Today we’d like to introduce you to Marquita Nesbitt.
Hi Marquita; thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
My story began as a victim of domestic violence. It started in college as a typical love story. Girl meets boy. He plays football. Seemingly, it would have continued with falling in love and living happily ever after. For me, not so much. Life was good. I overlooked red flags because I was in love. I miscarried during my first pregnancy. Then, I got pregnant again. I felt like a caged bird. I suffered through multiple stressful events, altercations, fights, and levels of abuse. He was controlling, manipulative, and the list goes on. Although my story started with being a victim, I have acquired the strength to tell my story to individuals seeking to combat domestic violence and other life traumas. I created a non-profit called From Strength To Strength and wrote a book by the same name with a companion workbook.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
This has been challenging yet rewarding. I was afraid to open up and speak up. I was terrified of the opinion of people. Whew! The opinion, THAT indeed was my biggest struggle. This path has NOT been easy but the results and freedom I’ve experienced have made this journey so rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work for Richland 2 school district. I am a part of the SPED dept. I work for a program by the name of Project SEARCH. It’s a program that allows a school-to-work partnership program between the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department and the local school districts that place high school students with significant disabilities into a work environment. It helps them to learn transferable job skills, which many are hired by the business they intern with. I love this program because I am a mom of a loving son with a disability. I’m a person who naturally loves to serve people. I find pleasure in making sure others are taken care of. What sets me apart is that I can relate to both sides as a parent and a skills trainer.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To be you! Not everyone will accept you or your truth, and that’s ok. It’s your truth. No one can tell your story the way you tell your story. Regardless of how hard it may get on this journey, find your voice & know that you must use your struggle to gain strength.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.FS2S.org
- Instagram: frmstruggletostrength
- Facebook: From Struggle to Strength
