We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mariela Gonzalez-Nieves a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mariela, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
There were quite a number of obstacles that presented themselves as I was attempting to achieve my life goals. From taking 8 buses a day to work and attend college. To being a single mother of a toddler during that time. No help from the system was provided as it wasn’t available for degree seeking individuals. Ultimately, I achieved my goals. Earning a B.S. in chemical engineering, published with the Cleveland Clinic, but more importantly, outlining the path for my son’s success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m an artist at heart. Sketching puts me in a great state of mind. I appreciate the tranquility it brings and allows me to express myself to the fullest. I hope to sell my art one day in the near future. But for now I enjoy the time away from all else when taking a break to sketch.
Photography is also near and dear to me. Black and white photos are rare nowadays but continue to be my favorite. Adding a little color is also fun and unique. While I’m not as good as sketching at the moment, I will continue to hone my skills.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Persistence, resilience, and learning from mistakes.
No matter how difficult it became at times, giving up wasn’t an option. Learning what resources were available made a great impact. Especially when it came to my son and his career goals. From what I learned, he was able to graduate with a computer engineering degree at 21 years of age. Regardless of what life throws at you, pushing to the very end is important. Your learnings and experiences can be used to help loved ones.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“The Power of a Positive No” by William Ury
Some of us have a very difficult time saying no. Whether to family members, friends and loved ones, or even at work.
This book provided a step by step guide for setting boundaries without losing those relationships.
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