Brandi Fowler

Student, Associate of Arts

"Thank you for Applying, But" Jobs I applied for but didn't get:

BMW

Everyday "L's" of Life:

Where do I begin? I dropped out of school at the age of seventeen, had children, and tried to start a life without knowing that the education that I put off would be a heavy burden on me eventually. I had to take odd and end jobs that were shameful, just to provide for my children. Understanding that I am their mentor and mother I feel my mistakes will rub off on them. I am not perfect by no means but I first handed know now that mistakes are lessons learned.

Things I swore I'd finish but never did:

I swore I would finish high school but never did. I went back to an accredited school to obtain my HSD. I swore I would quit a shameful job by 25 but never did; since fast money was always provided and needed.

Memories I made while I wasn't studying/working:

The best memories I have of working are the girls I worked with. The conversations and laughter kept me feeling like a human being instead of an object of desire.

The best memories I have of studying are the ones in Mr. Keenan's class. He is an amazing mentor for young, old, nontraditional, and traditional students. Mr. Keenan would make all the students in the class stand up and shout " I will not quit until I get my college degree." This is so empowering because that phrase alone, makes me feel like I can accomplish anything.

TV shows, movies, and books I've enjoyed:

Movies I enjoy are sappy romance. The Notebook is sad but in all reality, I actually know a person who has nearly cloned that movie in her real life. The only books I really enjoy are cookbooks; since cooking is my favorite hobby.

Things I'm proud of that you won't see on my resumé:

I am proud of the person I actually am. I do not need the perception of anyone else. I am very humorous, caring, and work really hard for desirable feelings in life. The feeling of the sun on my face, while my children are in the pool on vacation is a desirable feeling. I work hard to feel relaxed on vacations. You wouldn't see on my resume that I am proud of overcoming physical, verbal, and mental abuse. You also wouldn't see on my resume that I have struggled with my son being abused by his father, or all the nights I have cried thinking of the pain my son had endured. Some things are just not shown to the naked eye or written down for hiring accommodations.

Quirks that make me who I am:

I honestly think my Quirks are, making people laugh, making a funny squeak noise, and rinsing out all my dishes before I use them; even though, they are clean.

Obstacles I've overcome:

A few obstacles I have overcome are sexual abuse, living in a children shelter, being pushed off to other people to raise me, raising kids alone, going back to school in my thirties, facing judgment from people who do not know all the circumstances I have faced, anxiety from being in front of a crowd of people half-naked trying to provide for my children, custody battles, and being nearly homeless a time or two. Seems like a lot of obstacles but through all the obstacles I have faced, I still learned to put a smile on my face and never touch drugs or be a drunk.

Life events that made me stronger:

Having children at a young age and raising my children by myself. I learned along the way that my children are my responsibility and that I, as a mother will do more than my mother ever did for me.

Unconventional Skills:

I have a great sense of humor, I try not to take things personally and I am great with Dogs. I am good at decorating.