Boomerang Generation. I hadn’t heard of this term until I Googled “how many 30-somethings are living home with their parents?” According to Wikipedia, “boomerang generation is one of several terms applied to the current generation of young adults in Western culture who choose to co-habitate with their parents after a brief period of living on their own—thus boomeranging back to their place of origin.”

My Google search also found other statistics about young adults returning home. According to a poll for the National Endowment for Financial Education conducted by Harris Interactive, 40-percent of American adults aged 18 to 39 either live at home or have done so in the recent past.

And, infoplease.com shared the following stats: In 1960, approximately 1.1 million men and 853,000 women ages 25-34 years old lived at home, and in 2005, more than 2.6 million men and 1.5 million women ages 25-34 years old lived at home. I imagine current data would show those numbers have increased even more (keeping in mind that the total population is also increasing).

So, for those of you returning home in your 30s—don’t worry. You are far from alone. Let’s talk with someone who, not too long ago, decided that after living on her own for a few years, would go back home to Mom and Dad.

Jasmin Saheed, 31-year old Staten Island born, now living in Sparta, N.J. says, “The decision (to move home) was both difficult and easy. I knew what had to be done to get out of debt, but at the same time I still wanted to be on my own and I had a hard time letting that feeling go.” She goes on to candidly say, “I felt defeated, but I could not blame anyone but myself. My budgeting skills were non-existent and I’d whip out my credit card at every chance of a good time!”

Jasmin says she used her credit cards to pay for the necessities – gas, food, and clothing.  Eventually her credit card payments would gobble up her paychecks.

“I knew if I stayed like this, I would be in big trouble and the credit card grim reaper would team up with his bad credit score buddy and take me away to credit purgatory!” said Jasmin.

How many of us can relate to relying on our credit cards to pay for things? Jasmin didn’t move home without being on a mission, though. By moving home, Jasmin set in motion “Operation Debt-Free.”

“I focused on putting every dime that would have gone to rent and utilities to pay off my credit cards. I gave myself one year to pay off my debt and try to start a savings account,” said Jasmin. “I looked at my Operation Debt-Free Excel spreadsheet once a week and dreamed of the day I could write BIG FAT ZEROS in those little cells!”

Because Jasmin chose to use her time home with her parents wisely, one year and four months later, all of her credit card statements have zeroed out.

“Zip! Zilch! Nada!  I paid for someone’s salary at Visa with my finance charges,” Jasmin said (tongue in cheek).

She also got a promotion during Operation Debt-Free, so Jasmin was also able to add that money to her monthly payments to help speed along the process. And now, Jasmin’s next mission: Operation Buy a House. She started a savings account to help her achieve that goal.

While moving home may sound like a bummer, especially when you are in your 30s, if you are lucky enough to have this option and you choose to save your money (like Jasmin did) and not splurge because you no longer have rent due, the deal won’t be all that bad! Jasmin shares some of the perks of living at home:

“Dinner ready when I get home.  A fully-stocked refrigerator.  Never running out of toilet paper. A nice home to live in filled with love,” said Jasmin. “My parents are awesome people!  My friends can attest to that. When I’m invited to a party or an event, a lot of times it is followed up by ‘do your parents want to come?’ I am very grateful that I have such supportive parents that were there for me during my struggles.”

Jasmin is quick to point out though:  “Notice that my parents welcomed me back with open arms, but didn’t pay one penny towards my debt.  They are learn-from-your-mistakes kind of people, and I’ve learned that’s a good way to be because I WILL NEVER DO THIS AGAIN.  Lesson learned!”

She does admit, though, that she did feel down about living home, at times.

“I felt like an idiot. I never pictured myself living back with my parents,” said Jasmin. “I’m a grown-up just like them and I should be able to support myself. But my decisions about not being careful with my finances threw me a curve ball.”

On days when Jasmin struggled, she would focus on her debt-free goal in order to remain motivated.

“I never want to feel tied down by debit again!  I felt smothered and not in control, and my paychecks centered on my varying credit card payments. I never want to get into that vicious cycle again!”

