The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream. -Book Series, Chapter 6

 

Chapter 6

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."
– Franklin D. Roosevelt

Career Forming

I was five years old when I decided in my young mind that I would become a physician. After finishing high school in 1999, I began studying biology in college at "La Universidad de Sucre" for one semester in 2000. but I had to move to Barranquilla, a coastal city in the north of Colombia, about four hours from my hometown. I went to live with my grandma and fought for a spot in the school of medicine. However, it was a private institution, and I didn't have the money to pay for it. With no family members to cosign a student loan, I was stuck. The only public university in the area did not offer medicine, so I patiently waited until January 2001 to start my first year of med school. I had everything but the money for tuition and family support. It was a tough time in my life when I had to withdraw from school, not from lack of desire or motivation but because of other issues going on at the time. My grandmother continuously blamed me for my mother's death; it was excruciating.

One day, in class and with tears in my eyes, I resolved to leave. Somehow, I learned about a nearby martial arts school. I went there, spoke with the school manager, and told him my story. He said, "I have a small room here where you can stay. All I ask is that you pay your tuition and become a black belt one day," which I did. I asked him how long it would take to become a black belt. He said, "If you practice every day, you could easily do it in one year." Little did he know, I immediately set that goal in my mind. So, I began to work towards it. I moved to the martial arts school and practiced daily, including Sundays.

Towards the end of the year, I registered for the conference to become a black belt in a different city in the Middle East part of Colombia. Despite my readiness, the instructor denied me the chance to obtain the black belt. He tried to persuade me to instead pay the exam fees for another female student who, according to him, was much more ready than I was but didn't have the resources. I think that was the first time I felt socialism was very much alive. In other words, I would pay for someone else's opportunity to advance because, according to someone, I didn't deserve it.

I knew how hard I had worked. I also realized that the instructor needed more time to prepare me to advance at such a fast pace. Well, he did not know me. The good news was that I obtained permission from the primary master, so I went. My instructor, who was of a much lower rank than the master, had a big problem with me not following his order to not go for the big exam and gave me an ultimatum: "If you go, you must move out of the school. Once you are back, you will no longer come here." I accepted the challenge. Before that, I met Ana Lucia, another fellow student who knew my struggles. She would prepare a fruit juice packed with protein every morning and bring it to me, knowing that I had limited resources for food, especially towards the end of the year, as my instructor wasn't making life any easier for me. As we used to call her, Ana Lu spoke with her parents, and they asked me to move in with them.

I went to the big conference and achieved my goal: I became a black belt in Shaolin Fa-Men-Chuan (Kung-Fu) in December morning of the year 2001. After that, I continued to assist in my practices, but later, my goals for my college education took place.

The opportunity to come to the U.S. presented itself, and while I'll save the details of my immigration story for another time, I can assure you it was entirely legal. I arrived in the U.S. on April 4, 2004—a day I consider my day of freedom! Did I feel like kissing the ground when I arrived? You bet I did!

I went from waiting to get my residency and work permit to driving a car by just getting in and doing it—because how difficult could it be, right? Once I secured my work permit and residency, I could finally return to Colombia in 2007. During that trip, I worked on getting my high school diploma translated and accepted by the U.S. education system.

When I returned in the fall of 2007, I enrolled in my first college classes. While I waited to see if any of my college education from Colombia could be accepted in the U.S., I was content with just my high school diploma being accepted at the community college. I wanted to start from scratch, which I did—beginning with English 000, Math 000, and so on. I was determined to build my knowledge and skills from the ground up, showing my commitment to my goals and resilience in facing challenges.

I heard great things about the military, so around February 2009, I decided to join the Air Force. I started by taking the ASVAB, though I wasn't a U.S. citizen then. I thought joining the military, specifically the Air Force, would be patriotic. I hoped to become a medic, gain citizenship, serve the country, and receive money for school in return. I sought stability and a job.

