Interviewee: Stephanie Mohun

Interviewer: Shaniqua Cousins

Occupation/Career Title: Computer Technology Specialist

Goal: Complete Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems

Stephanie is a working Mom of 2 boys, 9 months and 5 yrs old. Read on as we discuss how she managed to achieve her goal, maintain a full time career, and care for her family.

SC: Lack of Time combined with the Guilt felt for taking a little time for self-improvement seem to be two of the largest obstacles most moms face when it comes to achieving their goals. How did you find the time to complete your degree while working and taking care of your family? And did you feel any guilt for taking the time out to accomplish this goal?

SM: Since I work full-time, I knew that I couldn’t take classes in a traditional brick-and-mortar university and spend 20-30 hours a week in a classroom. I wasn’t willing to sacrifice that much time away from my family, so I found a Master’s program that I could complete online. The online program allowed me the flexibility to "attend class" at my convenience so I could spend time with my family. Some of the classes I took for my undergraduate degree were online, so I knew I had the discipline and responsibility to do distance learning. In order to spend time with my family, I tried to work on my homework and study after my kids were in bed, leaving the weekends free. There were times I had to hide out on the computer all weekend, and I felt very guilty taking time away from my family.

SC: From what source would you say your passion came from while on the journey to achieving this goal?

SM: My children were the main reason that I went back to school to receive my Masters Degree. I wanted to be able to give them the best possible life that I could. I hope to provide a better future for my kids and knew a Masters Degree could possibly elevate my status and financial earnings in the workplace. A higher degree would make me a more marketable employee, while allowing me to stay competitive in the job market. Every time I would feel guilty about the time I was taking from them, I tried to remember the goal and how it would improve our lives. I was also very lucky to have a very supportive partner, whose encouragement inspired me to continue no matter the circumstances. I really could not have done this without the support of my family.

SC: Was attaining your Masters degree a dream come true for you?

SM: It really was a dream come true. I never thought I would have a Bachelor’s degree, much less a Masters degree. My family didn’t have the money to send me to college, so I attended the Community College after graduation from high school. I did this for a few semesters and didn’t have enough money to continue. Ten years later while working for the US Postal Service, I realized that I wanted to go back to school and pursue a career in Information Technology. I researched all the financial aid available, applying for loans and writing to Congressmen and Senators. I ended up with a small amount of aid from a Congressional and Senatorial scholarship and took out a student loan for the rest. I attended College classes part/full time while working for the Postal Service full time. I studied on my lunch breaks, took vacation time off to take accelerated classes and attended class full time during summers to complete my degree. Four years later a good friend and I casually joked about going back to get our Masters Degree and shortly thereafter, we were taking online classes.

SC: What advice would you give to other working moms with a dream/goal they would like to achieve?

SM: For me it was finding the right balance. If you can only manage to take one class a semester, start there. For many people, earning a degree while working full time can seem like an impossible goal. Any working mother can testify to the difficulty of finding time do anything other than work and take care of children. Finding the time to pursue a degree may seem impossible, but the flexibility of an online degree makes it possible for working mothers to earn a degree without leaving their home. As long as you have access to a computer and internet connection, you can study at any time of the day. Finding the money to take classes may also seem challenging, but there are unlimited government funded grants andscholarships available now for working and/or single mothers.

Interviewee: Shanick Moore

Interviewer: Shaniqua Cousins

Occupation/Career Title: National Program Coordinator of Project Single Moms, National Motivation/Encouragement Speaker

Website: www.projectsinglemoms.com

Shanick Moore is the National Program Coordinator for Project Single Moms, an organization that has pulled together resources in the form of a National Movement to empower single moms with the tools needed to succeed. Read on as we discuss how she balances work, motherhood, and her passion to give singles mothers a hand up.

SC: How has being the National Program Coordinator for this noteworthy organization changed your life?

SM: Wow, How long is the interview? I’ve always dreamed and envisioned a better life for my life and my daughter. Serving and being apart of the movement actually empowered me. It caused me to dream bigger, set a plan, and actually do the things needed to make it happen. Being a significant leader in the movement now makes even more encouraged to do my best and take it to the next level because so many are looking at me to duplicate and learn from. I’ve been exposed to many opportunities because of PSM, and have met some awesome people who I will continue to communicate with for years to come, including yourself.

SC: What is your method for balancing your work with the organization, motherhood, and taking time to care for yourself?

