Episode Transcript
[00:00:01] Speaker A: Welcome to Life Reviewed, a podcast by Hope House Colorado, where we invite you into conversation with teenage moms and the people who champion them. These stories of struggle, overcoming and perspective shifts will challenge you to review life as you've known it. One story, one person, one conversation at a time. Oh, I thought I knew the kind of life that I would need. Welcome back to Life Reviewed. I'm Jamie Barnes. I am the empower program manager here at Hope House Colorado and I've been with Hope House for twelve years. I've done many roles and I've seen many things, but luckily, today I am here with one of our amazing mamas, Jackie. And I'm going to let her introduce herself real quick.
[00:00:51] Speaker B: Hi, I am Jackie. And first of all, I want to say thank you for this time and for, you know, being on this episode and being able to share a little bit about my story and just chat with you.
[00:01:06] Speaker A: Yes, I love that. Tell us about your daughter, Aliyah.
[00:01:10] Speaker B: She is almost eight years old and we came to Hope House when she was about eight months old. So we've been here for a very long time and I'm definitely coming to my, I don't want to say end because I love Hope House and I definitely hope and will try and do my best to stay in contact and be around.
But yeah, we've been here for a very long time.
[00:01:36] Speaker A: I think what you're referring to is alumni. You will be turning 25 next week, huh? Yes. And so at Hope House, unfortunately, when you turn 25, you become alumni. So you, you are no longer in it as much as you are between the ages of 15 and 24 and a half. 25.
But yeah, there are other ways you can be involved as far as being a volunteer or coming back and helping with some of our newer moms. So I know we're not gonna lose touch with you because you're one of the special ones. Yes. We love having you here, I guess. Let's talk about the days of old. Let's talk about when you first started at Hope House. Do you remember what that was like? What brought you to Hope House? How did you find us?
[00:02:25] Speaker B: Yes, and I'm so excited to talk about this because it's so bittersweet and there are some of my favorite memories there, for sure.
I remembered I had been working on my GED. My sister in law, my brother's wife was actually the one who started with motivating me to get back into school. And she even paid for my first test. And I was on my last test, it was math. And I couldn't pass it, and I couldn't pass it. So I posted on Facebook, you know, like, asking for help, asking someone to tutor me.
At this point, I was only.
I want to say I was about to be 17, okay. And I heard back from another mom. She commented, and she's like, hey, there's this place called Hope House. They do free tutoring for moms. And I didn't hesitate. I called immediately, and I was like, I really need some help with tutoring. I'm on my last test, and, yeah, they got me into an interview. I, you know, I did a little tour, and I didn't know what to expect, honestly.
[00:03:38] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:03:38] Speaker B: I just, you know, I was just looking for tutoring.
[00:03:41] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:03:41] Speaker B: And that's how it started. And I remember the first time I came to Hope House, I honestly felt a little, like, skeptical. Cause everyone was so nice. I was like, why are they so nice?
[00:03:54] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:03:55] Speaker B: Yeah. I was like, what is the catch here? Like, this can't. You know, I was like, this is weird.
[00:04:00] Speaker A: Too good to be true.
[00:04:00] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:04:01] Speaker A: What do they want from me?
[00:04:02] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:04:03] Speaker A: Heard that a lot.
[00:04:06] Speaker B: And I remember, like, I would attend the classes I wanted to follow. Like, you know, you guys were very motivational and, like, encouraged us to go to classes, and I event or, like, activities you guys had for the moms and for the kiddos.
And I loved all the support. I remember Ashley would pick me up to come to tutoring.
[00:04:31] Speaker A: She was our high school and GED coordinator at the time. Ashley, love her. Yeah.
[00:04:36] Speaker B: Yes. I loved that. I loved feeling all that support. It was definitely weird because I wasn't used to that. And, you know, I was a very young mom.
And.
[00:04:48] Speaker A: Would she pick you up in one of our hope house vans? Did we have those yet? Yes. Okay, so you were around when we had the great purple and green wrapped vans?
[00:04:57] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:04:59] Speaker A: What did you think of that when she pulled up the first time?