I tried my best, but not being a citizen limited my opportunities in the medical field and military service. I repeatedly turned down other roles and frequently visited Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery for the MEPS. I joined the delayed entry program, but it didn't work out. By May, I decided to move on and applied for the FAFSA. While waiting to be officially discharged, I pursued EMT classes at the community college for the fall of 2009.

After finishing the EMT course at the end of 2009, I worked on core pre-nursing sciences and obtained an associate degree in science by the end of 2010. I completed my associate degree at a community college in Enterprise, Alabama, which included pre-nursing courses like microbiology, biostatistics, anatomy, chemistry, and algebra. 2011, I was accepted into Troy University's Alabama nursing school. I started the nursing program at Troy University in the spring of 2011.

Getting into and through nursing school was an arduous journey that required academic dedication, resourcefulness, and perseverance. I needed to be more than a good student; I had to devise strategies to sustain myself financially, especially in the latter semesters, when the demands of school, clinical work, and work became increasingly challenging.

In the beginning, balancing a few jobs with my studies was manageable. I was fortunate to have a supportive friend, Mrs. Edilma, who helped me secure a job at a high school cafeteria. I made sandwiches and cooked for the children there, which provided a stable income during those early days. To supplement my earnings, I also took on a role as a substitute teacher within the Enterprise ISD, which added some financial security.

But as the demands of nursing school intensified, I knew I needed to get creative. I began offering private Spanish lessons to children, which provided extra income and allowed me to use my skills meaningfully. Additionally, I took on roles as a babysitter, house sitter, and even pet sitter, making the most of every opportunity that came my way.

During this time, I encountered a wonderful family from Puerto Rico who opened their home to me, allowing me to stay with them for about four to six months. Their generosity was a lifeline, offering me stability when needed. In another remarkable instance, I was approached by an Army officer neighbor who was about to be deployed to Afghanistan. He had heard my story and, perhaps sensing my need for a stable place to live, offered me the opportunity to stay in his home rent-free. He also entrusted me with managing his properties, collecting rent, and promptly paying all bills. This level of trust and responsibility was an honor and a tremendous help in my journey. We remain friends to this day.

Reflecting on these experiences, I can see the profound impact of faith and the kindness of others in my life. Before meeting this neighbor, I had prayed for guidance and support, and it felt like an angel had been sent my way. The generosity of these families and individuals was instrumental in helping me overcome the many challenges I faced.

During this time, I made the difficult decision to accept student loans, understanding that this would allow me to save the money I had been using for rent. I knew my soldier friend would eventually return, and I needed to be prepared to find my place. After living in his home for about two years and three months, I moved into an apartment, where I stayed for about six months until a financial setback forced me to reconsider my living situation. With the help of friends, I put my belongings in storage and rotated my stay between two houses while I worked to get my finances back on track.

Ultimately, I secured an apartment where I lived until I graduated from nursing school and eventually moved to Texas. Looking back, the journey was anything but straightforward, filled with moments of grace, resilience, and the unwavering support of those who believed in me.

I started my nursing career in the hospital's emergency room in Alabama. At that time, the hospital served a town of roughly 29,000 people, with no other hospital within a 20-mile radius, so we were swamped. Nine beds in the ED and two additional trauma rooms totaling 12. The waiting time was approximately 4-5 hours, and we served a population of 100-120 patients daily. The staff mainly comprised four nurses and 3-4 providers. For some reason, there were not enough chairs to sit on, so I spent most of my 12-hour shifts on my feet. That's when I learned what plantar fasciitis felt like.

Things were easy. Adapting to the new culture, language, and understanding was difficult. But over time, things have become much more accessible. One of my guiding principles was not dwelling on my skin color, background, or accent; I focused on being myself. I have always looked at people for who they are, regardless of their background, skin color, creed, or religion. This approach has guided my practice as a nurse and now as a provider, ensuring equal treatment for everyone. I treat everyone with respect, regardless of their socioeconomic status or whether they have insurance. I choose to see the best in each person.

