I never thought I could do it all. Growing up, I lived a simple life in a small- not-so-safe neighborhood. Although our home life was nice, I had to share a bed with my 2 sisters. But, my grandmother had a bigger plan for my life. She decided to keep me safe, I would not attend the schools in my neighborhood. So, I was able to be bused out of the neighborhood to go to a school where I had a chance of getting a good education. One teacher saw some potential in me that I did not see in myself, and she taught me to believe in myself. She would say Marsha I believe in you. I was able to get a small scholarship that got me into Sam Houston University. My grandmother managed to save money whenever she could to help me stay in college. I was doing fine for two years, and then my grandfather passed away, and I had to go back home. But, my grandmother was determined to see me get that college degree. I was able to get student loans to complete my degree. I walked across the stage three years later with a B.S. in Professional Writing. I loved writing and teaching. I remember as a kid when my sisters and I would play school, I was always the teacher. When I graduated from college, I couldn't get a teaching job right away. I graduated and landed a teaching job at a Christian school where I taught K-8 for 13 years. After a few years there, I went on to get my M.S. degree in Professional writing. I taught as an adjunct at 3 schools all at once to make ends meet. I would wake up and forget which school was which. I did that for five years. After those five years of teaching at so many schools all at once, I got a position as a full-time Instructor of literature at Wharton County Jr. College. I stayed there for 22 years. It was a long road, but I made it against all odds. I say it all of the time that success starts with the mindset. Consistency and persistence are key to staying true to your dreams, and they will keep you on the road to success. Whatever success looks like to you, don't forget that "You are the Secret Sauce to Your Success."

I got to where I am not by not giving up. Through the hard times, the challenges, the loss, and the roadblocks along the way- I was determined to beat the odds and the statistics of the little black girl who lived in a not-so-safe neighborhood. Today, I am the CEO of my own company, Hudson Enterprises and Consulting. I am happily married and my husband and I also own a photography and video company. My aha moment came when that one teacher back in high school told me that she believed in me. I started believing in myself too. It is like I said- success starts in the mind. When I changed my mindset, everything changed.