SUBMITTED BY NIKITA JORDAN, AGE 37
My story comes to you thanks to US Airways. I was reading one of the magazines that they have in the pocket of the seat in front of you and came across your "Bounce Back Article". I was so moved by the introduction and the 1st few chapters that I read. What moved me was that I was on my way back from Atlanta visiting family and friends for the labor day weekend and received word VIA EMAIL that my position was being terminated and that I was being LAID OFF AGAIN, 2500 miles from the family and friends that I was just visiting with. You see I'm originally from Atlanta, and took a job in Bend, Oregon when I was laid off in August of 2008.
The news devasted me so bad that I was depressed, and just so hurt. Here I am just took a position with this company in December of 2008, 2500 miles from the only family I know, only to find myself jobless again. My 16 year old daughter was my sole motivation behind my decision to move. She thought it would have been cool to try something different, See something different. She is still my motivation to this day because she wants to stay in Bend Oregon (Population 89K) til she finishes high school.
Once I read your article it also motivated me to snap out of this depressed state and make the most of what I have. It gave me hope and courage to stay strong not only for myself but for my daughter as well. Jobs may be hard to come by in this area but I'm going to do all I can to make the most of it, with your help of course (smile). Coach just like you my daughter has a real drive to play basketball, she is 6 feet tall at 16 and continues to grow.
I don't know if it's the don't quit attitude that she has when she is palying AAU and YBOA or involved in some summer league that has her so hyped up but between you and her I hope that we come out of this with flying colors. You see when I received the news via email that I didn't have a job anymore, the first thing I thought was how am I going to pay my bills (rent,light,gas water...etc), how are we going to survive, I'm 2500 miles from home and don't even have money to get back home, what am I going to do. I did'nt have any answers to those questions and I got really scared, and I'm still scared. But I have faith that with your coaching help things will work out just fine. There is a reason I believe for everything. Right now I'm trying to save up enough extra money so that I can by the book that brought me to you. I believe it truly was fate that lead me to you and I believe it will be faith that will lead me through. I am looking forward to this experience with you. Thank you.
