Briefly tell us about your family background/structure? Please explain (for example: single parent or two parent household, number of children, where did you grow up etc.).
We live in a two – parent household consisting of my husband and myself. We have two children, Aiydan who is four and Averie who is five months. Averie was a twin but he passed away last month from SIDS. I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Sacramento in 1998.

Tell us about the type of success you achieved while on the Shingle Springs Tribal TANF Program. Please explain.
While on TANF, I was still completing my Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice with a major in forensic psychology. I achieved my degree last July, and last month I got a full – time position with Walmart.

Who played a significant role or motivated you in your success story? Please explain.
My husband was a positive support system in my achievements as he helped me study in my class and made sure I kept at it when applying for jobs. He has been my rock.

What were some of the barriers you experienced along the way to your success? Please explain.
When I first got the job at Walmart, I was still trying to get my degree, so it was challenging to make the time to study and train for my job.

What were some of your personal strengths you used to obtain success? Please explain.
I never gave up when it got tough. Trying to balance a job, school, and my child gave me the strength and confidence to succeed.

What is your future goal/next step in your Family Wellness Plan?
I really hope to continue to move up in my job. I want to continue my schooling for my master’s degree, but I need the time to do so.

What advice can you give to participants on SSTTP?
If you want to move forward in live, never give up even when it seems easy to do so.