[00:05:02] Speaker B: Honestly, I thought it was really cute.
[00:05:04] Speaker A: Did you? Oh, that's good. That's good. I've heard other things, but they are, you know, they're great at getting our mamas and kids around, so.
[00:05:11] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:05:12] Speaker A: Okay. So she would bring you in. Cause you needed transportation.
[00:05:15] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:05:16] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:05:16] Speaker B: And then also sometimes I met this volunteer, which, you know, became very good friends, and I really miss her. I should reach out. Her name's Angela.
[00:05:28] Speaker A: Oh, yes. Angela was so great.
[00:05:30] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:05:30] Speaker A: I mean, we couldn't do what we do without volunteers, so we had a lot of amazing volunteers that helped tutorial work with you moms one on one. So was Angela the one you were paired with most of the time.
[00:05:41] Speaker B: Yes. And there was times, too, when she picked me up, too.
[00:05:44] Speaker A: Oh, that's awesome.
[00:05:46] Speaker B: Yes. Oh, gosh, I really loved her. Love her. I hope she's doing great.
[00:05:51] Speaker A: Yeah. So then you would come in and study. So the whole reason you found Hope House was for your GED?
[00:05:55] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:05:56] Speaker A: But then you come in and you're like, oh, there's so much more.
[00:06:00] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:06:01] Speaker A: What excited you most? Like, if you came in and you were just gonna focus on the GED, what was the first thing that excited you outside of that?
Do you remember?
[00:06:13] Speaker B: Honestly, I feel like it was the feeling of feeling accepted.
[00:06:21] Speaker A: Oh, that makes me happy.
[00:06:23] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:06:24] Speaker A: I mean, that's ultimately what we want for you moms. We want you to come in and feel loved, non judged. Just a place where you can come and be who you are, and then we just come alongside you and help you. So that makes my heart so happy to hear you say that that's what you felt. So it wasn't necessarily all the other things that we were talking about offering, it was how you felt when you were there.
[00:06:49] Speaker B: Yes. I definitely felt safe and free and secure.
[00:06:56] Speaker A: Aw. Even though the building was the building that it was, I loved it.
[00:07:01] Speaker B: I feel like it was a small space, but it felt so united and so, so special.
[00:07:09] Speaker A: Yes. I joke only because that space over there, we did have a few moms refer to it as a sketchy warehouse. When they first showed up at Hope house, they were like, what is happening? You're bringing me into this. Cause all we had was the front door with our tiny little hope house sign on it. And then you come in, and it's a small office space. So, yeah, it wasn't very big, but I do feel like it felt very homey.
[00:07:36] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:07:37] Speaker A: Even though we got overtaken by inkind quite a bit, we had lots and lots of donations that would spew out everywhere.
Okay, so you would come and you would study. How long did it take you to finish your GED?
[00:07:49] Speaker B: Honestly, I feel like it did take me a little longer for many reasons. I feel like when I started at Hope House, I remember taking all these classes that opened up doors for me that I wasn't aware of, and it taught me a lot about myself and what I wanted. And I remember taking the love languages class. That was one of my favorites, because I remember I wasn't fully aware or self aware of all these feelings and love and what that meant. And, you know, it does involve boundaries and respect, and we all have something that makes us feel loved. And it's, you know, it's very important to know that and to be able to share that with others so that they know how to love us. And I didn't know any of that. So I felt like I almost got into, like, this weird funk because I feel like I didn't know much, you know? And it was scary for me to be exploring all these other things, and I felt really sad. I felt immensely sad when I realized, like, I was surrounded by a lot of, like, dysfunction and toxicity, and it was scary for me to accept the unknown and be ready for change.
[00:09:28] Speaker A: I remember. Do you remember being in. It's now known as a self empowerment class, but we called it job upgrade. Do you remember that one? That was one of the first times I remember really interacting with you. I mean, I knew you and had seen you around, of course, but I wasn't working with you personally, but I. Teaching that class at the time called job upgrade, and it's more just about self awareness and knowing who you are and different things like that. And I remember you being in that class. It was a series class, like, three weeks long, and you showed up every week. You came, you did the work. You really participated in class.