Jasmin did receive some good managing-money advice along the way. She shares two tips with us:

“The first rule is set a firm budget and learn how to stick to it. It’s really hard to do, but once you do it there is less worrying about your finances every month,” said Jasmin. She goes on to share, “I have a calendar with my pay days and days my bills are due. The first thing I do on pay day is move my budgeted amount to savings, pay my bills, figure out my gas and food expenses, and then the rest is fun money for that pay period.”  And, the second rule, Jasmin matter-of-factly shares is, “if you can’t afford it, don’t buy it.”

As Jasmin demonstrates, being a member of the boomerang generation doesn’t need to be a bad thing—manage your finances and your time while living home wisely and before you know it you’ll be back out on your own again. But this time, you’ll have a larger savings account, no more debt stress, and better money management skills. Jasmin looks forward to the day when she can call a place her own, but until then, she’ll enjoy the home cooked meals and comfort in knowing there will always be another roll of toilet paper in the closet!

 Jasmin answers our Identity Five.

1. What have you accepted in your life that took time?
It’s OK that I’m not married by 27 and having kids by 29 like I dreamed of as a kid. Thirty is the new 20 and I still got it!

2. What do you appreciate the most in your life?  
I could say all the beauty pageant answers – my friends and family, the opportunities I’ve been given in life, and world peace. Those are a given.  I’m appreciative that my 8-year old car hasn’t broken down during my 100-mile per day commute (knock on wood). That I have actual cash to pay the “cash price” at the gas station. That I’m not allergic to peanuts or chocolate.  That in my life, I’ve had enough strength to get through everything brought upon me, and I hope I have enough strength for what is to come.

3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life?
Operation Debt-Free!!!

4. What is your not-so-perfect way?
Not being able to pay attention to a conversation I’m not interested in.  My mind wanders and then comes back for the end when the person is looking at me for a response.  Crap!  Focus Jasmin!  Focus!  I either answer with a question or fess up.

5. How would you complete the phrase, “I Love My…”?  
I love my…ability to have a good time wherever I am.

Jodi Ciampa is a former 7th grade reading and writing teacher, mother of an 8-year old son and 5-year old daughter, and aspiring author. What started out as a joke made by one of Jodi’s girlfriends – about how Jodi should have her own TV show giving advice to new and expectant moms – has turned into a new life goal.

“When my son was first born, I began keeping notes on what worked in regard to feeding, caring, sleeping, etc. for him. My husband and I knew we wanted more children, so my notes came in handy when our daughter was born,” said Jodi, who currently resides in Jefferson Township, NJ.

A fun-spirited conversation with a girlfriend, who was pregnant at the time and would come to Jodi for advice, is what sparked Jodi’s interest in creating an outlet to share advice with moms. That outlet came in the form of a book.

“I just want all mothers to know that it doesn’t matter what age, race, or part of the world you are from, we are all on this journey together,” Jodi said. “Being a mother is what bonds us together, and no one should suffer in silence. Motherhood can be a lonely job, but it doesn’t have to be.”

Jodi is in the midst of writing her book and faces many challenges.

“Honestly, I find, still, the most challenging part of writing and trying to publish my book is finding the time to do the legwork and research,” Jodi said. “I am a very involved stay-at-home mom, and although my book is all about them, I can’t seem to find the time in between their busy schedules to squeeze in time for me – let alone my writing.”

Jodi feels that making the time and pursuing her dream to publish an advice book for moms is worth it. She wants to help other women by letting them know they aren’t alone in how they feel – their fears and insecurities about being a good mom, making the best decisions, etc. Jodi says it’s important to create a sense of camaraderie amongst moms to know that there are others who can understand, relate, and learn from one another.

“The most rewarding part of writing my book is being able to share with others, knowing how much I have helped,” Jodi said. “Even if it is just so they know they are not alone in the way they are feeling or what they are going through, that makes me feel so good inside.”

When it comes to motivation and inspiration, Jodi doesn’t need to look that far! Her children, she said, motivate her to be a better person.  “Motherhood is such a hard job,” she added. “It makes you feel so much better to know that there are others who have gone through the same trials and tribulations. I’m inspired because one person can make a difference in many other lives.”

Jodi is thankful for her husband, who supports her in her advice book endeavor. She says that when it comes to balance, she makes it work because it’s that important to her.

