Meet Bessie

I know so many incredible people. I genuinely feel like every person I have met has a story or lesson to learn. Sounds a little cheesy? Maybe. But that's how I like my cheese: in hopeful optimism. Not in mozzarella. I've always been a glass half full kind of girl, even as a kid. And I suspect you've gathered by now, I love connecting with people in meaningful ways. So I know SO many incredible people. But every once in awhile I meet a truly life changing person who sparks inspiration, appreciation and fun on a totally different level.

Meet my friend Bessie.

I am honored to be her friend. Her story's going to make you smile: guarantee!

Bessie and I 1st connected at Montgomery College. More to come on this.... but let me give you her back story:

She moved here from El Salvador with her mom, dad and brother, for a better life. She is polyglot. Sounds fancy, right? Well she is, she knows four languages. Her 1st language is Spanish, then El Salvadorian Sign-Language (completely different than ASL, as other Signed Languages are. It is the same as thinking about English and Spanish. Totally different). Then she learned ASL, American Sign Language, and finally she English. She swears she isn't fluent. But I do NOT change my language when I text her. And she understands me clearly. Did I mention she just started learning English two years ago? I took Latin in High School for four years, and I know ZERO still.

If knowing four languages isn't impressive enough, back in El Salvador she had a baking business, went to college, learned to drive (seems like a no brainer- but other counties sometimes don't acknowledge or allow Deaf people those rights) and had a circle of amazing friends both Deaf and Hearing.

Her family has had a challenging life- Bessie also faced real life shit too. El Salvador can be an hard place. People took advantage of her: her kindness and her ability to hear. I think my wonder of Bessie comes from her ability to have seen the worst of humanity and yet be joyful, happy, optimistic, and endlessly kind more often than not. Even in her deepest frustrations she shows empathy and grace. My grandparents embodied this too. They were Holocaust survivors. They saw the true and utter WORST from people. And yet, I can still vividly recall their joy in every memory I have with them. I wish I knew why some people experience extreme tragedy and thrive, while others get stuck and forever angry. Whatever it is that makes those loving souls, I am deeply drawn. It is magic go be around, as well as grounding.

So, like so many, her family moved her to have better opportunities. And Bessie has always been up for the challenge. And what a challenge- she had to learn English and ASL at the same time. She knew NEITHER. Even more challenging, she was learning English through an ASL interpreter. Let that sink in.... The language she didnt know, was being taught in the language she didnt know, in hopes she would learn them both. Literally impossible, right? Well apparently not for Bessie.

Next amazing fact about Bessie- NOTHING will stop her. Tenacity, heart, drive, and kindness are the first adjectives I think of with her. Her family moved to the US during the height of the pandemic. Clubs, schools, education centers, social events were NOT happening. So Bessie taught herself ASL by watching YouTube. This is LITERALLY amazing and blows my mind again. So when I met Bessie just a few months into her YouTube schooling she was fully communicating in such a natural way. How many of you could watch/listen to YouTube for >2 months and speak French fluently? ZERO. I know ZERO other people who can/have done this. This blows my mind.

So Bessie and I connected as I love to tutor both English and Math. Remember my adjective? Tenacity, heart, drive... so of course she wanted more help to propel her along. She always wants more! More from herself, more challenges, more homework, more experiences to learn and grow. She is an unstoppable force! But every unstoppable force has big obstacles to overcome. I feel like that's what forges those kinds of people.

Her and I have talked for hours. Her self awareness paired with action is something you don't learn in school. I know plenty of adults who haven't mastered, or tried to improve in this area. Bessie openly admits vulnerabilities, weaknesses and asks for support and help to conquer them. I could stand to use more of this in my life. Her appreciation for everything is lesson I loved being reminded of. I have never had the struggles she has, and the fact that she tackles them with grace and grit is the kind of energy that makes me want to be better everyday.

This girl will go FAR. I have zero doubt about the magnitude of her success to come. Even while writing this blog post, I got news from Bessie she was admitted into the Medical Tech certificate program at Montgomery College. Of course she was. Just another huge victory. She really is part of my own drive. If Bessie can do all of this amazing stuff, I can start a blog. I can write a book. So I plan to. I am a HELL-YES friend for Bessie, now and always. So if I can tell her "anything is possible", I best believe it for myself too. And while she moves her needle towards her successes, I best be doing the same for mine.

So thank you Bessie. I appreciate you more than I could possible explain in words. My life is exponentially better because you are in it. I am focused, fueled and inspired to do everything that calls me because of your example. I hope everyone has a Bessie.

And well.... if you need cupcakes:

She's got you. Mmmm these almond cupcakes made me so happy! I mean, she is a professional baker remember? So support, shop and cheer on this amazing young lady. She still doesn't have a huge circle of people in her life... so lets change that and build her a community of friends, resources and supporter! Giving into others is NEVER wasted! Even in the smallest way. So if you are at all inspired by Bessie, message below and connect. Let's spread love together :)