Thank you for the chance, Shaunise, to say a few words as a fellow steno professional and breast cancer survivor. Whether you’re one day, one month, one year, five years, ten years, or even 28 years out like me, the experience reframes how you approach life and its beauties and challenges.
We’ve all been through the trials and tribulations of court reporting programs – and some of us are still treading the path of this amazing journey.
What have we learned about ourselves in the process?
We want to achieve success.
There will be highs and lows on our journey.
We will prioritize our goals.
We will do whatever it takes to reach out and grab the prize.
We are survivors of learning a skill set that only a modest number who attempt it can claim.
Think about yourselves now as our fierce warriors in pink.
What do we know about them? (ourselves)
We have faced the fire of the cancer crucible and emerged forged into something new and different.
The pink butterflies have emerged from the chrysalis of self-introspection, intense focus on health, and the overall challenge of dealing with a diagnosis that can sometimes change our entire physical being.
We were fearless?
No, not necessarily.
We took that fear and channeled it into strength, determination, and resourcefulness.
We relied on our internal fortitude, our faith, and our family, friends, and community.
We looked something incredibly scary in the eye, told it that we were NOT going to surrender, and determined that we would do whatever it took to get over and through this obstacle.
Take a look around you. So many of us have been touched by breast cancer (and other types of cancers).
These are your sisters (and brothers) who have faced so much challenge to regain their health after being told something no one wants to hear.
Our journey into the profession of stenography gave us the insight into our personal strength and allowed us to emerge not only as successful practitioners of our skill but also able to fully realize our potential as warriors for not only ourselves, but for others who find themselves similarly situated.
To all who find themselves now as my sisters (and brothers) in pink, to those who may be supporting others going through the challenge, and to those who may find themselves in the future facing this scary diagnosis, I salute your power, your minds, your willingness to fight for your health and your future.
As someone whose ENTIRE career in this profession happened AFTER successfully completing the cancer treatment road, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the camaraderie and community that you have so graciously allowed me to partake in.
As you move forward, listen to your body – you know it best.Trust your instincts.
Do what is best for you on your path.
Allow people to help you when you cannot do it (even though you hate giving up control!).
And above all, remember that every single day is a gift and to embrace it – it’s not all about deadlines, but about moments.