SM: For me, that is a constant challenge that I’m still overcoming. I’ve learned that planning, planning, planning is key. You really have to make sure you plan your days and stick to the plan. I currently have my daughter, a full time corporate position, ministry in church, PSM, book writing, self employment businesses to work, and so much more. The only way to stay sane and not go absolutely bonkers is to write it down and make it plain, as the Bible says. I have to make a list of my to dos then do my best to stick to it. It’s not always easy to get it all done, but if you do your best, you’ll complete most of it. It has to be apart of your daily ritual. Plan it all, from prayer, exercise, to meals, down time, and sleep. At times it’s a bit overwhelming and you wonder if you should pull back and take a break, but there’s something burning in you that know that quitting is never an option, and there’s much more to do.

SC: What advice would you give to other moms with a dream/goal they would like to achieve?

SM: First I would say to the majority, DREAM. I came from a teen mom, father killed when I was a baby, abusive relationship, homeless, public assistance, college drop out, you name it. At one time in my life I’ve been apart of many statistics. I never knew I could dream big and have it all, if I wanted it. Now I know, I’m living it, and I want every women and young girl that has experienced what I’ve gone through and more, that you can make it, you can dream. So many don’t have dreams or visions of a new life of success and excellence. So if you have a dream, believe that you can achieve it. Picture yourself with it, and live accordingly. We call it living by faith and not by sight or calling those things that are not as though they are, knowing that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. We have to not be moved by the circumstance or situation that WILL come our way, not may come but WILL come our way and believe without a shadow of a doubt that our dream will come true. So dream it, believe it, then live it. (I may have to copyright that last sentence J )

SC: From what source would you say your passion comes from?

SM: I truly believe that the passion was placed in my soul upon creation. We know that our purpose was predestined prior to our development. I truly believe that I had to go through many heartaches and challenges to build the character needed to be able to handle the purpose that’s before me. I think of Jeremiah, fire shut up in his bones. He wanted to walk away and do his own thing, live his own life, and he couldn’t, he was burning up. He had to complete his purpose; we can’t run away, even if we wanted to. I know there are lives that will be affected, touched, blessed, and saved just because of me being in place to be used to serve, help, encourage, and be apart of making their lives better in some manner. That has become one of the most important things in my life. I take the responsibilities given to me very important. If we all did a little, we can change a lot.

Interviewee: Brenda Dicarlo

Interviewer: Shaniqua Cousins

Occupation/Career Title: Director, Southern Maryland Food Bank

Website: smfb.somd.com

Brenda Dicarlo is truly an inspiration to us all. She is one woman taking a bold stand in her effort to help eradicate hunger in her community and across our country. Ms. Dicarlo has been the director of the Southern Maryland Food Bank for 4 years now. And every Monday morning she, along with a host of volunteers, is ready to load the trunks of vehicles that will transport food supplies to the nearly 40 food pantires, homes, and shelters they service. With the assistance of the of the Southern Maryland Food Bank, the sites in return are able to assist more than 10,000 families from the communities with food supplies each month. We caught up with her to see how others could make a difference and help to end hunger in America.

SC: Has the current state of the economy effected the food supplies being donated to the Southern Maryland Food Bank?

BD: Less items are being donated while the need food food has increased. Last year the food bank distributed 310 thousand pounds of food for the entire year. This year over 375 thousand pounds have already been distributed. People that came in last year to make donations are now the people coming in this year in need of help.

SC: Could you tell us the amount of food supplies needed each week when you open your doors?

BD: To meet the needs of the pantries we would need about 20-25 thousand pounds on hand every Monday morning when we open. But now we are lucky to have ten to eleven on hand.

SC: How can we help in this great effort to feed families in these communities?

BD: Everyone can make a difference with as little as $1 donation?

SC: $1!!!!!

BD: Yes $1. For each dollar contributed, we can buy up to 8 pounds of food.

SC: Sign me up! Where would someone that would like to help make a difference send their donations.

BD: A tax deductible monetary donation could be mailed to Southern Maryland Food Bank PO Box 613 Hughesville MD 20637.

SC: Readers, after having heard how such a small contribution could have such a big impact I decided to put my math skills to the test. I believe that together we can make a difference. I'm asking you to join me. If 25 readers sent $1 to the food bank we could buy up to 200lbs of food, which would exceed the 20-25 pounds required to do business every Monday. As a matter of fact, 200 pounds of food could stock the shelves of the food bank for up to 8 weeks, just in time for the holidays. What a great gift for those that rely on the food bank! Please join me in the effort to help end hunger in at least one community.