Remarkable Learning Stories: Meet Natosha transcript
Nastoha: I was told that I would be meeting the younger version of myself. And that was a big wow moment, you know? Kind of coming face to face with your younger self. Who would have thought? I didn't get my GED until 2020. So I had lied to my husband and my children. And that was getting to be a problem.
Avatar: Hi, Natosha. Do you know who I am?
Natosha: I do. Very well.
Avatar: I'm the version of us at 26. I'm you from 17 years ago. Well, I've been OK helping the kids with their homework, but as they get older, It's getting harder. I can't help them the way I want to. How did you end up not telling your kids that you didn't have a GED?
Natosha: You want to be a positive role model. We wanted to be a positive role model. So we lied because we thought that that was the best way.
Avatar: That quiet lie hanging over everything. It's exhausting.
Natosha: Yes.
Avatar: Do things ever get better for us?
Natosha: A lot better.
Avatar: What happens? Do I ever get my GED?
Natosha: Oh, you do. And so much more. We took the GED and we went to culinary art school.
Avatar: That makes me feel hopeful. I didn't know we'd ever become someone this brave.
Natosha: If you've come this far, you have it in you. Keep going.
Avatar: Would you write me a letter? Something I can look at on the nights when I feel ashamed.
Natosha: Natosha. This journey has been long and sometimes rough, but I guarantee it is totally worth it. Even if it doesn't feel like it, it's not the end of the world to ask for help. Now we're stronger and more confident. Our life is finally headed in the direction it was always meant to be. So keep pushing and keep praying. And don't blink too long because time flies.
Avatar: Yeah. Hearing that, I've never really had permission to open up like this. My whole life, I've been the one holding everything together. Your words make the shame we've been carrying feel a little less heavy. And the idea that we will someday have a GED that will actually finish, I can't believe that. Thank you.
Natosha: You are more than welcome. I'm grateful for every step of my journey. I did my culinary arts, and now I'm going to transition to business. I'm still learning. I'm not done yet.