Tashara Matteuzzi

I watched my mom be a single mom and work in a similar field, so I kind of followed in her footsteps, except I chose to go to college in order to grow in the field. It's more, I think, people having faith and seeing that I can be good with the right training, and those jobs providing those trainings. It's important that people see that I'm good at my job, and that I'm willing to take on more if it fits in my role. I attribute a lot of my success to having great role models while I was a teenager and young adult, my mom being my biggest support and pushing me to keep bettering myself. If it wasn't for them I am not sure where I would be now.

The best career advice I have ever received is to leave your personal problems at the door. Although this could be difficult its important to go into your work day with a clear mindset and ready for your day. Next would be to accept feedback, feedback helps you grow and see things that you may not normally see.

I would say it is important to look at your choices and where you want to be in your life. Take those correct steps to get there and no matter how long it takes don't lose your motivation. You will get there with the right mindset.

I think challenges depend on the company, but training is a big one. I'm in a school setting with paraprofessionals, so I have a lot of training because of my background and where I've come from. It doesn't mean that someone else has that same training. The other challenges are staffing. Some places, it can be staffing. I just started a new job with a new company and currently I'm the only one from my company in this school, so far they've all been amazing. They do tell me that training is a big part of what they're missing and they wish they had some of the same training as I do.

In my work life for me it's important that I continue to be good at my job along with the willingness to grow and take on more that fits into my role. In my personal life its important to show my daughter that no matter what age someone might be, you can always move forward and grow. It's also important to show her that even when you experience something bad in your life, with the right mindset you can come out on top. I am currently in school for my masters degree, being a parent with a young daughter has its own challenges but for me its important to show her that it doesn't matter your age, if you have a busy schedule or need help, that it can be done, take the time and better your future. She will still be in middle school when I finish my degree but it's important to show her that growth while she is in at an impressionable age.