Empower U - Ann Gregory

Our graduates keep making a difference in the lives of others in their families and communities.

It has been approximately a month since I attended Empower U. It was one of the most incredibly unique experiences of my life to date. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to attend. It opened my eyes to many aspects of my life I was not in touch with and I make daily effort to stay focused with the goals I've established for myself.

My Empower U experience has made me think a lot about my family and friends and how much I appreciate them. I am lucky to have a large, extended family that has always offered love and support. I also am blessed with many terrific friends who I have grown with and learned from over many years.

I feel more awake and in touch with my life since attending Empower U. I have taken action on many things I only thought about doing before.

I have lost four good friends and one cousin in the last 10 years. Experiencing these losses deeply affected me in countless ways. I do not communicate with the parents of the friends/cousin who died, but I think of their children often.

Since I have returned from Empower U, I have written the families of my friends and cousin to tell them what wonderful people their children are and let them know what a difference they made in my life and life lessons that they taught me. This was very important for me to do because I think so much about these people, but never let them know. I can't imagine how difficult life has been for them - loosing their child - and wanted to make sure they knew that the memory of their children and my friends is present today. I am glad I made the effort to write them because I have thought about doing it for many years and had never done it. Instead of holding on to the memories and feelings I have today, I shared them with people who they would mean a lot to. It is a very small gesture, but it is very important to me that they know their children are not forgotten.

I feel more awake and in touch with my life since attending Empower U. I have taken action on many things I only thought about doing before.

The phrase, "Up until now…" has a whole new meaning to me!!

Thank you.

Ann Gregory (Team 278)