We recently connected with Danielle Flores and have shared our conversation below.
Danielle , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents have always instilled in me that the people who are in your life such as family and close friends should be treasured and a priority. It seems like in todays world everyone has a packed schedule and are always on the go. We work a lot, some of us multiple jobs, our kids are in multiple sports/activities that leave our weeknights and weekends full so my parents have taught me through their actions to never let the “I’m busy” excuse keep you from setting aside time to spend with your loved ones. Growing up, my parents always had family functions with the adults all together, the kids running around laughing and playing, music on high, the smell of food filled the room and it is some of the best memories I have. Even though my mom passed away when I was young, those traditions and family time continued and still do to this day now with me as the adult surrounded by my family and friends, while the smell of food fills the room, music on and my own children are the ones running around with the other kids laughing and playing. I am one of the busiest people I know, I work 3 jobs, both of my kids are in sports, my son just graduated high school, my daughter is focused on always making straight A’s along with being in select basketball and volleyball and I make sure I never miss a game unless I absolutely have to. I am the definition of busy but I always prioritize the time to spend with family and friends. Going to my nieces and nephews games, activities, kickball with the family, play dates and dinners with my friends and their children is something I will always make sure to plan and fit in the schedule. I am known as the “planner” in my friends group because we all have packed schedules but if we can plan it, we will make sure to have some fun too. The busy schedule doesn’t stop, but that’s what makes me appreciate the downtime with my friends and family even more.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Danielle Flores. I am a 6th grade ELA teacher in White Settlement ISD. I am a single mom of two children Brynlea, 11 and Gavin 18 who just graduated high school last week *cue the tears.* In my last article I shared the struggles of being a young mom, determined to graduate college to show my kids no matter the setbacks or struggles in life, you can achieve anything you set your mind to with perseverance and drive. I come from a big family, I have 5 siblings and many nieces and nephews. We are all extremely close and continue the traditions my parents taught us about how important it is to keep our family close and spend time together. I am also blessed with close friends who I consider my family as well, the adults are all best friends and our children are best friends too! I cherish the time we get to spend altogether.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I would say my senior year of college followed by my first year of teaching was a time that I had to show tremendous resilience. My marriage was coming to its end. Aside from when my mom passed away, it was one of the hardest times in my life. My husband at the time was going through struggles which impacted myself and my children daily. I was dealing with the divorce while also taking care of my children, being their sole provider and managing their busy schedules with school and sports, while also graduating and navigating my first year within my career. Talk about an emotional rollercoaster. There were so many times where I didn’t think I could continue doing it all alone but I knew I had to keep going. I knew that it was important now more than ever to have the resilience and show my children that their love was my strength. That’s what kept me going. In the midst of it all, I persevered and was named “Rookie Teacher of the Year.” My coworkers had no idea I was going through a divorce or about my personal situations. When I was at work, I poured myself into my new career and would not let anything stand in the way of succeeding at the job I had always knew I was meant for. My children were thriving in select/competition sports and academically as well. I could do this. I WAS doing it.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I’ve discussed throughout the article is making sure to set aside time for your family and friends. I’ve also had to unlearn that lesson as well which I know sounds like an oxymoron so let me explain. I have a big heart and I love people, I love seeing the best in people and I trust way too easily. I get that from my dad, he can meet you one time and by the end of the day make you feel like you’re apart of the family. I love that trait of his and I love that I’ve inherited that as well. We are outgoing, friendly, and always want to make everyone feel welcome and at home. However, I have had relationships and friendships that haven’t worked out. That’s life and that’s okay. Not everyone is meant to stay in your story, some are only meant to be in a chapter or two. That’s something that’s taken me awhile to learn but I finally have. It’s important (with the small fraction of free time we have) to not continue investing time into a relationship or friendship that you know isn’t working. Instead refocus that time to the loved ones who you know are life lasting. Let it go because life is too short and our time is too precious to continue to try and force things. You know who is in your life for YOU and give those people your time, love, and attention.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: daniellem.flores
- Facebook: Danielle Flores
- Other: TikTok @ms.flores_
Image Credits
Tony Moreno