You were quieter and a little bit more hesitant, but you were just sitting there soaking it all in. I remember watching you, just seeing your eyes open and realize some of the things that you were realizing, these things you were just talking about as far as, wow, I didn't even know what I didn't know. Like, I didn't realize where I was living or what I was going through was not the normal, because it was your normal. And just seeing those light bulbs go off in you, I remember you making lots of changes. Like, you had lots of changes occurring in your life in that time.
I mean, I knew some of them were really hard and sad, so, of course, that's going to keep you from getting your GED.
Do you feel outside of the love languages, was there anything else or anyone else that came alongside you during those days that helped you? Like, what would you say got you through some of those times? And what were some of the changes that you made?
[00:11:20] Speaker B: Honestly, I feel like it was.
I was really happy when Kelsey and Kaylee came to Hope House because they were so fun, and they were. It was like the classes they planned for. All of the moms there really enjoyed them, so that was really fun. And I feel like I started making changes that were really hard for me, that were extremely hard for me. But I feel like I was holding onto Hope House as my safe place.
And I remember I took the math test. I swear, it was, like, ten times.
[00:12:02] Speaker A: And then nothing is hard.
I took it and failed.
[00:12:06] Speaker B: So it was really hard.
[00:12:08] Speaker A: I shouldn't share that, but I did.
[00:12:10] Speaker B: Yeah. And I remember I even took three months. I took a three month break from Hope House because I was super depressed. And I was like, it was a hard time for me to even get out of bed. And I had a small baby, so it was just. It was a lot for me.
[00:12:26] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:12:26] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:12:27] Speaker A: And that. It's that way for a lot of moms. We see them. They're highly involved, and then we may not see them for a while, but we're always here. We're always here with open arms, waiting to welcome you back in. So you're back, but, okay. So anyways, yeah. Three months. You took a break.
[00:12:44] Speaker B: I took a break. And I remember Ashley had messaged me, asking me when I was coming in. And that one message. I still remember that one message she sent me. I feel like it almost pulled me out. Cause it was like. I felt like even her just reaching out energetically felt like she believed in me. Like, she's like, hey, I'm still here.
You can come back.
[00:13:10] Speaker A: You know?
[00:13:10] Speaker B: I didn't feel like there was, like, judgment or, like, resentment because I didn't go, you know, or, like, anything like that, anything negative. It felt super sweet and loving. And I remember going back, we made an appointment for my test, and I passed.
[00:13:28] Speaker A: Oh, my God.
[00:13:29] Speaker B: I hadn't even.
[00:13:29] Speaker A: You didn't even study anymore?
[00:13:30] Speaker B: No.
[00:13:31] Speaker A: You just were like, okay, I'm gonna go take it.
[00:13:32] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:13:34] Speaker A: It was just like a flip switched switch flipped, whatever.
And you were like, I'm done. I'm done doing this GED thing. I'm gonna finish. That's amazing.
[00:13:44] Speaker B: Yeah. I definitely feel like it was God, too, for sure, because I feel like I had been going through such a rough time, and I.
I don't. I honestly don't know, Jamie, how I was able to pass that test, you know?
[00:13:58] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:13:58] Speaker B: But I did.
[00:13:59] Speaker A: Yes. It was just the right time.
You were ready. Oh, that's so neat. And that God was in there. I do love, too, that you talk about Ashley messaging you, because as staff, that is one of our, like, most favorite things is just reaching out to the moms we haven't seen in a while. So I love that you share that. That did make an impact, because there are times where we'll send messages and may not hear from moms for quite a while. And so sometimes you wonder, like, is it. Do they know? Do they really understand how much we care and that we really do just want to have you come back and we're going to welcome you back with open arms. So I'm so glad that you came back. So you finished your GED and then what? Then what started happening after that? Or what other classes, maybe, or things in your life?
[00:14:48] Speaker B: I remember during that time, I also did the a story of hope class, and I really loved that story, too. And just the class in general.
And I remember during that time, I was going through a hard time. I was currently living with my daughter's dad, and it was.
