Proud to be an American Teenager

February 7th, 2017

 

 

“leadership isn’t what you expect from others, but what you demonstrate to those around you.”*

 

     Michelle Strawska has worked for HMS Mfg, Co. for over 11 years. Her determination and leadership has directly contributed to the organization’s on-going success.  Michelle’s colleagues would describe her as persistent, analytical & above all inspirational.

These admirable traits seemed to be passed on to Michelle’s children, as her seventeen-year-old daughter Paige was just recently sworn in to the United States Marine Corps.

 

“She’s been waiting to do this since she was twelve!” Michelle commented. “It just kind of slipped out that she wanted to join the Marines…we took her seriously after we saw all the research she had done on women in the military at a young age.”

 

Paige will officially be enlisting with the US Marines in August of 2017, right after her high school graduation. Currently, Paige is participating in strength training with multiple U.S. Veterans.

“When I picked Paige up after her first training session, she was covered in dirt and looked exhausted.” Michelle noted.

“I thought, this was it…she’s changed her mind. I immediately asked her how it went, and she responded back with “it was horrible…and I loved it.” “

 

Michelle had to give parental consent for Paige to be officially sworn in, which was difficult. However, she is confident that her daughter has developed the leadership skills necessary to be a part of the American armed forces.

 

Michelle is truly inspired by Paige. “She is able to juggle all of life's challenges and yet always has a smile on her face. She lights up the room wherever she goes.”

 

 Michelle, it is clear the apple does not fall far from the tree.

Congratulations to you both!

 

 

 

*Lynch, Lynch & Morgan (2016) Spark: How to Lead Yourself and Others to Greater Success

New York, NY: HMH