“I embrace mistakes, learning and growing from them. Setbacks won’t stop me. I’ll keep pushing forward, undeterred by challenges.”
In the vibrant city of Houston, the home of diverse cultures and boundless opportunities, inspiring stories of triumph and resilience often take center stage. This blog proudly presents Michelle Marin – a true shining star. Her journey from Paraguay to the United States and her incredible rise within our organization is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and unwavering belief in oneself.
We are honored to present our conversation with Michelle, where she openly and passionately shares her amazing journey. Her honest insight is bound to motivate and uplift others.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I was born in New York 28 years ago, but when I was three years old, my family moved to Paraguay, where I was raised. Six years ago, I made the life-changing decision to return to the United States in pursuit of better opportunities and professional growth. It was a challenging decision, as I wasn’t fluent in English at the time, but I knew it was the right path for me.
Can you describe your journey to the United States?
Returning to the United States was a leap of faith for me. I knew that if I could work here, I would be able to afford to study and create a better future for myself. However, leaving behind my culture, family, and friends was extremely difficult. Adapting to the American educational system, the online world and dealing with the added challenges of the COVID era was tough. But something inside me told me to keep going, to keep trying, and with the unwavering support of my family, I persevered.
How did these challenges shape you as a person?
The educational workload was initially intimidating, but I learned to take it one day at a time, giving my best effort each day without becoming overwhelmed. This approach to challenges has also been invaluable in my professional life, allowing me to navigate uncertainty and take on new roles with confidence and determination.
What does Hispanic heritage mean to you? How do you stay connected to your roots?
My Paraguayan heritage is a vital part of my identity. I take immense pride in my culture, the warmth of my people, and our strong work ethic. Even though I was born in the US, I feel wholly connected to Paraguay. I embrace our traditions and customs and even learned how to cook traditional dishes from my mother.
What does the tagline “Don’t let anything dim your light” mean to you?
This tagline resonates deeply with me. It reminds me that mistakes are a part of life, but I must embrace my potential and learn from those mistakes to grow. I won’t let setbacks hold me back, and I’ll continue pushing forward, no matter the challenges.
What do you think is unique and special about Houston?
Houston’s diversity is one of its most exceptional qualities. The city is a beautiful blend of cultures, backgrounds, and dreams. I love the mix of personalities and the warmth and humility I find in the Hispanic community here. Houston’s potential is boundless, and there’s always something exciting to do.
What is that one word that summarizes your life journey so far?
Resilience. I embrace my ability to bounce back from challenges, proving to myself time and time again that I can overcome any obstacles. While I admit to being my own harshest critic, my relentless pursuit of self-improvement fuels my success.
How do you think communities can support immigrants?
Communities play a crucial role in supporting immigrants. A word of encouragement can make all the difference in empowering someone to explore new paths and opportunities. Having experienced the difficulties of navigating the education system, I advocate for building stronger support networks to guide newcomers through the intricacies of a foreign land.
Michelle Marin is a Gem Among Us
In Michelle Marin, we have found not just a valued employee but an inspiration to all her colleagues. Her journey to success highlights the power of resilience, the significance of embracing one’s heritage, and the beauty of diversity in Houston. As she continues to thrive within our organization, Michelle’s story should be taken as inspiration for those facing their own challenges.
As Michelle puts it, “I won’t give up; I might fail again, but I will always try again – I will prove to myself that I can do it.” And do it she shall, continuing to inspire others and leaving an indelible mark on the Just Energy family.
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