It was such a.
Like, a toxic relationship. There was a lot of hurt and I.
Violence and drama and chaos during that time of my life. And, you know, just taking the parenting classes to. At Hope House, like, made me realize and open the doors for me to want to parent my daughter differently, to give her a different lifestyle and give myself a different lifestyle, too. So.
[00:15:43] Speaker A: And just not to cut you off, but you are such a good mama.
[00:15:49] Speaker B: Thank you.
[00:15:49] Speaker A: I'm gonna cry.
You really are. Just to see how you've grown with Aaliyah over the years. But some of the hardships and things that you faced, you face them head on, and you're always like, all right, this is a problem. I wanna help fix it. What do I do? You seek out people. You look for the right people to help you. And you just love Aaliyah so much. And I see that in every interaction you have with her. So sorry to cut you off, but I want everybody to know what a great mother you are because you're so good.
[00:16:25] Speaker B: Thank you, Jamie.
[00:16:26] Speaker A: You're welcome.
[00:16:26] Speaker B: I appreciate that so much. I think anytime I've heard something like that, it's always easy to be like, oh, but I make mistakes here, and I do this.
[00:16:33] Speaker A: Oh, we always.
[00:16:34] Speaker B: But it does feel.
It does feel good to have somebody see that and value that, because we're really hard on ourselves as mothers in general, especially young mamas.
[00:16:45] Speaker A: Uh huh. So hard on ourselves.
[00:16:47] Speaker B: Yeah. And.
Sorry, where was I going?
[00:16:51] Speaker A: Well, we were talking about. So you. You take parenting classes at Hope House and just different things that you were involved in.
[00:16:59] Speaker B: Yeah. So going back to that, I was just coming to a lot of realizations, and I was slowly grieving my relationship with my daughter's dad because I cared a lot about him and I wanted the best for him. But I also knew that I couldn't save him. I had to save myself so that I can be the best I can for my daughter, and I had to walk away, and it was hard for me because I didn't want to go back to my parents. I felt like, in the first place, like, I left because I wanted to feel free, a little bit of freedom. You know, I wasn't. I feel like I wasn't.
I wasn't a bad kid. You know, I made a lot of not great choices, but I feel like I also lacked a lot of self love, and I was on survival mode and on autopilot. And I feel like, you know, I love my parents, and I feel like they gave me the best I could and what they knew. And, you know, I've come a long way. Like, I've been through my own emotions with that, too. You know, they. They had their own upbringing and their own childhood, their own traumas, and they did things the best way they could with what they had.
[00:18:25] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:18:28] Speaker B: But obviously, like, there are outcomes from that.
[00:18:30] Speaker A: Yeah. So did you go back home, or.
[00:18:33] Speaker B: I.
[00:18:33] Speaker A: Did you find your own place? Okay.
[00:18:35] Speaker B: So I went back for four months, and during those four months, I.
I was literally going to Hope House as much as I could. I was working a lot, too.
[00:18:47] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:18:47] Speaker B: And I remember that I found a. I found a home that was a transitional housing program, and they were able to. They accepted me, and it was so scary for me because I remember that when they, like, accepted me, I was really scared because this was going to be the first time I've moved out by myself, just me and my daughter, and it was so scary. But I did it.
[00:19:15] Speaker A: Yay.
[00:19:15] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:19:16] Speaker A: Yeah, you did.
[00:19:17] Speaker B: Yes. And it was really hard the first year because it was a lot of change, and I grew a lot, too, as a mom and as a person just being on my own, and I still held onto Hope house and.
[00:19:33] Speaker A: Because we won't let you go.
[00:19:37] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:19:37] Speaker A: I love it because we love you too much. Jackie, where are you? We miss you. Come back. Yeah.
[00:19:44] Speaker B: And during that time, I went to. I started college, too.
[00:19:48] Speaker A: Mm hmm. I remember I helped you a little bit with that.
[00:19:51] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:19:51] Speaker A: I was the college and career coordinator at the time. Yeah, I did get to work with you. What were you going to college for?
