There are some things about me that most of you don’t know. Some of the challenges that I have faced in my life. To some of you, they may not be much, but to me they were the worst. I was 24 years old with a 4 year old and a newborn, when my husband decided to leave us. I only had a high school education and even that was not the best (I really hated high school). I had to make a decision about mine and my children’s future.

1. There are some things about me that most of you don’t know.
Some of the challenges that I have faced in my life. To some of
you, they may not be much, but to me they were the worst.
I was 24 years old with a 4 year old and a newborn, when my
husband decided to leave us. I only had a high school education
and even that was not the best (I really hated high school). I had
to make a decision about mine and my children’s future.
I wanted to go back to school so I could get a decent job. One
that would pay me enough to support my family. I knew that I
should go to school full time but how was I going to support my family? I made a decision–a
really tough one– to go on welfare. I knew that the money would be tight, but I could handle that
for 2 years. I also knew that I would qualify for a full grant to pay for my degree.
To me, asking for welfare was one of the hardest things. I was not one to ask for something for
nothing. What I realized was I was giving something…my self­respect.
Some of you may disagree, but if you have never been on welfare, you just don’t understand. I
remember one time while I was sitting in the waiting room, I overheard a woman say to her friend
“I will sell my body before I ever go on welfare again!” And you know…I had to agree with her…it
was that bad.
I had to put up with the humiliation I felt when people would check out what food I was purchasing
with my food stamps and whisper about some of my choices. Really? Just because I get food
stamps means I can’t occasionally buy my kids some cookies or even worse, soda?
So as soon as I received my degree, I went looking for a job. I started out at Kelley Girls (that’s
what it was called back then). I worked at a printing company for a few weeks so when they
advertised for the same position, I got it. That was a great day! This is where I met my now
husband!
I remember thinking that my life was never going to get better. Have you ever felt like that? What
got me through this time was my kids. They were my reason for living. It was so hard being a
single parent without a support system…but that’s another challenge
If you are struggling, just remember, all challenges you face in life will not stay around forever.
You will get through them a stronger, better person. Hang in there!

2. About The Author:
Donna Filipiak is a wife, mother and online business entrepreneur. While
looking for a way to help supplement her income, she found the internet. That
was 6 years ago and she has gained a large amount of experience and
knowledge. She is now in a position to help others make money. Join her and find out how.