“I do struggle with trying to figure out the best option for me to publish my book,” Jodi said. “I feel the hardest part is finding the time to sit down and research all my avenues. Ideally, I would like to find an agent to represent my book, but that has been difficult.  This is such a subjective industry, and I haven’t yet found the one who clicks with my writing.”

So, Jodi is working towards having her book published. One day, Jodi says, she’d love to see her writing in print either in magazine or book form – to reach as many mothers as possible.

“If I could share a ‘pearl of wisdom’ to mothers it would be to know they are not alone,” Jodi said. “It is so important to find a support group to share your feelings and problems with people who will understand. Just knowing other mothers are out there who can have compassion for what you might be facing, makes a world of difference.”

Jodi Ciampa answers the Identity Five

1. What have you accepted in your life that took time?
What I have accepted in my life is that I cannot change the things that are out of my control. I have accepted them, and why I am the person that I am. Everything happens for a reason. I live my life believing that.

2. What do you appreciate the most in your life?
It’s not a ‘what’ for me; it’s a ‘who.’ Who I appreciate the most in my life is my husband. He has given me so much emotionally. I know I would not be the person I am today if it was not for him coming into my life. July 21, 1996 – was the best day of my life.

3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life?
Of course, my children are the most rewarding achievements. I look at them and they make all the little dumb stuff seem so insignificant.

4. What is your not-so-perfect way?
I am critical of myself and don’t always look on the positive side of things. I can do it for other people, but not always for myself.

5. How would you complete the phrase, “I Love My…”?
I just love my life. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true. Sure, I’d love to be prettier or skinnier or have more money, but I wouldn’t change a thing in my life, neither past, present, or future.

By Kimberly Elmore

“I am not falling apart, I am unfolding.” That was Deborah Olivo Franqui’s mantra during one of the darkest periods in her life. At 53 years old, while facing an embarrassing and local media-focused divorce, being laid off from a corporate job, and facing the incredulity of starting over…Deborah felt overwhelmed. 

“In addition to my corporate job, some 10 years ago I opened my practice as a neuromuscular therapist,” says Deborah. “Armed with a background in aromatherapy during what would seem my darkest hours, I would sit alone at my kitchen table and just create calming, healing recipes with natural oils. I wanted to give something (in my own small way) that could help make a difference for someone as well as myself.”

She had no idea that her hallmark as a giver with a commitment to health and wellness for her family and community would offer the stability and focus necessary for this extraordinary accomplishment.  Seeing that she had an amazing opportunity for a ‘do over,’ Deborah decided to move forward with her dream.

“When I needed something to sanitize and refresh my treatment room and couldn’t find anything without harsh chemicals and fake smells, I did lots of research and mixed up my own concoction of environmentally-friendly natural essential oils and put it in a spray bottle,” says Deborah. “For years, I used the spray and clients would ask me where I got it and how they could get hold of it.”

After 10 years of using the spray with her clients, Deborah felt as though she was at a crossroad.  Everything was changing around her – the economy had pushed her out of a job and personal things were evolving.  Deborah’s best friend said, “just do it.”  So, VidaAire was born.  

“You can say I created a ‘green’ product when it was considered just a color and not a lifestyle,” says Deborah. 

As Deborah embarked on this new chapter in her life, she was met with some challenges as she launched VidaAire. “I think for anyone starting a business the number one challenge (after facing your fears) is finances,” says Deborah.  “I reached out to my community for help and found some great resources here in New Jersey.  One of the most important was The Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship Corp.  They helped me to see that there was a real demand for VidaAire.  They worked with me providing mentorship and coaching, as well as a microloan for my new business. “

Deborah believes networking is also imperative.  She is a fan of women’s groups because the dynamic is supportive, encouraging, educational, and helpful.  Deborah says she’s made some of her most valuable contacts through networking.

This journey towards creating VidaAire and becoming an entrepreneur has offered great rewards to Deborah.  She says,“Embarking on the decision to become an entrepreneur is very revealing to your untapped talents because it forces you to see that you are a leader, you are creative, you are a problem solver, and that what you can offer is valuable and viable.”

Deborah has a rich family history of flora and fauna.  Her mother, Flor (whose name means flower) instilled this appreciation at an early age.  Even though they lived in the city, Deborah’s grandmother would always turn to herbs and plants to make them feel better.  

