (baby steps), and new doors are opening for me all the time!

And so, I leave you all with this message this year, "You mustn't be afraid to sparkle a little brighter, darling!"