[00:19:57] Speaker B: So I did a CNA program. I got my certification for that, and I was doing my prereqs for nursing, and I went for almost two years and very close to finishing my prereqs, and obviously, you know, things change. I was like, I'm gonna take a different route, and life happens.
So then after that, it was another hard year. You know, a lot of I started therapy, and therapy was definitely big for me because it was something I had never done in my life.
[00:20:40] Speaker A: Was that something you did through Hope House? Did we connect you with a counselor?
[00:20:44] Speaker B: So I started therapy through Warren Village. This is the place that I'm telling you, the transitional housing program. And, yeah, that's where I started therapy and just, you know, healing my childhood stuff and parenting stuff to, you know, have a healthier skills, I guess, to parent Aaliyah and.
[00:21:15] Speaker A: Yeah. Okay, so you're doing the counseling, and we have that happen quite a lot with moms where they're going to school or working on something, and then they just realize, maybe this isn't for me. So you realize nursing was not necessarily the route you wanted to go.
Real quick side note, at this point, we had moved into the new resource center building, right?
[00:21:40] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:21:40] Speaker A: Were you a part of any of that? Do you have any memories of moving into the new building from the old building or what your thoughts were when you first entered the new building?
I only asked because we have quite a few moms that are no longer around that were part of that transition, and just to hear their thoughts on the new building versus the old building.
Do you remember having any thoughts around that?
[00:22:05] Speaker B: I do. I remember.
I remember thinking it was just beautiful, definitely. And it was just big. I feel like, at least for me, I loved the resources, but I think this place is beautiful. And, um, I don't know, I feel like it's amazing how much hope house has grown. And, you know, I feel like that in itself, it's.
Wow. You know, I didn't know it was gonna become bigger, and that makes me happy, because that lets me know that there's so many people out there that do believe in us that are going to help us change our lives. And I feel like, as a teen mom, we get judged a lot and looked down on, and, you know, they don't know our stories or what we've been through, and so just to know that there are people who do believe in us, it just. It's amazing.
[00:23:07] Speaker A: Oh, cool.
[00:23:09] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:23:10] Speaker A: Okay, well, we're gonna take a quick break, and when we come back, that's kind of why I cut you off. I didn't want to go straight into what you're doing after the nursing change of nursing. No longer going into nursing. Like, what are you going to do? So we're going to take a quick break, and then we will come back and talk a little bit more with Jackie and see what she's up to these days.
[00:23:32] Speaker C: Hi, everyone. It's Celeste, development coordinator at Hope House Colorado. We have an awesome group of 233 champions called our bedrock builders who donate monthly gifts, and we would love for you to join. This group is super special to our moms because it provides them stable support, an income stream that they know they can always count on. If you'd like to become a monthly donor, please visit hopehousecolorado.org. donate now and make your recurring donation today. Thank you so much for empowering our team mobs.
[00:24:04] Speaker A: Well, welcome back. I am here with Jackie, and we are just chit chatting today about Jackie and her story and what brought her to Hope house. But something you had mentioned before. You started talking about going to school, going to college for nursing, and you were close to finishing your prerequisites and then life. So then what happened after that?
[00:24:27] Speaker B: So after that, I took a break. And I had gone through some pretty hard things during that time of my life, too. So I just want to say that was, like, some of the hardest things I had gone through in my life. And I was 22 at the time.
[00:24:47] Speaker A: So young.
[00:24:48] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:24:49] Speaker A: And dealing with a lot of it on your own?
[00:24:51] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:24:52] Speaker A: You're raising your daughter, still trying to raise your daughter on your own?
[00:24:56] Speaker B: Yes, yes.
Still parenting, still being a mom and just trying to heal and figure out things for myself.
So it was a really hard time, but I definitely got through it. And again, thanks to Hope House, I remember there was this one moment I had such a.
I'm gonna talk a little bit about this, just cause I feel like I wanna also bring awareness to mental health and how it can really, really affect us.
