Christina Sneed

I attribute my success to connecting with people in a meaningful way and helping them see the power within themselves. Whether I was in healthcare helping patients manage their pain, or at DFACS calming down clients who were going through difficult times, I've always tried to connect with each person and encourage them to see life better than how they're looking at it in that moment. I believe we were made by God, and that gives us power within ourselves. Even in the grocery store or just walking along, I try to be a positive influence and help people see that life can be better. I've gone through hell and high water throughout my life, and every single time I've come out on top. Now I'm working on being an open book to other people instead of keeping things under the rug, because it's not good for me and it's not good for them. I want to be remembered for what I say and the impact I have on others, because even if people don't pay attention right now, they'll remember later on and realize it was true.

I would tell young women to study everything they're trying to do and really look into whatever field they want to be in. Don't be closed-minded in any way and be very hopeful about the future. When we're younger, we don't picture ourselves being 30, 40, 50, 60 - we only think of ourselves as we are right now. But if you're in your 20s or 30s, study whatever area you're in and whatever you want to achieve. If you dream to be a pilot and you're just a secretary right now, it might seem far-fetched, but if you study more into it and go for it, you can accomplish whatever you want to. It seems very hard for young people nowadays because they feel closed in and don't have many older people to reach out to. We as older people need to reach back for the younger people. My passion is younger people because I have grandchildren in their early teens and a son who's in his 30s, and I still encourage them to see life better than how they look at it now. There's so much going on that they think there's no hope, but it's not true. They could be the ones on the higher end and not fall with it all.

The most important values to me are being positive, connecting with people, and being an inspiration to others on a daily basis. I believe everything is possible, even when circumstances aren't perfect - whether it's financial struggles, loss of a family member, or other challenges I've faced. I love that I am the age that I am and I'm not afraid to tell anybody. I'm very outgoing, smiling, and reaching out to my family constantly, sending messages when something comes to my mind because I know it's for a reason. I'm an intercessor to this present generation - that's what I do on a daily basis. I read, study, and listen to different things going on in the world, whether it's medical, spiritual, or current events, and then I pray about it and try to help others. My husband and I talk a lot about current events and how we can be an inspiration to somebody else. My children feel free to call when something's going on and we talk about everything. I pride myself in that, and I refuse to leave this world and not be remembered for what I say. People may not pay attention right now, but they'll remember later on and realize it was true.