Throughout my nursing career, I have cared for people from all backgrounds, including various nationalities and creeds. I always provide care with the utmost respect because I see the creator behind them, and that belief guides me.

 

The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream. -Book Series, Chapter 5

 

Chapter 5

"Adversity introduces a man to himself." — Albert Einstein

Curb Balls

I recall when life was uncertain, but let me begin with a moment of joy: November 20, 1999, the day of my high school graduation. It was a day I had long anticipated, filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment. That moment felt like the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, a beacon of hope and a promise of a bright future. But little did I know that just 22 days later, on December 11, 1999, everything would instantly change.

That morning, I woke up feeling disoriented, and a strange sense of unease settled over me. I noticed that I was lying in bed the opposite way; I remembered falling asleep. It was as if someone had turned me around, though I couldn't explain why or how. It felt odd and unsettling, but I tried to brush it off. Mireya, the homeowner of the rental house we were staying at, told me my mother had left early for errands, leaving money for my lunch. It was strange; my mother wasn't one to go without a word, especially on a Saturday morning. The urgency of her departure puzzled me.

I looked at the clock and realized it was nearly 11 a.m.—an hour I rarely saw while still in bed. My daily routine had always been rigid: I woke up at 4:30 a.m., caught the bus by 5:30 a.m., and joined the line for morning prayers by 6 a.m.

But that morning was different. It felt like I was in a fog. I wondered if someone had given me something to make me sleep so deeply. To this day, I still don't know.

As I sat down for lunch, I rechecked the time—12:30 pm. I watched the seconds tick by, each feeling heavier than the last. When the clock struck 12:35, something extraordinary happened. I saw a human and ethereal figure move down the hallway and out the main door. It paused beside me, and I felt a gentle kiss on my cheek. In that instant, an image of my mother in a casket flashed through my mind. I shook my head, trying to dispel the unsettling vision, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Agitated, I went to a neighbor's house next door, feeling a growing dread. Within minutes, my cousin arrived, her face pale with worry. She told me that my mother might have had an accident, possibly a heart attack. The words didn't seem real; I was confused, my mind racing to catch up with the reality I was being pulled into. We walked to my cousin's house, about ¾ of a mile away, every step feeling like an eternity. When we arrived, I waited anxiously; my heart was pounding...

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The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream. -Book Series, Chapter 3

 

Chapter 3

My Father's Journey

"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." – Rev. Billy Graham.

I vividly remember the shift in my father’s life when I was around 5 years old. It was 1987, the last time I saw him drunk on the porch of our home. I didn’t understand what was happening then, but something inside him changed shortly after. The man I had known, with all his flaws and struggles, was suddenly not the same. One of my earliest memories of this transformation was when he took me to an evangelical church. I was captivated by the lively music, the heartfelt prayers, and the congregation's fervor. It starkly contrasted the solemn rituals of Catholic masses I had attended before.

Years later, I understood that this marked the beginning of his spiritual journey to faith in Jesus Christ—a journey that would profoundly shape his life and mine.

My father was born in Corozal, Sucre, Colombia, steeped in a Roman Catholic tradition. As a boy, he served as an altar server and grew up immersed in Catholic practices, teachings, and celebrations. His early education at the Escuela Normal in Corozal set him on a path to becoming an educator, and for many years, he taught in schools across the Sucre Department. His life seemed structured and predictable from the outside, but a more profound spiritual calling awaited him.

As an educator, he was assigned to a school in Chalán, Sucre, a small, rural town where life presented unforeseen challenges. While there, he fell gravely ill. His condition baffled local doctors, and traditional remedies failed to bring relief. During this critical time, a former classmate, Milka, mentioned her family’s evangelical church and suggested he attend a healing service. Out of desperation, he agreed.