[00:25:34] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:25:35] Speaker B: But I remember during this time, I was really depressed. I had gone through something traumatic, and it was just really hard for me to process while being a mom. And I really had to reach out to any support I had during this time. And I remember there was this one moment, I was curled up in a little ball, and I was really sad, and I just felt really defeated with my own dark thoughts. And I remember calling Kaylee, and I. I was like, haley, can you just talk to me? Can you just be here for me? And I remember her even just talking. Like, it almost felt like I was so blacked out from all this negative emotions that just hearing her soft voice, encouraging voice, loving voice was like, almost healing me and making me feel like I was okay. And I wanted to keep going. And I remember, like, after that day, I just kept pushing through, and I started.
I started going to therapy again. And honestly, it's hard for me to even remember how I got out of it, but I did. I did. And I'm so happy. I'm so happy for that. And I started working as a caregiver. I had been working. I forgot to mention I'd been working as a caregiver, even while going through some of my college. And I loved it. It was, you know, I got to take care of three different people that I was able to really give and be there for. And, you know, I've always been so nurturing, so I enjoyed that. But I feel like I also got burnt out because I needed to be there for me, too.
[00:27:32] Speaker A: Right.
[00:27:33] Speaker B: And I started doing cleaning services, and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed it for a long time. I was doing that for about, I don't know, maybe two years. And it was going really well. And I felt like after that time, I felt like I needed more. Like, more.
I needed to feed my brain something different.
And a job came up through hope house. And I remember it was this woman.
She wanted to give this opportunity to a teen mom to work at a hotel as a sales coordinator. So, you know, it was like I took a leap of faith.
I had to let go of some of my cleaning clients, and I took the job. And.
[00:28:35] Speaker A: Yeah, because you had built your own business.
[00:28:37] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:28:37] Speaker A: Right. You were doing the cleaning was your own business that you had built.
Okay. So you let go of that completely, or were you still kind of doing it part time?
[00:28:47] Speaker B: No, still doing it part time. I kept a couple clients, and, you know, I've had some clients for a really long time.
[00:28:54] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:28:55] Speaker B: Still talking with them. Yes. And so I. I did sales coordinating for a year, and I learned a lot, a lot during that time. And I also.
I also. Then I wanted something different, you know?
[00:29:15] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:29:15] Speaker B: But then I got promoted as a sales manager.
[00:29:18] Speaker A: Cause you're just so good like that.
I mean, you really are. You're a hard worker.
[00:29:25] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:29:25] Speaker A: Yeah. You were doing great. So you got promoted.
[00:29:28] Speaker B: Yes, I got promoted. And I enjoyed that role, too. Definitely more responsibility, but I enjoyed it and just going at it every day and, you know, being a mom.
And, of course, Aliyah's getting a little bit bigger now, so her needs have changed as well.
But I feel like I got into a place of my life where I've been able to feel a little more comfortable with knowing what I want for myself and for my life and making sure that my responsibilities are met or my needs are met and I'm being responsible. And I decided to.
I decided to leave my job.
[00:30:20] Speaker A: Okay. You know, just recently.
[00:30:23] Speaker B: Yes. So it was hard for me because growing up, like, you know, my dad's very hardworking. He's a very hardworking man. And he was raised with the mentality of, like, you are valuable if you work.
Thanks to that. I have such a great work ethic, but I feel like I had to really lower my ego or put my ego aside and listen to what I need in my soul and in my heart without having this title. And as long as my responsibilities are taken care of, I feel like I'm in a good place to be able to let me come back to Jackie and see what Jackie needs right now, because I feel like I was getting burnt out, and I didn't realize until it was showing up in the way I was showing up for others and for myself and for my daughter.
And, yes, I left my job.
And I feel like right now I'm thinking about starting my own podcast and, you know, growing in my cleaning business as well and also going back to school for cosmetology. I feel like I've learned a lot about myself within these last, last couple of years and about who I am and what makes me feel good and what fills my heart. And I decided on cosmetology because I love beauty. I love making others feel, and I feel like it's such a good way for me to serve other women and also be there for them. I might be able to share something that changes one of their lives. And, you know, I guess just incorporating, like, my life story and giving within that industry.
[00:32:27] Speaker A: That's cool. I think that's great.
