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67www.i-am-magazine.comSince my time at the Mayo Clinic, I have had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of amazing people andconnecting with them on their own journeys of acceptance.Our Journey From Girls to Women is an extraordinary anthology that unveils the heart and soul ofwomanhood through the raw and relatable stories of diverse women. These heartfelt accounts of pain,progress, and victory capture the essence of transformation, resilience, and empowerment.From navigating the innocence of girlhood to embracing the complexities of adulthood, each chapter isa testament to the unique yet universal experiences that shape us as women. Through tears, triumphs,and hard-earned wisdom, the contributors share their truths, offering readers a sense of hope,connection, and inspiration.This collection is more than a book; it%u2019s a call to embrace your journey, celebrate your victories, andfind strength in your struggles. Whether you%u2019re at the beginning of your path or reflecting on the roadtraveled, Our Journey From Girls to Women will touch your heart and remind you of the power ofowning and accepting your story.Below are some experts from the anthology%u2026I felt like my dad could have offered some stuff for the baby, even if he didnot want to give me cash. That is when the lightbulb came on in my head,letting me know I had brought all this on myself and had to fix it. When Iturned fifteen, I got my first job at McDonald's. I knew there was hope forme. I told the manager I had a child and asked if she could come to work withme during my interview. Yes, they looked at me like I was crazy, and then Itold them I like to clean up and that I would be the best for the position ifthey gave me a chance. The manager told me that it was impossible, but theywould see if they could work around my schedule. On the first day of work, Ishowed up with my baby in her carrier. I told them no one would help me andthat I needed the job and money, so the assistant manager told the managershe would sit with my baby so I could work. ~Shanita Dawson-UgwuokeI am grateful not just for the opportunity to share parts of me, but also for the experience that itprovided. There were moments of healing, crying, and processing through this, and I embraced it withgrace, sympathy, and compassion for myself. Sometimes the hardest thing for any of us to do is forgivewho we were or who we are now. Never forget that you are a being that will consistently evolve, be a partof your evolution, and don%u2019t just let it happen to you or for you. Acknowledge that some things areoutside your control while being present for the things that are within your control. Treat yourself theway you want others to treat you, then treat others the way you treat yourself. If you have experiencedsome type of hurt or trauma, take a second to honestly reflect on how it informs you how you show updaily. Lastly, no one is without flaws, so give yourself a chance by taking a chance. ~Chyanne Thomas