FloCrit Alums Live Untraditional Paths to Success (Part 2)

Stephany, an alum who graduated with the class of 2017, reflects on how FloCrit has helped shape her journey and helped her define success for herself and her family. Befofe FloCrit, Stephany wasn’t thinking about her own definition of success. At 18 years old, Stephany had a one-year old daughter and had stopped going to school,“I didn’t really care what I did… it wasn’t a pretty lifestyle.” She heard about FloCrit from a friend, and her mom was her biggest champion in returning to school; this is where her life really began to change. “Once I went back [to school], it changed me a lot. I saw all these moms as examples, and I didn’t want to be out partying anymore. I wanted to be in school with my kid.”

Stephany found community at FloCrit and loved the non-judgemental atmosphere with her peers and teachers. With peers, teachers, and FloCrit staff encouraging her, Stephany graduated with the class of 2017. “Even after you graduate, [the FloCrit staff] still have your back no matter what. They still genuinely care.” A few years after earning her degree, Stephany remembers calling on Director of Early Childhood Education Center, Mona Lisa Martinez, to help her advocate for her own child just like FloCrit advocated for her. Stephany explains that FloCrit has “built up my confidence” and provided resources as well as support when her daughter, Alanis, was having trouble in school. She acknowledges that many young moms can feel judged for their youth in their child’s school setting. However, being able to call on FloCrit helps them feel prepared and empowered.

Currently, Stephany is a Manager at a restaurant in the Denver metro area while she pursues her degree to be a Veterinary Assistant. As she looks back on her own life, she knows that she has been successful. “Success is achieving your own personal goals at your own time. Everybody has a standard in life to graduate at 18, get married, have kids after, but that’s not the case for everyone. You go at your own pace. And whenever you succeed, that’s when it was meant to happen for you.”