What Made Me, Me?

 

What Made Me, Me?

I was born into a family of nine children, a part of a close-knit tribe where shared struggles and triumphs bound us together. My childhood wasn’t a smooth, downhill slide—it was a steep climb filled with challenges. Our family had its share of serious problems, but we overcame them. “We shall overcome” wasn’t just a motto; it was a way of life, and together, we did.

One of the most profound influences on my life was working underground with coal miners. These were men of incredible grit and determination, who faced the darkness miles below the earth’s surface every single day. They went into the mines knowing full well the dangers that awaited them—explosions, collapsing roofs, being crushed or electrocuted. Yet, they showed up, steadfast and unshaken. You couldn’t intimidate these men. They stared death and uncertainty in the face, and if you thought you could threaten them, you were sorely mistaken.

Coal mining didn’t just shape my career; it shaped my character. One of the most invaluable lessons I learned in the mines was the importance of teamwork. When you’re deep underground, working in a confined, dangerous space, survival depends on collaboration. It doesn’t matter what color, shape, or size a person is—down there, you’re all just human beings, working together to get the job done and make it out alive.

The coal mine isn’t a place for cowards. I know that firsthand. At one point, it was my job to train new miners. My company had a simple strategy: get the trainees underground as fast as possible to see who could handle it. By noon on their first day, I’d usually given them enough safety training to take their first steps into the mine. The idea was to let the experience separate those brave enough for the work from those who weren’t. About a third would quit before the day was done, saving the company from investing further in them. It was a straightforward test, but it taught me a lot about courage—and about people.

The mines were more than a workplace for me; they were a crucible. They tested my resolve and sharpened my perspective on life. Working in those conditions instilled in me a respect for resilience, a commitment to collaboration, and an unshakable appreciation for the strength of the human spirit. These lessons from the depths shaped me, grounded me, and made me who I am today.