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The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream. -Book Series, Chapter 2

 

Chapter 2

"Childhood is the most beautiful of all life's seasons, full of wonder, discovery, and the magic of growing up." — Unknown.

Childhood 

It was August 18, 1989. I was only six years old, but the image remains ingrained. The assassination of Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento, a presidential candidate in Colombia, marked the beginning of the horrors my young mind would witness. Could it have been any different? Living in Colombia, South America, during the Pablo Escobar era was synonymous with constant danger. To me, it was the bombing era. We didn't need a TV to witness the horrors; they were in the streets. Walking with my mother through the central plaza, I couldn't avoid the graphic, uncensored headlines of violent crimes on the front pages of newspapers. As a child, I learned more about dead bodies just by walking on the street than a first-year medical student at a morgue.

Early one morning that same year, probably January—as I excitedly prepared for my first day of elementary school, I vividly remember my bunny-like backpack, half electric blue and half white, with bunny ears and moving eyes. While waiting quietly for the private transport to take me to school, I watched a beautiful Dalmatian sniffing a palm leaf in the middle of the road. As I focused on the curious dog, I saw a blue Jeep drive by and instantly kill the dog right before my eyes. What followed was pure horror: the owner, a woman, screamed at the top of her lungs, and then my memory went blank.

I have always felt that my childhood was stolen from me because of these exposures. My mother did what she could to protect me, but there wasn't much she could do about the pervasive environment we lived in. The previous year, our house had been robbed. My parents had hired a housekeeper that morning before they went to work, and I was barely four years old. I used to joke, even today, that the woman emptied our entire home but left me sitting alone on the front porch. The joke goes: was I so bad that not even the thieves wanted to take me?

I saw her ironing clothes, emptying my mom's closet, and putting things in boxes. When I asked her what she was doing, she grabbed my hand and put me outside the front door. I remember being found by my mom outside, wearing only my underwear. How dare she leave me there? Later, when the police caught her, I was brought to the station as a witness. It wasn't enough that I had seen her take everything; as a four-year-old, I had to identify the criminal who could have taken me from my parents. That experience still hurts to this day. Where were the adults supposed to protect me, a young child?

Around the same time, my parents were having a heated argument—voices raised, tension thick in the air. In a moment of rage, my father grabbed what I believed was a shoe and hurled it, aiming it at my mother. I don't know what compelled me, but I instinctively jumped into the middle.

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The Courage to Succeed: A true American Dream; Book Series - Chapter 1

 

                                                                

Chapter 1:

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, but understanding where we come from provides the map for the path we take." — Unknown

In the beginning

It was a Friday, November 5th, 1982, in Sincelejo-Sucre, Colombia, South America. According to my mother's account, she went for what she believed to be a routine prenatal appointment. She was about 34 weeks pregnant at the time. The OBGYN doctor, Dr. Blanco, examined her and delivered an urgent message: "Are you ready to have this baby? Let's do it; the baby needs to come out yesterday. Your blood pressure is extremely high." The news was sudden, like a bolt from the blue. That very evening, she underwent an emergency C-section. I was born around 5 PM.

Brimming with joy at my arrival, my father brought mariachis to the hospital and serenaded us with the song "Eres mi Niña Bonita"—"You are my beautiful girl." His happiness was palpable, a testament to the strength of our family's love. Meanwhile, I was placed in an incubator, having arrived a bit more prematurely than expected, barely 34 weeks into gestation. My mother was filled with fear as she looked at my tiny, fragile form. She cried, worried I might not make it. Even my three-year-old cousin Diana, who came to visit, remarked on my long, skinny legs.