“VidaAire is founded on the idea of creating a product using only pure, natural, and organic essential oils.  It is this way of life, simple, pure, natural and honest that is exemplified in VidaAire” says Deborah.  “VidaAire is an evolution of me, created from a commitment to healthy living and appreciation for a natural lifestyle that inspired a new direction.”

Deborah credits her essential oils as a tool that helps her feel balanced and calm. Deborah says that the state of creativity can only be achieved through being calm.  She has a cornucopia of ways to stay calm, balanced, focused and clear headed through essential oils.

“Because essential oils are the life blood of a plant/flower, you receive a concentrated form of benefits that the plant actually uses to survive,” says Deborah. “When you inhale these oils, you inhale these properties into your lungs, and it is then dispersed through your bloodstream giving you a physical effect.  Thus, lavender smells good, but this is also why it is calming.”

At first, Deborah, found it a little unsettling to be an entrepreneur because it worried her to know that she was calling the shots and in charge of the outcome. She’s become more comfortable with this title because being an entrepreneur means being an innovative business leader, a role that women unfortunately have not been familiar with.  However, what gets overlooked is that women, says Deborah, already are the CEO of our families, efficiently taking on multiple roles of career, wife, and mother.  So, why not lead with the same nurturing commitment as an entrepreneur? 

“Not many people have the opportunity to do what they love and be rewarded on the emotional and physical level,” says Deborah. “And what they love is usually found in a skill or talent they don’t see as valuable in the marketplace. I encourage you to take a second look; you may find that what you thought was a lump of coal is actually a diamond.”


VidaAire is growing and customers are already requesting additional products such as car and room diffusers, sanitizing hand soap, odor eliminators for gym bags and sneakers, and pet spray. Deborah would also like to develop a nature-based education outreach program for communities because, as Deborah believes, the greener we get, the cleaner we get, and the greener we are, the healthier we are, for today and tomorrow.

In keeping with Identity’s mission of Accept. Appreciate. Achieve., below are some more questions that fit in with that theme:

What have you accepted in life that has taken time?

Deborah: “I’ve accepted that it is not about what I know or don’t know.  Just do it.  And the lessons will uncover the rest.”

What do you appreciate most in your life?

Deborah: “That everyone starts with a blank page and anything is absolutely possible.”

What are your most rewarding achievements in life?

Deborah: “Knowing that being uncomfortable is an opportunity for a lesson.  When life’s situations make me uncomfortable, I know I’m in the middle of a lesson. Life will never test you where you are strong; it tests you where you need to reinforce your character. “

What is your not-so-perfect way?

Deborah: “Making lasagna and dancing. ”

Complete the phrase, “I Love My…”


Deborah: “I Love My…Smile ‘cause I’m worth it.”

By Kimberly Elmore

Two New York-based therapists embarking on motherhood had a similar idea. Go into private practice so that each could maintain a career and be a new mom. For the past six years, Patty DeVost and Diane Lykes have been working together not just as therapists, but also as creative forces behind an online dating website, OppositesConnect.com, which is based on the principle, “opposites attract.”



“A couple of years ago, Larry Wilson, asked if I could assist him in developing a dating website with a different slant,” said Lykes. “His belief was that opposites attract, but most dating websites focus on connecting people who are very similar.”

DeVost added, “We jumped on board with this project because not only do we believe in the concept from our clinical experience with relationship counseling, but it was a fun and exciting endeavor as we looked to expand our practice. As the old saying goes, ‘things happen when you least expect them.’ “

Both women cite finding balance as the most challenging aspect of maintaining their own businesses. They both have growing families, private practices, as well as OppositesConnect.com. So, how do they balance it all?

“I create balance by practicing the art of self care. When I take care of myself through bike rides, yoga, and spending time with friends and family, I never feel over whelmed or burned out,” said Lykes.

DeVost says she checks in with herself frequently and plans in order to build balance—she adds that knowing when to ask for help and prioritizing what’s important are the keys to successful balance.

With challenges come rewards. Making a living helping others makes for a very rewarding career for DeVost and Lykes. Together, with Kathleen Ryan, another therapist, they have created a relaxing, private, spa-like atmosphere for their clients at their private practice. And, working on OppositesConnect.com is a bonus to their already fulfilling professional lives.



