Melony Lawrence was born in
Kingston, Jamaica and migrated to the United States in her late teenage years.
Her parents nurtured her to participate in the creative arts, sports and music
from an early age. She performed in many festival competitions which included
poetry presentations which she excelled and found a passion for this genre. Her
favorite subject had always been Mathematics which later made Statistics
manageable in graduate school. Upon migrating to the United States, it was a
devastating culture shock. Adjusting was a major challenge as the racial
inequality were like night and day, especially in school. To be a great student
she was shunned because of her race. It was depressing at times but she had the
fortitude to succeed as she concentrated on that which was instilled in her
from her teachers in Jamaica. Their love traveled many miles and allowed her to
accomplish her educational goals. She later joined the Armed Forces and was
injured in AIT which severed her dream of being a member of the Judge Advocate
General's Corps of the U.S. Army. She continues to serve by being a member of
the American Legion locally. Her failure of that dream made her realize that
she could teach and assist others who had trauma and share her method of
healing which started with self-reflection. For almost a decade she has been
sharing her passion through volunteering within the homeless Veteran
population. Teaching oral and written communication skills to male homeless
Veterans and Marquette University student volunteers. Writing poetry for
homeless Veterans to inspire, empower and uplift through their treatment. Also,
serving as the instructor on time management and life skill practices for
Veterans in the alcohol and substance abuse treatment program. Taught positive
thinking and self-expression techniques to homeless Veterans as a method of
heightening or rebuilding self-esteem. Professionally, she has taught Veterans which was a dream as it entailed counseling as an Associate Lecturer with the
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Veteran Upward Bound Program). Melony is a
proud graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Criminal Justice Administration. She acquired her Master of Science
degree in Psychology from Walden University and is a member of The National
Society of Leadership and Success of the Walden Chapter. Also, a certified
hypnotist and a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists. Her belief:
education is encouraged with anyone who desires to make a difference in their
lives. However, without it there are other means as the Creator is the Author
of our fate who bestows gifts and talents which are priceless.
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