Ralphette
In April of 2010, Ralphette English wrote and delivered the following speech at our Blueprint Breakfast event:
About 5 years ago, I was introduced to Habitat through a family friend. One year later, I started the process of becoming a Habitat Homeowner. And in 2007, my life and my daughter’s life changed for ever, we became homeowners.
Herbert Hoover said – and I paraphrase, “A family that owns its own home takes a pride in it, and has a more wholesome, healthful, and happy atmosphere in which to bring up children. The home owner has a constructive aim in life. He works harder outside of his home... and he and his family live a finer life….Above all, the love of home is one of the finest instincts and the greatest of inspirations of our people.”
Habitat for Humanity gave me the opportunity to provide a better life for my daughter. Three years ago, I spoke at the Annual Blueprint Breakfast. I spoke about my life, my goals, my family, and my future. Over the past 3 years my story has changed drastically, and it all started with the wonderful support of the Habitat for Humanity family. I am thankful and proud to say that I have finished my Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, with a concentration in Computer Security. I have also been married to my wonderful husband Maurice, for almost 3 years and our newest member of the family, Trinity Rose turned 2 on Friday.
Mikayla who was 4 when we moved into our new home, will be 7 in June. She is currently reading above her grade level and excelling in all subjects. Through Habitat’s guidance I decided to become more heavily involved in Mikayla’s education. With a desire to see a change within our neighborhoods and our children, I decided to become the PTA president for our school. I was given the opportunity to network and experience many different things through Habitat. With the proper guidance from my mentors I have also been afforded a great new position at a local Software Solutions company here in Raleigh and I will start my Project Management Professional certification later this year.
I am thankful for Habitat and their dedication to teaching me how to be a better mother and to become a homeowner. They taught me how to reach for the stars, and how to dream really big. As I stated in 2007, on this same stage, my prayer was to reach the goal of being a homeowner by the age of 25. From homeowner classes to community services, Habitat for Humanity and the patrons that support their efforts, have truly changed my life. I would like to thank each of you for helping me to reach my goals years in advance and if I can do this all before my 25th birthday, then I know that my life, our lives, have no limits.