Meet Monica Kelly | MTS employee/Creditable Messenger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Kelly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?

My Favorite Quote: When you were made a leader you weren’t given a crown, you were given the responsibility to bring out the best in others.

Jack Welch

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I started working for MTS on November 4th, 2000. I started as a Temp with Apple Employment agency. I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do. I had responsibilities (Kids to raise) I didn’t know which way I was headed, I had very little computer skills. I knew It was calling. It was to help and assist those in need. My title was customer service. Office assistant. I changed my title to Information Specialist once I became a permanent full time employee March 18, 2009. I’m still employed after 23yrs with MTS. I’m also a sub-contractor for NCRC Nationals Conflict Restorative Center. I work closely with the DOJ/ The Juvenile Diversion Program

What sets me apart from others? hard question. I could say my upbringing, My parents didn’t raise me, I was raised by my grandmother. A lot of people have experienced growing up with one or more absent parents. I could say what set me apart from others, I’ve endured what would probably set a lot of people back. I’ve never been addicted to drugs “that wasn’t in me.” I dealt with a lot of death in my family. My first born son, My grandmother, My mother, my kids’ fathers, my father (both of them ) would’ve been easy for me to give up, disappear. I had my kids, I had responsibility so I managed to keep going. In spite of some of the darkest days of my life.

What I’m most proud of? I grew up in South-East San Diego in a community of gang violence’s, drugs, poverty etc. Someone who had and still has a lot of flaws, I am proud of myself, I was able to rise up out of ashes and persevere. I never imagined being at a job with little skills for as long as I have. Was it easy? No Sir. I wanted to quit so many times lol, I wanted to tell these people to kiss me (blank) but something inside me said NO! you’re going to continue to run this race. You’re going to set examples for your family, friends and every young girl who thinks that because of where they come from or how they were raised, they can’t do it .

Lessons.. hmm A quitter never wins, A winner never quits! You can’t worry about what the next person is doing or how they’re running their race. You have to run your OWN race at the pace God gives you.. Your journey is not like anyone else. It’s yours. Run accordingly.

I want the world to know: It doesn’t matter where you come from, how you were raised, what cards you were dealt. If you want bad enough, If you dream BIG! you can make that dream a reality. One of my favorite scripture in the bible is : Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

Fresh Soil Mentoring, It’s a brand I hope to expand. I want to take root in areas beyond anything I could imagine. I want to be that beacon of light for at risk youths/ girls. To assist young girls with the tool box of excellence. Filled with hope, empathy, compassion, support and whatever the need is at that time.

Our vision is simple: We aspire to be a symbol of hope to at-risk youth girls. I’d like to open my first “Fresh Space” assistance living home (I’ll leave it right there).

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Most of my friends know I’m Vegan/ pescatarian. Fish only! No dairy. I’d take them to a place I normally go, that has vegan options. Everyone knows about the taco shops in my neighborhood. There’s a place on the Harbor called Kings & Queens, Javier’s, Puesto Restaurant on the Harbor Dr. Eddie V’s, on the harbor Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar ( also on the harbor). a good cigar bar. (I like to good cigar every now and then )

There’s not many hang out spots I go to but when I do, I like going to the beach, again a good cigar bar. I’ll have a glass of wine or a shot of Hendricks Gin with tonic water and lime..

(smile) We may even hit up a MC club, shoot some pool, have a few drinks as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

To God I give all the praise and glory, He’s kept me for such a time as time. He’s molded, shaped, and sustained me through times I didn’t think or could ever imagine I’d get through. He’s neve given up on me, There were times I wanted to give up on myself.

2nd: My grandmother: She was the core of my upbringing. I applauded her strength, courage, sternness, and independence. I learned so much from her. (Smile) when she felt i wasn’t listening! I was taking notes in my head.

3rd My mother: She gave me life, I appreciate her now more than I ever have. The values, the talks, the scolding, discipline all played a part in my journey. She’s my guardian angel from above. RIP Mom Thanks for continuing to guide me.

4th. My children & grandchildren. To my 4 queens, Michele, Chakecia, Milliehsa, Khadijah You are my heart beat. I go real hard on you only because I love you beyond words. You 4 are the reasons I couldn’t just go through life with blinders. There’s no instruction on how to be a parent let alone a single parent, only experiences. I always have and will always continue to put you FIRST ( along with God) I You’ve shown me what unconditionally LOVE really is. You give me hope, love. You encourage me, support me, chastise me (when I don’t always get it right) You correct me with no judgement (No mom you could’ve handled that differently) My response “You’re right” I love you so much. I thank you in that same breath. Your mom is not near perfect. I’ve made mistakes along the way. I’m blessed that you’ve always been my safe place to land.

5. My grandchildren all 14 of them. Words can’t express the love I have for each of you. etched in my heart for you all. It would literally be the rest of this interview, to express the love I have “etched” in my heart (Meemee) is what they call me. Because of you all, I know what unconditionally love looks & feels like. I can do no wrong in your eyes. I pray God keeps me around long enough to witness your lives, flourish, your journeys, mistakes and your accomplishments. Jeramiah 29:

I know the plans I have for you, It’s to prosper you. I’ll just say this, live your lives to the fullest. Respect yourself, Try your hardest. If you fail! keep trying, you’ll get it. Stand up for yourself. Keep God FIRST in your hearts and in your lives, He’ll direct your paths.

Lastly : Fresh Soil Mentoring: The meaning of FRESH Newness, Fresh beginnings, Fresh Start. I gave birth to a vision because of my own lived experiences. A lot of what these young girls go through I’ve also gone through. Abandonment, self-low self worth, low self esteem. anxiety or ( GAD) Generalized Anxiety Disorder, depression, low self confidence. bad choices etc. I’ve been that girl too! I’ve walked in their shoes, I’ve been your tears. My primary goal is to remind you,” There’s joy outside our struggles, your issues, and challenges. There’s never a  testimony without a test. You’ll win if you race with swiftness, endurance, integrity and strength.

Website: www.freshsoilmentoring.org

Instagram: Freshsoil_2016

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/MonicaKelly

Facebook: Fresh Soil Mentoring

Image Credits
Fresh Soil Mentoring & Transitional Center, Shoe Drive World Wide, Paving Great Futures, Don’t try Do