“I love having diversity in my professional life and feel blessed that I am able to own my own business, do what I love,” said DeVost.

Lykes added, “I love being a part of new projects, think tanks, and adventures of all kinds. It’s what makes me feel the most alive.”

DeVost’s and Lykes’ wheels are already turning when it comes to expanding their businesses. Lkyes says she would love to buy a big, old house or unique building that they can move their practice into – they would add more therapists and other professionals (acupuncturists, nutritionists, massage therapists, etc.) so that their clients can have access to a full range of services. And, they will continue to work with Wilson on OppositesConnect.com.

“Diane and I are also writing a book that will offer insight into the world of relationships through a unique perspective. We hope this will enable us to reach many people and create positive results in their dating and relationships.”



DeVost and Lykes are multi-tasking entrepreneurs – two businesses, lots of success.



“My mother was right when she said there are great benefits to surrounding yourself with smart people…you become who you spend time with.” 


In keeping with Identity’s mission of Accept Appreciate Achieve, below are some more questions that fit in with that theme:

What have you accepted in life that has taken time?


DeVost: I have accepted the fact that people are inherently good, but sometimes make bad choices. That adversity is inevitable and reactions are unpredictable. Forgiveness allows you to be free from the mistakes of others.


Lykes:  I have learned to let go of things that make me feel unhappy, uncomfortable, or angry. I use mantras like, “Is it more important to be right or to have peace” and I keep better track of how my own thoughts affect my mood. It is easy to ruminate on something that is upsetting, but it leads you nowhere. I think it’s so much better in life to be proactive vs. reactive. It’s hard to do sometimes, but it’s always worth it.

What do you appreciate most in your life?


DeVost: I appreciate family. I have a wonderful nuclear and extended family that becomes more precious by the day. They are the constant on the roller coaster of life.


Lykes: I appreciate many things in my life. I have a wonderful husband. My friends say he is the rock and I am the kite. I am a dreamer, but it’s good to have him to also keep me grounded.  My two boys are so much fun. They are six and eight now and we have many adventures together. They make me appreciate the value of playing and laughing!

What are your most rewarding achievements in life?


DeVost: I would have to say that it is being able to ‘do it all.’  I have a good marriage, raising children, managing a full time career and business while finding time to enjoy myself.


Lykes: My greatest rewards come from doing the things I fear the most. I remember a quote I read from Eleanor Roosevelt many years ago that said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”  As women, we can be our own worst critics. We are hard on ourselves (mostly unnecessarily) and compare ourselves to others thinking, ‘they are a better mother, more successful, and thinner.’ In reality, we have to learn to accept ourselves for who we are and stop comparing ourselves to others.  It doesn’t serve us in any way and breaks our spirit.  I believe that our self-esteem derives from taking risks and doing things that scare us. When we do this, we feel a natural high afterward and our confidence soars.

What is your not-so-perfect way?


DeVost: I must admit, I can be very head-strong and persistent when I have an idea.  This probably equates to my successes, but it can be annoying and challenging for those around me.


Lykes: I get excited about new ventures and projects, and some will come to fruition and some will fall flat. My husband, friends, and colleagues are supportive and kind and they always humor me when they think, ‘there she goes again!’

Complete the phrase, “I Love My…”


DeVost: I Love My…life!


Lykes: I Love My…adventure!

By Kimberly Elmore

To create a place where women could discover and cultivate the purpose and meaning of their lives. That’s what Bettina Jetter and her husband, Mike set out to do when they had the idea to create Coaching Sanctuary (www.coachingsanctuary.com).

“Mike and I were on a vacation in the Piedmont area of Italy. At the time, we already knew that we wanted to create a service to help women over the age of 40 create lives of purpose and meaning. We knew there was a need for it, but we didn’t know exactly what it would be,” said Bettina. “While we were hiking through the vineyards of Piedmont we brainstormed a lot about our new company, and we came up with our business model. After our return, we formed a focus group and started development.”