My early years were filled with the vibrant colors and sounds of our small town, Sincelejo-Sucre. I grew up surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of Colombia, from the lively music in the streets to the delicious aromas of our traditional dishes. My parents, Rocio and Manuel, instilled in me a deep appreciation for our Spanish heritage and the importance of family. Later on in this book, you may sense an ironic tone. The story of my name is a tale of creativity and fate. My father found a book or pamphlet with the French name Rosabelle. Thinking he could give it a Spanish twist, he removed the "-le," creating Rosabel. Later, he discovered that Rosabel was an English name. To add more layers to my identity, my mother chose Virginia as my middle name, another English name. Thus, I became Rosabel Virginia Gonzalez Quinones—a mix of English and Spanish names, with Gonzalez and Quinones reflecting my Spanish heritage. Quinones was a rare last name in our small town that stood out even in the local phone book.

Allow me to tell you about the most wonderful woman I have ever met—my mother, Rocio, whose name means "morning dawn." Affectionately known as "la seño" or "the teacher," she began her career as an elementary school teacher, proudly serving the government for 34 years. But her talents extended beyond the classroom; she was also a well-known dress decorator in our small town. Towards the end of her life, she pursued a master's degree in arts, showcasing her dedication to lifelong learning and personal growth. Her commitment to education and self-improvement has always been a guiding light in my life. My mother was one of the founders of the elementary school where she served for many years, and her name remains etched in the school hymn and emblem—a testament to her lasting impact.

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The Courage to Succeed: A true American Dream; Book Series -Foreword

 

Foreword

I reflected deeply on the experiences and influences shaping my life and career when I began writing this book. This book is not just a collection of thoughts and stories; it is a tapestry woven from the threads of my personal and professional life. The inspiration for this book comes from a lifetime of learning and growth punctuated by moments of joy, challenge, and profound realization.

In writing this book, I aim to share the knowledge and insights I have gained over the years. I hope to offer a perspective that resonates with readers, providing them with tools and reflections that may aid them in their own journeys. Whether seeking to understand health and wellness better or simply looking for a companion in your thoughts on life, this book is for you.

Writing has been as enlightening as it has been challenging. It has reminded me of the importance of perseverance, self-reflection, and shared stories' transformative power. As you read these pages, I hope you find both solace and inspiration and perhaps a bit of your own story reflected in mine, forging a connection through our shared human experiences.

In these pages, I embark on a journey through time and memory, tracing the footsteps of my past to understand the path ahead better. Join me as I explore the profound impact of beginnings, such as the complexities of identity and the enduring quest for meaning in a world shaped by history and hope.

From the mistaken French-inspired name 'Rosabella' to my mother's deliberate choices of 'Virginia' as my middle name and the Spanish solid surnames Gonzalez and Quinones, my identity was shaped by layers of heritage and circumstance. But how can you share your story and truth without dishonoring the ones you love?

I deeply love my father and mother. However, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to share my story. As I write these pages, I strive to be as objective and truthful as possible, acknowledging that there will always be a subjective element. My intention is not to offend or dishonor anyone. When people, especially those who have known me since childhood, read this book, they will see that I have opened my heart and shared my experiences with the utmost respect, without embellishment or omission. My life has been shaped by learning experiences, both my own and others, and this book can offer a breath of fresh air, fostering learning and healing.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Your companionship and understanding mean the world to me. May this book serve as a beacon of hope, strength, and love, a testament to the power of shared experiences and the resilience of the human spirit.

Warm regards,

 

Rosabel Zohfeld

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The Courage to Succeed: A true American Dream; Book Series -Dedicatory

Dedicatory 

This book is dedicated to the memory of my mother, whose unwavering love and boundless wisdom inspire me daily. Her spirit lives on these pages, guiding my journey with her enduring grace and strength.

To my beloved children, may you always find courage and joy in every step of your path. Your laughter and curiosity are my greatest treasures, and I hope this book serves as a testament to the power of love and resilience that she instilled in us all.

To my wonderful husband, whose steadfast support and love provides the foundation upon which I build my dreams. Your partnership means the world to me.

And to those angels called friends, whose kindness, understanding, and companionship make life's journey brighter and more meaningful. Your presence in my life is a gift I cherish deeply.