Nancy Strickler

Life often presents us with unexpected challenges that test our strength and resilience, pushing us to our limits. Imagine being in your early thirties, your mental health in turmoil, and your body ravaged by a deteriorating spine. The decision to leave your career and apply for Federal Disability becomes a necessary but agonizing choice, knowing the financial strain it would place on your family and marriage. I was living this reality at the age of 32, and it has taken me on a remarkable journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and triumph.
The prospect of being at home, away from the daily grind, may seem enticing to some. However, I quickly realized that life devoid of purpose is a hollow existence. Giving up my career as an Employment Consultant for people with disabilities was heart-wrenching. While the job consumed my life due to the often 80-hour work weeks, it was more than just a means of income; it provided a sense of community and purpose, a world in which I thrived. The unexpected shift in my deteriorating health left me grappling with questions of identity and worth.
Amid the turmoil, a spark of resilience remained ignited within me. I drew strength from witnessing others overcome their challenges and found solace in the power of the human spirit. This inspiration fueled my determination to keep going, even with my path felt insurmountable. Additionally, I discovered a talent for marketing, a field that resonated with my inner creativity. Not fazed by initiating conversations about business with employers, I also had an innate knack for communication.
However, my strength wasn’t a constant; it was a switch I turned on every morning, donning a smile to mask my internal struggles. The contrast between my public façade and private battles exemplified my high-function depression. Juggling a demanding caseload of 75 instead of the industry norm of 25 while grappling with depression, anxiety, and severe physical pain was a challenge. The strain only further intensified as my memory and ability to focus faltered, leading to misunderstandings and write-ups.
The paradox of my situation was stark: I smiled for clients, state funders, and employers, but behind the scenes, I faced an insurmountable amount of criticism and belittlement from higher-ups who didn’t comprehend the extent of my health issues, and at one point even told me I was lying when I presented him documentation from my doctor. Many will ask themselves, “Why did you allow this emotional abuse to continue for the four years you were with the nonprofit?” My answer is simple. I was at a glass ceiling within the industry without a bachelor’s degree. With the caseload I was required to carry, personal time was not available to complete additional schooling, and while income was not the reason to work within this nonprofit sector, I had the highest salary possible for my education level in my area. The problem I faced was that my responsibilities became incredibly isolating, even while having a community-oriented role. The culmination of physical pain, mental exhaustion, and emotional isolation led me to a pivotal decision- to step away from my career as of October 2016, despite my love for my clients.
A barrage of medical challenges culminated in multiple surgeries and procedures in the following years. Each new obstacle tested my resilience, making me feel broken at one point, yet I persevered. My determination to regain control over my life was unwavering, and I fought with everything in me to find my footing again. I navigated through physical pain with six spine surgeries, eighteen spine procedures, two general surgeries, and four hospitalizations, two of which were emergencies. Adding to this navigation, I also had to steer my way through my mental health recovery with therapy and finding the correct medication that would work for me as well, but each step led to a small victory, which in return offered hope and a renewed sense of purpose.
One significant surgery in 2019 marked a turning point; I received the approval for gastric bypass surgery. Emerging from the darkness, I saw the glimmer of light and a vision of a whole new me. The realization that came from having the surgery became transformative; my disabilities would no longer define me. This epiphany ignited a spark, a newfound determination to change careers and pursue my aspirations of becoming a business owner. The disabilities that once threatened to consume me were now a part of my journey, not my defining narrative.
The path forward was not without its challenges. In 2021, I embarked on a new journey with the support of my husband-education. Despite my age and the daunting prospect of returning to school at 37, I was determined to learn and be better than I was the day before. The unexpected blessing of one-on-one interactions with my professor, Mr. Williams, during the pandemic, enabled me to navigate the learning curve more smoothly. This supportive environment fostered growth and transformation.
I discovered strengths and weaknesses I had not fully recognized within the classroom. My proficiency in marketing and creativity shined, allowing me to excel. Simultaneously, I faced the challenges of learning with undiagnosed ADHD/ADD, which illuminated my struggles but also highlighted my perseverance. Amid moments of frustration and joy, I emerged with an Associated of Science in Graphic Arts and Design and, finally, a diagnosis of ADD, which put all my struggles with the nonprofit into perspective.
One pivotal lesson I learned is that growth is often accompanied by fear. This insight guided my pursuit of education, pushing me to overcome my fears and doubts. My journey has been marked by meltdowns and moments of triumph underpinned by the unwavering support of mentors like Mr. Williams. My resilience and determination led me to graduate with honors and recognition.
My story has continued as I strived for my bachelor’s degree in marketing, highlighting my dedication to personal growth. Despite adversity, I have maintained a high GPA and drive to succeed. The journey I have been on exemplifies the power of perseverance and personal development, even in the face of challenges.
Furthermore, realizing my potential sparked a vision for the future. My dream to pursue a master’s in digital marketing and my passion for domestic animals and wildlife conservation speak to the new purpose I have found in life. The objective of launching my digital marketing agency, “Socially Savvy Digital Marketing and Graphics,” reflects my determination to leave a lasting impact. Socially Savvy will take on a wide variety of clients and industries, but will have a focus on companies who share a passion for domestic animals/wildlife conservation.
In summary, my resilience and personal growth journey testify to my ability to triumph over adversity. Facing the devastation of career loss due to disability to embracing education and personal growth, I hope the reader of this essay finds the story inspiring. Additionally, I hope my account can help remind anyone who reads this journey that adversity can be a catalyst for transformation and personal growth and a beacon of hope even in the darkest times.