From the start, the Jetter’s focus was on innovation—not just to be unique, but to find new ways to make life transformation a reality. According to Bettina, Coaching Sanctuary is making breakthroughs in its category because it’s more comprehensive, more interactive, and more grounded in the latest coaching techniques, as well as more ambitious than other women’s self-help Web sites.  Bettina says that Coaching Sanctuary is poised to transform the way women look at mid-life and their amazing potential for achievement.

Upon reading Coaching Sanctuary’s Vision and Mission statements, a better understanding of this company’s values is exposed. The Vision is to, “Inspire women to build joyful lives that are rich in purpose, integrity, and friendship.” The Mission is to, “Create a safe, supportive, and uniquely interactive space where reflection, growth, and true transformation can happen.”

So, what tools does Coaching Sanctuary give its users? Upon signing up for this online personal journey, women are provided with an interactive home screen for a photo and personal pledge, a self-guided coaching tool with introductory videos to set the stage for each phase of the personal transformation process, a goals and vision board, a place to journal, and a community board where women can support and share with one another.

Coaching Sanctuary isn’t the first business venture the Jetter’s set out to build, and their ‘leap of faith’ into entrepreneurship was nudged forward by Mike’s cancer diagnosis 20 years ago.

“It all goes back to my husband’s leukemia diagnosis and the realization that life is finite and time is precious,” said Bettina. “Throughout the process of Mike’s illness and recovery, and experiencing numerous life transitions, we discovered that positive change must come from within.”

From there, they decided that they wanted to create meaningful products that positively impact people’s lives.

Prior to creating Coaching Sanctuary, the Jetter’s invented Mindjet—a technology company designed to make a significant difference in the way people use their computers to produce results—along with its flagship product, MindManager, the leading application for mind-mapping and visual collaboration worldwide.

Following Mindjet’s launch and successful growth, the Jetter’s co-authored an inspirational book, The Cancer Code – How a Journey Through Leukemia Led to a Software that Changed the Way People Work.

“We’re proud of our accomplishments and recognition. Our story has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times among other press. And in 2004, we received the Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Information Technology in Germany,” said Bettina, a German-native who moved to America in 1996 and now resides with her husband in California.

Bettina and Mike run this business together, and while it is not always easy to separate the private life from the business life, says Bettina, it is a very rewarding experience based on trust and mutual respect.

“My husband is a great strategist and software engineer and with my marketing and operational background we complement each other perfectly.  We also have an outstanding team of experts to whom we connect if we need some inspiration or their expertise,” said Bettina.

Bettina does admit that when you run your own company, it’s not always fun. She says sometimes she questions if her passion for this work is enough.

“Perseverance through unknown territories is very challenging; however, it is totally rewarding and very motivating to receive positive customer feedback, knowing that you helped people to change their lives positively, or do better in their jobs, or that your products have made a positive impact in their personal lives,” said Bettina.

What motivates Bettina most is to be able to follow her passion of making a difference in others’ lives, and she also ‘takes breaks’ to help balance it all and regroup.

“I love to hike, read books, or enjoy a leisurely walk to our favorite neighborhood restaurant. I also enjoy gardening, and I’m inspired by watching the hummingbirds outside of my office window,” said Bettina.

Although Bettina, with a traditional career background in banking and as a product manager, never considered herself an entrepreneur, her (and her husband’s) journey up until this point has led her to become a passionate business owner.  Bettina plans to expand their client base so that more women can experience the power of personal growth.

Identity Five:

What have you accepted in your life that took time?

I was 23 when my husband got diagnosed with the life-threatening illness of leukemia. So, with leukemia  being a constant companion over the past 20 years, I’ve learned to live the ups and downs of life, and embrace life fully. It is amazing to me how we grow with the challenges we face every day—I feel that the opportunities that opened up through the toughest times in my life are also the best ones.

What do you appreciate the most in your life?

The relationships I have with my family, friends and our clients. I find them very nurturing, motivating, and encouraging. They make me laugh and sometimes we share some tears together. I also appreciate and find it very rewarding to have met so many amazing women in my life. They come from all different walks of life and professions and I feel a deep connection to their stories and I’m very inspired by them.

What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life?

Even after many years, former employees approach us and tell us what a great work experience they had. They loved working for us. They were inspired by the passion we had for the business, and they find it rewarding to work for a company that changed the way people work.

What is your not so perfect way?

