The last time I checked in, it was 7 years ago. I was about 20 years old and had accomplished very little. Yes, I graduated high school but that was about the end of it.

I took some classes at WCCCD, but almost dropped out because I had very little desire and motivation. I questioned how in the world could someone almost fail at a community college? But that was my story, I had no passion, desire, or plan… Nothing. Just taking classes just to say I took them. It wasn’t until the TRiO coordinator at my school told me, “Alana, it’s time for you to go.” She made me apply to universities because it was time to spread my wings and at the moment, she saw something in me, that I didn’t see in myself. And that’s exactly what I did.

I applied to, Wayne State, Eastern Michigan and Madonna University, I chose to attend Madonna University in Livonia which is where I finally settled on a major and then began to purse my bachelor’s of social work. For 3 years, I struggled, I complained, I fought, but I survived and in May of 2016 I walked across the stage to receive my bachelor’s degree.

By September of 2016, I was enrolled in our 8 Month Accelerated Masters program and by May 2017 I walked across the stage with my master’s in social work. WOW. I couldn’t believe that the uninspired, unmotivated, no passion girl had completed her master’s degree by the age of 26. Who would have thought? Not I, but people like Dr. Derschaun and my amazing village did think it, matter of fact, they knew it. I have since accepted a position at Lincoln Behavioral Services as an adult intensive case manager. I am now working towards becoming a fully licensed clinical social worker. I’m so grateful.

You see, we tend to get caught up in social media and what others deem successful by following a specific timeline and if you don’t meet those goals in that timeline then you are ultimately unsuccessful, but that’s not the case. Learn to enjoy your journey and to be okay with where you are. As long as you’re making strides and growing, that’s all that matters. Your journey is your journey, surround yourself with individuals who will believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself. Surround yourself with friends and mentors who will you pour into you and who will pass the torch on to you. When that light bulb clicked for me, I knew that anything was possible; and I could achieve whatever I wanted to and that I have done. I believe in you. Keep pressing! Until next time, who knows what I’ll accomplish next.

Your Favorite Social Worker, Alana Tanee, LLMSW