In my third article on inspiring woman this month, I am excited to introduce my interview with Kelly Marie Hamon- a dynamic trainer. When I first started talking with Kelly and getting to know her, I was stuck by her passion and energy. I just had to get to Kelly to share her journey . Kelly has an amazing story of courage, strength and inner wisdom. I hope you are as inspired as I am.
A brief background
I taught many years within the community before becoming a professional teacher in 2004. When I was a young child I was diagnosed with a learning disability. I’ve just learnt differently than others. My challenges have made me a dynamic instructor/trainer. I have a unique perspective on learning and have been able to assist many people who were falling through the cracks.
When I was a young child I was diagnosed with a learning disability in English (reading/writing) and Math. I often joke; ‘English isn’t my first language’. I could not read until 8 th grade. No one believed I would be able to get through high school. I remember hearing my mother cry to her friend about my disability and her concern for my future.
When I was 14, I attended an early morning program in the L.D.S. Church.That year they were reading the New Testament. I wanted to be able to read like everyone else was, this is what I call positive peer pressure. So every night I tried, and prayed to be able to read…this went on for quite a while with marginal success until one day I found I was able to read the scriptures by myself. I went on to get an Associates Degree, a Bachelors Degree and then a Masters Degree.
Your journey to become a trainer and the obstacles you overcame
My mother was always supportive, she always told me I could do anything I set my mind to. In my first student teaching experience, the teacher in charge was very critical. The experience was terrible. Thankfully a dear and sweet teacher gave me rave reviews and gave me tons of opportunities–-she trusted and believed in me and built me up.
I thought I would be seen as a fraud if anyone knew about my disabilities because I continued to see myself as stupid. Some days I still struggle, specially if I’m stressed. It wasn’t until 2014 that I began to openly talk about my disabilities, listening to my inner voice and my extremely supportive husband -I felt it was time. My students positive responses gave me the courage to tell my story/struggles to others–-it’s been freeing to finally be open about that part of me.
Lessons you would tell your younger self
My top 5 lessons are:
- “You are not your disability”
- “Believe in yourself”
- “Walk through the fires of fear because you have plenty of gifts to share and bless peoples lives with”
- ”Realize your disability will help you understand others”
- ”Listen to the supportive voices of friends and family and stay away from people who would bring you down”.
Hopes/goals/exciting news for the future
I started my business this year–-I teach small business owners, entrepreneurs and educators how to use social media effectively. Find out more here:https://twitter.com/KellyHamon
My ultimate goals is to be on stage, talking to 1,000 people and getting them to do things they never thought they would be able to do. I also want to become a philanthropist like my friend , who believed in me and my abilities to become a trainer.
I hoped you enjoyed!
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