[00:32:29] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:32:30] Speaker A: I mean, I know the decision to quit your job wasn't an easy one for you. You didn't just do it overnight. Thought about it. You talked to me about it quite a few times, like, just what you were going through and what was happening there and that sort of thing. And so you did it all really well. It's not like you just up and quit, even though I'm sure there were days that you wanted to, I'm done. I'm out.
But you didn't, and you did it the right way, and you did it in a way to honor yourself, too. Like, what do I want? Where am I going? And is this. Is this helping me or hurting me? And I think that's what I started seeing you, is that it was hurting you more than it was helping you. And so you were aware of that and got yourself out of it. So you're currently running your own business. How's that going?
[00:33:20] Speaker B: It's going well.
[00:33:22] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:33:22] Speaker B: Yes.
I'm still trying to get more. More clients. But I'm not in no rush because I know God's plan and God's timing is perfect. And in the meantime, I'm just taking care of myself, taking care of my daughter. I feel like I was working a lot and just missing out. Missing out on all these little moments of being very present.
[00:33:50] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:33:51] Speaker B: So I'm enjoying that right now, especially because it's summertime, so.
[00:33:55] Speaker A: Right. Perfect time to do it.
[00:33:57] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:33:57] Speaker A: And it's so fun. And Aaliyah is so fun.
[00:33:59] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:34:00] Speaker A: She is a crack up. I love that little girl.
[00:34:03] Speaker B: Yes. She's definitely such a.
How can I say this? She's very. She's such a loud and sparkly and warm energy.
[00:34:16] Speaker A: Yes, definitely.
[00:34:18] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:34:18] Speaker A: And she is way more out there. It's funny to watch you two together because you're so quiet and soft spoken. And just the way you handle yourself is very methodical. Like, you think through what you're gonna do, and Aaliyah is like, nope. And she is just out there. She does what she wants when she wants.
But I think that's exactly why God picked you to be her mom. You know, you're perfect. You kind of offset each other. I think you guys are great for each other. It's so fun to watch.
I still remember playing on the playground with her when you. I don't remember what you were. I think you were in a class or something, and we didn't have enough early learning, so I was out on the playground with Aaliyah, and she would tell me what to do. Go down this side, and I go down this side, and she's like, next time, go faster. And I'm like, I don't know if I can. I don't really fit on this slide.
But I had so much fun with her. I think that was a year or two ago. Well, what grade is she in now?
[00:35:15] Speaker B: She's gonna be in second grade.
[00:35:16] Speaker A: Yeah. So it was kindergarten. I remember it was kindergarten. I was out there playing with her.
She's fun, though. And so now you will be turning 25 next week. Happy birthday.
[00:35:27] Speaker B: Thank you.
[00:35:28] Speaker A: Our birthdays are a day apart. Do you remember that? Mine's on the 18th and yours is the 19th.
Any fun plans for that?
[00:35:36] Speaker B: Honestly? No. I'm still trying to. I want to plan something with all my girls, my sisters, my family, and just maybe, like, I'm debating whether, like, a day at the pool or a hiking day.
[00:35:50] Speaker A: Oh, fun.
Okay, so, any big memories that jump out at you? Like, what are some of your favorite moments being here at Hope House over the last. I mean, how many years were you here? Eight years, seven years? Don't ask me math. I'm not. See, I didn't pass the GED for this reason anyway.
[00:36:12] Speaker B: Yes. I feel like.
[00:36:13] Speaker A: Yes, I've been here for quite a while.
[00:36:15] Speaker B: Yeah, seven and a half.
[00:36:16] Speaker A: So what are some of your favorite memories?
[00:36:21] Speaker B: Honestly, I feel like.
Wow, that's such a good question. Because I feel like there's so many memories and I've enjoyed all my time here. Every moment. It's been beautiful.
But I feel like definitely just.
Wow. Let me see.
[00:36:43] Speaker A: I know it's hard to think about because there are so many.
[00:36:46] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:36:47] Speaker A: Small events. Mommy and me's. The gala.
