"Sometimes the closed door is divine intervention to preserve your destiny." - Belinda Enoma

Have you noticed that people tend to make their worst mistakes when they are 100% certain they are on the right path? Hesitation helps us by keeping us grounded and in touch with reality. We usually hit rock bottom when we think we have it all figured it out; this mindset gives us tunnel vision and our stubbornness causes us to crash.

This has happened to me many times before. I was once certain that I was meant to be an engineer. I made the risky and hasty decision to quit my full-time job and enrolled in a very expensive program only to drop out a year later.

It happened again after I found my passion for languages and decided to become a translator. While the career change itself was the best thing that I have ever done professionally, I have encountered a few obstacles along the way. I started looking for job opportunities shortly after choosing to become a linguist. I came across a job posting at a reputable firm and I immediately became certain that it was my dream job. The company offered everything I wanted and more: amazing PTO, incredible pay, and the opportunity to finally devote my life to what I loved to do. "This job is mine", I thought to myself. "Why on earth would God not give me this job? He must want me to have it!" I applied. Twice. And I was rejected both times. I got depressed. I lost all hope and I became very angry. About a year later, I found a more amazing job that offered better pay, better PTO, room for growth, an incredible boss, and a healthy work environment. I had been wrong before; and, despite my lack of faith, God has never stopped looking after me and opening the right doors so I can pursue my dreams.

I have learned to humble myself and focus on strengthening my faith no matter what life throws at me. It is hard at times since I often think I know better, but I am grateful that God has opened my eyes and taught me the importance of trusting in His perfect plan.

I recently had my faith tested once again. I was trying to open a door that had been locked long before I started knocking. However, this time was different because I handled things differently from the very beginning. I heard about this opportunity back in the fall. I was so excited to apply to the job so I could move up and forward with my translation career and utilize some of the tech skills I have acquired over the years. Yet, I decided to not get ahead of myself and to control my emotions throughout the application and interview process. I was, and still am, an exceptional candidate for that role, but despite all of my skills, my strong resume, and my flawless interview and translation test, I didn't get the job. My ability to control my expectations from the very beginning allowed me to not feel disappointed or hopeless when I received the news. I thanked God for saving me from a path that clearly was not meant for me. I decided to think about all the things that I love about my current role and all the things I have achieved in the past couple of years. Instead of beating myself up or asking why, I reminded myself of how proud I should be of my accomplishments and of the woman I have become.

For starters, I recently finished both the books I was hired to translate last year. One of them is already published! The other one is still being edited and I am hoping it is published by the end of the year.

I am pursuing a Spanish/English translation certificate with the University of Arizona. I am currently taking the medical translation course. I will be taking the legal translation course in the summer and the business translation course in the fall so I can complete the program in December 2023.

Another thing I am proud of is my command of the French language. I am studying rigorously to pass the DELF certification through the Alliance Française and be officially recognized as a fluent French speaker by the French Ministry of Education. I am hoping it will be sometime this year. After I obtain that certificate, I want to shift my focus and continue learning Arabic.

I have slowed down quite a bit with my freelancing. I am still in touch with my current clients and I am happy to assist them when they need me, but I am not looking for new clients at this time. My full-time job with the school district and my part-time job at my French school keep me busy enough doing what I love to do.

I have realized that I need to take a step back so I can focus on my physical and my mental health. Taking a break is essential so that we can reach our maximum potential in every area of our lives. I prioritize my personal life and my health by lifting weights, stretching, painting, reading, and spending time with my loved ones. Even when I have a lot of assignments or house chores, I always make sure I exercise first so that I have a clear mind, a better attitude, and the physical stamina to tackle every task in my to-do list.

As humans, we have been conditioned to believe that the grass is always greener on the other side or that we must always be looking for the next best things; but the truth is that we are often blinded by our insecurities and we fail to recognize our achievements and blessings. I already have more than I could have ever dreamed of, and I get chills down my spine when I think of the endless possibilities that lie ahead of me. I plan on tuning out all the unnecessary noise in my life so I can focus on my calling. Everything will work out if I focus on doing what I love and strengthening my faith.