It was my pleasure to interview this lovely young woman, and
I have been anxious to share her fascinating interview with all of you!
Name: Amanda
Age: 25
Family: Husband Youssef, Mikhail (6) and Khalil (3)
Job Title: Community Outreach
and Fund Development Coordinator for a non-profit literacy organization/homemaker/blogger
Favorite Part of Job:
When my husband immigrated to the US I was the primary breadwinner for about 4 years. This was very stressful
as the burden of financial support/health insurance/domestic duties was pretty much square on my shoulders. As my husband
has acclimated and re-trained in this country, I've now been able to get a job that I love doing and utilize my education
with a very flexible schedule that allows me to spend time with my family.
A little about yourself you want
others to know: I had my first son was I was 19 years old and just starting college. It was really very
important to me to complete my education, and even though many people felt this would be impossible I never let them get to
me. The day I graduated with my BA was honestly one of the most rewarding days of my life. I've seen myself shift
as the years have gone by from a career focused mom, to becoming open to and embracing the idea of having my career but also
seeing my life at home as just as important as my life at work.
What kind of ladies would you
recommend this job to? My day job is demanding but also incredibly rewarding as I see the hope and excitement
in people who are new to the United States. Working in this type of non-profit you have to have a lot of passion and excitement
for your job and also get used to hearing no. The best part of this job is that there is a big focus on family and I
am able to do my job but also no one bats an eye when I'm out for the day or a few hours late because of family obligations.
I have the ability to make my own schedule which for a mom, is a great deal. As for blogging - I really love it.
I think that women, especially those who have a special or specific talent or idea make great bloggers!
You used to live in
Washington DC-Now you live more west. Did you grow up in DC? Which of the two places do you like better, and why? We
did live in Washington although I grew up in Wisconsin. Our family really loved living in DC because it was so culturally
diverse and held so many opportunities for our children. However the one thing it didn't have was any family. We
ultimately moved back to WI for a lower cost of living and the chance to be closer to family. It's really a toss up
as to which we like(d) more but I know that Washington will always have a very special place in both of our hearts!
If you could tell the world one
thing about your family, what would it be? We're just like any other neighbor you might have! Often times,
especially since we have moved to a more rural location in Wisconsin (from Washington DC!)
people have been hesitant to approach or talk to us, because of our faith. I certainly don't want to turn this into
a political/religious debate but just put out there that we're just like everyone else, we love our families, our country
and neighbors!
What hobbies and activities
do you and your family enjoy? As a family we like to go swimming, play at the park and visit museums. It's
interesting for me because a lot of the things that I am exposing my kids to, I am also exposing my husband to for the first
time. It's really an interesting dynamic watching them all see things for the first time and experience them. When I get free time I love to read, paper craft
and draw or paint.
Who is your role model,
and why? My role model is my mom for sure. I never appreciated her when I was younger and maybe even
turned my nose up at her choice to stay home with my sister and I. Now as I have become a mom she and I are very close
and I really give her credit for the sacrifices she made for my sister and I. I only hope that one day my kids will
look back and think I did half as good a job as she did.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?(career, home, etc.) In 5 years (whew that's
a long time haha) I would like to be in a position to live a comfortable life. Hopefully building a career and still
being able to spend plenty of time with my kids.
