I Got A Story To Tell.

Hello friends!

I decided that this weeks newsletter should be a little more personal. Everyone's got a story to tell. But you know what? Every story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. And yours hasn't finished yet!

It's not easy to see the world through rose-tinted glasses when it feels like everything is falling apart around you. But don't worry—it will all work out in the end, I promise!

Story Time

Let me tell you a quick story about my journey through college and how I ended up in insurance:

a few years ago, I started my freshman year of college with the idea that I was going to be a mechanical engineer who designed roller coasters. My first two years of mechanical engineering classes were tough, and I almost lost my scholarship due to my failing grades in math (Shocker). During my last term of my sophomore year, before I was sent home for a term, one of my favorite teachers highlighted a philosophy paper I wrote and asked if I had ever thought about being a Philosophy major. After a few conversations, I changed one of my classes to Philosophy that term and to my surprise, I got an A in the class.

I spent that next term back home with family, studying up on Philosophy and figuring out what can a Philosophy major do. And just so everyone knows, Philosophy majors are in almost every field. I felt as though my college story was over, and my options were limited. One of mentors from College AIM , a program that collaborates with partner schools and districts to provide college and financial aid guidance and exposure and continued counseling through college graduation to ensure that Greater Atlanta students achieve their ambitions, reminded me that as one door closes then another one opens. That winter, I returned to college and changed my major to Philosophy.

Things were on the uphill and I ended up graduating college with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. I stayed with my grandma for a year, and during that year I worked as a locksmith programming car keys. At the time, I didn't have a car to get around and I was feeling lost and unaccomplished. I searched for a new job, and just when things were getting rocky at my old employer I received a call from a insurance company who was willing to help me get my license and teach me how to understand insurance. I quit my job and worked on building my brand in the insurance industry. The first few months were a struggle while I figured things out, and it felt like everyone around me didn't understand my plan or what I was trying to accomplish.

But then something amazing happened: after months of grinding and working 60+ hours a week, I finally was able to get my own apartment and be able to afford outings with my friends. I started taking trips and going to fancy restaurants but, more importantly, I didn't feel as through I was struggling just to make ends meet.

No matter what trials and tribulations you've faced in your life, no matter how long it's been since things were good or bad, no matter how hard things got or how easy they seemed at times—you will over come them. And then just when you think you're done with a story, something else happens and suddenly it feels like it's only just beginning.

I decided to dedicate this newsletter to sharing our stories with each other. LinkedIn is about connecting with business professionals and creating relationships. I want YOU to share YOUR story with the world! The good stuff, the bad stuff… everything! It doesn't matter how big or small or insignificant something seems—your story matters because it's yours and it shows your ability to push through when things seem bad! I know it's hard sometimes—to believe in yourself or believe that things will get better—but they will! Your story isn't over yet, and it never will be. Until next time...

This is Kortay Powell, Live from the 6