This Journey
Hi Everyone,
So, I thought that I would share a little bit about myself and thank anyone that might be reading this, for…well… reading this. A little info….I am a mother of two beautiful children, Sammie who is 2 and Zach who is 9 ( I should mention that he will hopefully be testing for his black belt in February 2010).
Besides Tae Kwon Do, I work full time and am a full time mother. I didn’t really become interested in Martial Arts until about 10 years ago, when I was a Social Worker in Milwaukee, WI. To be honest, I saw a movie with Billy Blanks and Ashley Judd and thought it’d be really cool.
So, the next day I found a dojo and signed up. It was great, I loved being there and it was the only exercise that I did that I actually stuck with. Well, after two years, the DOJO closed and circumstances in my life brought me back to Northern WI, where I had grown up.
It was October 14, 2005 when I walked into the Leadership Academy for my intro lesson, and a little less than four years later I earned my black belt. I did not join with that initial intention of getting my black belt, I joined because I wanted to workout, but also spend some quality time with my son. It was the best thing that I ever did. I tell you this because as Mr. Engels always says….everyone joins for their own reasons, and
I think that letting the world know what my initial intentions were is important. So, after earning my black belt, Mr. Engels asked me if I’d be interested in being an instructor. I had no idea what I was getting into…but I do now! That brings me to this challenge. It’s a pretty huge one…for me! While on this journey and completing this challenge, I will continue to work my full time job, continue to be a student at the academy, as well as help to teach others, and most importantly I will continue to provide and care for my children.
VERY big responsibilities, along with the responsibility of holding myself accountable with the help of everyone here, and my own support system. I won’t be able to do this challenge on my own, I need everyone’s support, encouragement and understanding that this is as much of a learning process as a journey.
BUT, I know that while doing this I will learn SO MUCH, and in turn make some very positive changes in my life that can only help me become a better mother, daughter, martial artist, student, instructor, employee and friend. In turn, I can pass onto others what I have learned…both from successes and mistakes. So please go on this journey with me, help me to meet the goals set forth and encourage and support…and I ALWAYS welcome any advice or suggestions!
Thanks for reading…stay tuned for more!
Ms. Stough
(My name is Jen, and I feel really old being called Ms. Stough, so please feel free to use my first name) 