My not-so-perfect way is that I don’t  take more time to draw and make sketches, which is something I really love. I always take my sketchbook with me when I travel, but then I hardly find the courage to take it out and start drawing the first line.

Complete this sentence: “I Love My…”

I love my love for life. I love my dedication to my friends and family. I love my house and garden. I love my smile and love to see that I can bring smiles to other faces. I love my passion for the Italian language and Italy.

Many young adults (and older adults, too) contemplate going back to school. Many of us experience major change in our lives and consider using that as an opportunity. Well, 28-year-old, Maryland-native, Lauren Ruch is taken action on those thoughts.

Seven years ago, Lauren graduated Frostburg State University with an undergraduate degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. At first, she worked at a sports bar and worked part time at Wachovia Bank while looking for a full-time job. Her first “real” job, she says, was at T. Rowe Price where she began her career as a service analyst and was promoted to retirement plan coordinator. After T. Rowe Price, Lauren moved to Arlington, VA and worked at a foreign exchange firm. 

“At the end of 2008, my boyfriend of five years and I decided to part ways, and it was the hardest break-up I’ve ever been through. Going through the heartache of separation, moving back to Maryland from Virginia, and being on my own again, I just decided it was the best opportunity for me to change my career and go on a different path,” said Lauren.

Lauren had wanted a career change, and says she always planned on going back to school. She took her GMATs, and months later decided to also take the LSATs.

“It started as a childhood dream. Then when I wanted the career change and had the opportunity to make that change for myself, I decided to apply to law school. It was different from what I was doing before (finance/business), but I decided I wanted more than to just get my MBA. Law school isn’t only a huge challenge—especially going back to school after being out for seven years—but I feel it will offer more opportunities for me.”

Lauren will be attending the University of Baltimore full time, and it will take her three years to complete. She’s not sure what type of law she’s going to study.

“As a first year student, your classes are set by the school so you don’t have to pick a field starting out. I’m going to wait until I get into my classes to see what I’m most interested in and feel the most passionate about. If I had to pick now, I guess I would say corporate law just because it would match my business background,” said Lauren.

Lauren says one of the most rewarding aspects of this new career path is that she set a goal for herself and carried through with it. As far as challenges, Lauren says she has a lot of anxiety about going back to school again, being the new ‘kid’, and is worried about being able to keep up with her studies.

“What’s motivating me is graduating and looking forward to a successful career. I also think about my family a lot and making them proud of me,” said Lauren.

Lauren is a great example for each of us in regard to not only following our dreams, but making those dreams happen.
To those women considering a career change, Lauren says, “Believe in yourself, stay focused, and take everything one step at a time.”

Identity Five

1. What have you accepted in your life that took time?
Lauren: “Having to work hard for everything you have can be a blessing.”

2.  What do you appreciate the most in your life?

Lauren: “My friends, my brothers, and my boyfriend all support me and make me laugh.”

3.  What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life?

Lauren: “My college scholarship.”

4.  What is your not-so-perfect way?

Lauren: “I eat way too many sweets!”

5.  Complete this sentence, “I Love My…”
Lauren: “Smile!”

Danielle Gletow, One Simple Wish

“The most wonderful thing about miracles is that they sometimes happen.”-G.K. Chesterson

This quote is displayed on the non-profit, One Simple Wish, Web site: www.onesimplewish.org. This quote embodies what founder and executive director of One Simple Wish, Danielle Gletow, sets out to achieve every day. Gletow’s organization makes miracles happen by granting wishes for children and families in need.

One Simple Wish was founded in 2008, but Gletow had a vision for this organization years ago. “I had the idea for One Simple Wish about eight years ago, but I didn’t really start building it until I went on maternity leave with my daughter,” said Gletow, a West Trenton, NJ resident. “I wrote the business plan during many mornings sitting on the lake with my daughter, Lily.  I had been volunteering with non-profits and sitting on the Board of one for a few years, but I knew it was time to create something of my own.” Gletow says her children are what inspired her to take the leap into running her own non-profit.

“I became a foster parent in 2006, and Mia was placed with me and my husband in September 2007 at just three days old.  Two weeks later I found out I was pregnant with Lily,” said Gletow. “While I was on maternity leave, I really started thinking about what it was I wanted to teach my girls in life – success became redefined for me.  It was more about being satisfied, knowing you’re doing something you care about than how much money you make or what kind of shoes you wear.”

