In 2011, I began the process of transforming my life from the inside (spiritually) and the outside (25% reduction in body fat at 49 years of age). I felt a desire to share a message of recovery message learned in Atlanta. Watch out world! I was on to Singapore and next Bali, Indonesia as the final destination. While training outside in Bali, I got this idea to teach resistance training on the beach. But I needed weights! I went from using cut tree stumps to creating a portable bag out of canvas that I could fill with sand.
I named it the E.i.O.G. (Earth is our gym) 1 (1st iteration) Bag. We developed a beach fitness community around this bag which also featured food and social outreach activities. But, what was “special sauce” that brought us together? Yes, I had a Facebook and instagram page that I taught myself how to use. Yet, I didn’t know the steps to build and grow a thriving worldwide community.
I didn’t know digital marketing and 9 years later I still don’t know it. A friend suggested Udacity for Digital Marketing and other degrees. The pandemic prices made it a bargain to try. I was unsuccessful in my initial attempt to learn what I didn’t know. For a few months I continued paying 99.00 a month into a program I never fully tried, but then quit. Too expensive. I continued not knowing how to build my community. I am approaching 60 years of age, on crutches with a torn meniscus/ACL tear and a partner who is 4 months pregnant. Was it the end of my dreams? Have I lost the chance to make a positive imprint on the world? My problem was,
- I felt that I didn’t have the time to learn digital marketing for my business and my life.
- I knew I needed to find the money and take the time to learn.
Where is the money going to come from to study Digital marketing? Should I re-enroll in Santa Monica College where I learned graphic design, U/X, HTML, and design research?
Then one day, while planning a trip to SMC to have a conversation with my counselor, Udacity contacted me promoting the ONE TEN Free Scholarship Award. I thought about my negative experiences connected with my first go round with UDACITY. My overall desire to become better overruled those negative thoughts, and I applied anyway.
It was February and the scholarship wasn’t awarded until April. I was ready to improve right now! April felt so far off! But I waited. I even suggested ONE Ten to my family and friends. Imagine my surprise when I received notice of winning. Not only did I win, but I am receiving the support I had hoped for. I am even more optimistic about the future for myself, family and our new addition, Sól, due here June 27th.
Thank you One Ten for making it possible.