Working Woman

I realized that I've said absolutely nothing about the essence of me...my education and career. So much of who I am today is a result of my desire to be professionally successful.

As a 16 year old, I knew that I wanted to be an accountant. At that young of an age, I had no idea what that meant, but I knew I wanted to be an accountant. I enrolled in an elective in high school which was entitled accounting, but it was truly was simply a class in bookkeeping. I finished this simulated small business program so far ahead of schedule that my teacher gave me a different random curriculum. Most notably, she nominated me to represent my high school in a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) accounting competition (DORK). The first was a regional contest on some random city on the peninsula of VA. I took the test and was like ehh okay, I fulfilled my responsibility. And Won 1st place. This took me to the state competition in Crystal City, VA. I was like ehhh okay, I fulfilled my responsibility. And I won 2nd place. This took me to the national competition in Chicago. lol, the story ends there...I didn't quite place in national. But it was an AWESOME opportunity and I got to go to Chicago for free.

So I enroll in my top rated undergrad university and from day 1 was focused on getting into the business program. The business program was uber-competitive, as it admitted approx 300 students per year. I was accepted, excelled academically, was elected to the student council. I was that one black woman in a top rated business program that was admirable. My professors loved me and ALWAYS looked out for me.

At one point I had a "woah is me," do I major in finance or accounting melt down. My professor, advised me to stick with accounting. Accounting is the language of business and that background/education is invaluable. Oh, did I mention that he was also the dean of a program in which you got a free masters in accounting and a job at one of the big 5 accounting firm? He asked where I wanted to be after graduation and I said the durty souf. As a result, as a 3rd year, I flew down to ATL and was wined and dined by the firm.

I interned, got the full-time job and was accepted into the Masters Program. I worked HARD and received recognition and praise for the hard work. Amidst of working, I passed the CPA exam sections the first time I took them. In my mind, there was no option other than to excel.

I put in 4 years at the firm. It was an invaluable experience. However, I lost who I was. I worked 60-70 hours a week...best example of how domineering the job was: One lazy Sunday I was about just about to handle business with the beau. Phone rang and the Manager was like can you come in. I was in my birthday suit for goodness sake, on a Sunday enjoying my weekend. That was a common occurrence. I could no longer truly nurture relationships and working with a PSYCHOBITCH boss drove me crazy. (5 other people quit under her, so it's not just me). So anywho, one day I returned a recruiter's phone call and told him, "If I'm not working at Accounting Firm, I'll work at ATL Fortune 500 Company."

He got me an interview and the knucklehead said, "Now SunFresh, these interviews are difficult. I interviewed a while ago and it was a no go." SunFresh: What's that got to do with me? Sho' Nuff, I got the job and JUST celebrated my 1 year anniversary.

I love my current job. I get to see how the business is run, but don't have the responsibility yet for making it run. Essentially I have a 3 year commitment in the department and when it's complete, I can interview anywhere in the finance/accounting department. That leaves things WIDE open.

I recently identified a woman that I truly admire. She's held various positions that I'm interested in...and on top of that, she's a married black mother of 2! Based on her role, I know she makes at least 6 figure and manages to balance her responsibilities as a mother with a demanding career. She is the prototype woman. I want her in my corner!

Whew. That was long. lol.