Dawn Wilmott - Inspirational Women

FULL INTERVIEW

MG: Where were you born and raised?

DAWN: I was born in Baton Rouge. For most of my life, I lived in the Denham Springs/Pride areas, with the exception of about four years in the 80s, when we lived in Illinois, while my father worked in

Chicago.

MG: In which city do you mostly reside?

DAWN: For most of my life, I have lived in Watson.

MG: What is your educational background and/or experience?

DAWN: I currently hold a B.A in English Education, as well as a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from SELU. I have taught for the past 23 years at Central High School.

MG: Currently, where are you employed?

DAWN: I currently teach English at Central High School. My husband and I also own two businesses, Mission Inflatable, LLC and The Dinosaur Experience. I am an Independent Certified Optavia Health Coach. I am also a children’s book author.

MG: What is your job title?

DAWN: Teacher, business owner, health coach, author

MG: If you haven’t lived in Louisiana your entire life, what led you to move here?

DAWN: For most of my life, I have lived in Louisiana. It is a very special place to live, unique in all things.

MG: What is your favorite part about living here?

DAWN: Louisiana has such a rich history and culture. It is so unique: its people, culture, food, and history. It does have its faults, but you do miss it when you leave.

MG: What is an event in your life that significantly changed the course of it?

DAWN: Overall, the events of my life have not been easy, and it is because of my hardships that I have learned perseverance. One of several significant events that greatly impacted my life was when I was in an abusive marriage. This ended in divorce leaving me to be a single parent to my twins; they were only four months old. It was a very difficult time in my life; however, with the help of my family and community, my girls and I were able to get through our toughest times. You learn to just take each day at a time, each struggle at a time.

MG: What negative impacts did that event have for you, even if only temporary?

DAWN: During that time I struggled greatly with anxiety. How do you support two babies by yourself? It was very difficult. I paid more in daycare than I did in rent and unfortunately did not qualify for any kind of assistance, so I worked every extra event I could at my school. I even worked Saturday School for approximately 10 years.

MG: What good came out of that event for you? How did it improve your life?

DAWN: I learned so much during these years. You learn how to work hard and persevere. You have no other options. I suppose you do have other options, like giving up. But that was never an option for me. So, you do the best you can. You manage your money, and you plan accordingly.

MG: How do you feel you have overcome that event?

DAWN: Meeting my husband has made all the difference. My children and I were able to buy a house in Watson, but I still struggled as a single parent, although I did have a good job. My husband is the hardest working person I know and he has a great business sense. Starting our businesses is what has helped us overcome the events previously mentioned.

MG: What advice would you give to someone who is going through something similar?

DAWN: Don’t give up under any circumstances. Find a way to survive.

MG: When was a time that you stuck up for yourself and how did that enhance your life?

DAWN: After being subjected to a physically abusive marriage, I never allowed myself to be abused again.

MG: Have you received any special awards, recognition, or acknowledgments?

DAWN: None that I can think of.

MG: What quality about yourself are you most grateful for?

DAWN: I am a very tenacious person. Once I know what I want/need, I figure out how to obtain it. Many times that requires thinking outside of the box to accomplish something. I am very goal-oriented and work hard to achieve said goals.

MG: What about yourself are you most proud?

DAWN: Being a mother is what I am most proud of. I believe being a mother is a special calling and gift from above.

MG: What do you consider to be your life motto?

DAWN: Either find a way or make one!

MG: Who inspires, or has inspired, you in your life?

DAWN: My father is the person who has inspired me to be the best person I can be. He was my hero and also gave the best advice. He was the hardest worker, but also very direct and consistent in everything.

MG: Here can be the hardest one for many, tell us about yourself. Anything additional you want to share? It can be anything from your favorite recipe, to the worst time of your life. Anything more you want to share with us.

DAWN: Over the past year, I have lost 100 pounds by eating healthier and changing my lifestyle and mindset. It has been a long process, but I will reach my goal. I hope to lose 35 more pounds, however, I already feel so much better than I did last June. My doctor is amazed at my overall health improvement. I also enjoy helping others on their journeys to greater health.