Gletow says millions of children and families in our country are homeless, living in poverty, or are trapped in the foster care system—hundreds of thousands of those families are in New Jersey. As a foster parent and passionate advocate for children, Gletow wanted to reach out to those families by facilitating small acts of kindness—and so, One Simple Wish was born.

“I continue to be amazed and inspired at how much true joy and appreciation I see from families and children who receive small gestures of kindness from strangers. Many of us may view school supplies for our kids, a new household appliance, or even a haircut as a common expectation. But for others these seemingly basic needs can appear to be major challenges.”

Through One Simple Wish’s Web site, strangers are able to connect in a powerful way. Wishes range from $5 to $100 and vary from purchasing a backpack, to gift cards, to sending a family out to the movies. Those interested in granting a wish, can search the database of wishes at onesimplewish.org. Also, One Simple Wish is linked with non-profits and religious organizations who submit wishes on behalf of the children and families.

“Knowing how many children and families we are helping—being able to brighten someone’s day, someone I will probably never get to meet—is the most rewarding part of this all,” said Gletow. “It’s an amazing feeling to touch someone else’s life; I get to do it every day.”

Gletow says her children and her husband inspire and motivate her, as well as her love for people. She says she loves finding that one incredible thing about a person—and because she believes that most people have ‘good’ in them—she enjoys drawing that out in a person. She does admit, though, that with the joy and satisfaction of helping others also comes some challenges.

“Coming to terms with the financial aspect of it all is difficult. Even though I didn’t have to work to support the family, I could support our family, and I took a lot of comfort in that,” Gletow says. “I had been measuring myself against my paycheck for a long time, and stepping away from that, to make literally nothing, was really difficult.  Some days it still is.” Gletow says it can be challenging to balance her business with her personal life, but she credits her husband with helping her.

“I work all the time, but it doesn’t ever feel like work, so I guess I’m lucky in that. I try to ignore my Blackberry on the days that I have my kids and just be there with them, being silly, being a mom. I know how lucky I am to have such a supportive husband.  He gives me plenty of time to nap, catch up on reading or emails, and takes over with the girls.  Without him, I couldn’t do anything,” says Gletow.

Gletow, who as a kid pretended to be a magazine editor or a talk show host, always wanted to create and be in charge of something. Now she is living her childhood dream and fulfilling her passion for helping others at the same time.

“I honestly love what I do. When you find your passion, the rest just flows,” says Gletow. “I am blessed to have found something that is challenging, thrilling, interesting, and meaningful, as well as something that I excel at, that I care about, and that I get to do every day.”

One Simple Wish plans to grant wishes for children not only in New Jersey, but throughout the United States, as well as for orphans living in other countries. Check out www.onesimplewish.org to learn more.

In keeping with Identity’s mission of ‘Accept, Appreciate, Achieve’ below are some questions, known as the Identity Five:

1. What have you accepted in your life that took time? Honestly – it took me a really long time to accept that I was not going to be the most beautiful girl in the world.  I wanted that growing up.  I wanted to be admired for my looks, and I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older that it truly isn’t even close to being important.  It’s so much more important to be happy with yourself.

2.  What do you appreciate the most in your life? My family.  I fell in love with my husband when I was 16, and I still love him the same way I did then.  And he has created this incredible family with me.  I just don’t work without him, and he doesn’t work without me.

3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Becoming a mommy in two different ways.  Adopting Mia was incredible, and equally as incredible was giving birth to Lily.  To me, there is no comparison – they are equally as magical and amazing.

4.  What is your not so perfect way? I am NEVER on time for anything.  I know it annoys a lot of people around me, and I’ve tried to work on it, but I just can’t seem to figure it out.

5. How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…”? Legs!  I had to write that because I’ve already gushed too much about my husband and my kids.  But that’s a tough one for me because I grew up HATING my legs – they are super, super skinny and I used to get teased for them.  But now I love them.  I love how they look in jeans, skirts, leggings…I’m just so glad I have learned to love one of the things that I used to be ashamed of. To me, that’s just another sign that I’ve grown up and become a more accepting, comfortable, confident woman.