Hello--finally!!
My name is Shannon Marshall. I have tried posting two other times, and ran
into technical difficulty. I am hoping to get this to all of you this time.
This may be a little different than most, but I want you to know me. My
"professional" background is more personal than technical--both by nature and
choice. I apologize in advance if this gets lenghty. :)
I was born in Grand Rapids and raised on "The Range" except for the year we
lived in Michigan and the years during high school when we lived in Texas.
When Cleveland Cliffs closed I had just finished first grade, and my dad was
transferred to Michigan. After a year, they laid him off, and we returned to
our "home on the Range". My father went back to school for a teaching license,
and my dad did whatever neccessary to keep food on the table and a roof over
our head. I was the oldest of five, and my mother always stayed at home to
take care of us kids. The summer after eight grade, we moved to Harlingen,
Texas. We lived down south during the school year, and returned home for the
summers. Upon our return in ninety-three, we decided to stay. I have lived
here since, and plan to stay.
I have three children: two girls (17 and 13) and a boy (9). I have chosen to
raise them here because of this communities efforts and spirit for our youth,
despite my economic/social battles here. We love many of the organizations
that work diligently to create equality and a healthier enviroment for the
community as a whole. We have worked alongside some these agencies as
participants, staff, and volunteers: Circles of Support, Cherish Our Children,
Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Star of the North Animal Shelter,
Advocates for Family Peace, Blandin Leadership, and our churches and schools.
My children are my top priorty, and I believe my success is determined by the
outcome of their futures. Their success is determined by becoming who they are
purposed to be, and being a good steward of the life and community they are
placed in.
We live in Cohasset, and they attend school at Greenway. My oldest will be
attending the University of MN PSEO for her senior year of high school as a
chemical engineer/chemistry magor. She attended ICC her junior year, and took
all the basic engineering, chemistry, and most math classes. My younger two
plan to follow her example in their own magors by attending ICC their junior
year and The U their senior. My middle child is looking at human/social
services or medical field. I am almost certain my son will be in the
technology field.
I currently work full-time for Advocates for Family Peace as a youth/housing
advocate, part-time for Rockin Around The Clock Day Care, and newly part-time
self-employed for UndercoverWear. These are perfect fits, because the pay the
bills, I love influencing kids and helping people, socializing, and doing
things that give those who need it a hand-up financially and personally. I
love people and believe children are our future.
Some things I think are neccessary to discuss and work toward changing are:
creating equality and safety on all levels for all people, providing
opportunity to earn living wages for those supporting dependant individuals and
"bridge the gap", maintaining descent, affordable, appropriate housing to all
residents, and making it possible for all individuals to have opportunites to
access quality life experiences.
Thanks for your time. Great to "hear" from those I know, nice to meet those I
don't
Shannon