[00:36:53] Speaker B: The gala was a very fun one. Yes, I remember that.
[00:37:00] Speaker A: All our different holiday events that we would do with the moms and kids.
[00:37:06] Speaker B: Yes, I really loved those. And I loved all the effort you guys put into just making it a fun time for the kiddos, too. And for us mamas, it's always such a good time. I feel like I've loved every moment, to be honest with you. I love coming here. I loved being around you guys. And I don't know, I feel like, for me, I can't choose just one memory, but I definitely plan on sitting down and thinking about all my time here because I have so many great things to remember about being at Hope House.
[00:37:49] Speaker A: Oh, that's so awesome. Oh, my gosh.
Well, just because you're turning 25 doesn't mean that you will no longer be a part of Hope House. Secretly, as I rub my fingers together, secretly. I'd like to get you working here someday. So you're in the back of my mind. When certain jobs open up, I'm going to be reaching out.
[00:38:09] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:38:10] Speaker A: I love it. I guess. Before we go, is there any final things you want to say? Is there anything you would say to a new teen mom out there or not new, but a teen mom out there that might be listening to this, what advice would you give to her?
[00:38:28] Speaker B: Honestly, I feel like I would tell her that. I would tell her to let herself be loved, to give herself the chance and opportunity to receive support and to reach out and learn to use the resources around her and to take them, and to be like a sponge. Like, to never stop learning, to learn as much as you can and open herself up to different perspectives and to not be afraid of change, because that's a good one. I feel like on the other side of the unknown, there's always something so beautiful and even better than what sometimes we want to sit and settle for in the comfort of it, and to really listen to herself, to what she needs and wants, because it's easy for us to.
It's easy for us as women, as young moms to just listen to that little voice telling us, this is what you're worthy of, this is what you deserve of. And that little voice is coming from our childhood. Are the things that were programmed into our brains at such a young age, sometimes it wasn't the best things for us to learn or hear.
So I definitely, definitely encourage this new mom to do the work, do the hard work of healing and learning about herself and getting to just love herself and trusting herself.
[00:40:28] Speaker A: Oh, I love that. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Or maybe even in two, sometimes five years, you're like, wait, that's a really long time. Where do you see yourself in a year or two? What are your goals?
[00:40:46] Speaker B: Oh, that's such a good question because I feel like even right now, I'm just, like, really just enjoying presents.
[00:40:54] Speaker A: Oh, I love that. Oh, you called me out. That's a good one. I'm being in the moment. Jamie, stop. I don't want to think that far outd.
[00:41:02] Speaker B: Yes. But I think that's fair.
I do want to say that in, like, even a year, a year and a half, I do see myself just being more sure, I guess, of, and just being more in tune with the presence and enjoying it and also having a, like, an even stronger relationship with goddess. Yeah.
[00:41:31] Speaker A: I'm sitting here in this room with you, and I keep looking at, on the wall, there is a poster, I should say, do you see that framed?
I don't know what you call it, decoration, but it's Joshua one nine, and it says, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. And the entire time you've been talking, Jackie, I'm looking at that and I'm thinking, this is Jackie. This is Jackie. She is being strong and courageous in everything you've done in your life to get to where you are today. And you know that God's been with you the entire time and that he's going to lead you. So if there's any verse that I leave with you, it's that one, because it's also one of my favorites, but also, that's who you are. You are strong and courageous and so very beautiful.
And I'm so thankful for this time with you today. Thank you for joining me.
[00:42:28] Speaker B: Thank you.
[00:42:29] Speaker A: Yes, it's been great, but I don't think we can sit here and chat all day, so.
[00:42:34] Speaker B: Yes. And this won't be the last time we see each other and chat like.
[00:42:37] Speaker A: No. No way.
We'll be doing lunch here in the next week or two, so we're good. All right. Well, thank you. This has been great. We've had fun.
[00:42:47] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:42:48] Speaker A: Well, off we go.
[00:42:50] Speaker B: Off we go.
[00:42:54] Speaker A: Precious soul, the things I didn't know the things I didn't know about you o precious soul the things I didn't know the things I didn't know about you about.
