The year 2020 has been difficult. Despite its many challenges, educator, entrepreneur, and author Marshecka Rodgers made the most of it.
A graduate from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Marshecka regularly shares her wisdom as both an advisor for DECA and a career technical high school teacher. Outside the classroom Marchecka is the owner of two successful businesses, Chique Wedding & Events and Chique Bridal Collection & Formalwear. This year she added author to her already impressive resume by publishing her first book, the 5-star rated I’m Just A Girl in Grandma’s World.
Marshecka shared some of her time with us by answering THIS questionnaire about her life in 2020 and what to expect from her in 2021.
How would you summarize 2020?
I didn’t like 2020 at all!
It’s been a very tough and challenging year with many challenges that I’ve never walked through in my entire life. I thought it was going to be all about clear visions, but it has been one blow after another.
Which of your blessings would you say was the biggest?
Honestly, I feel like I am truly blessed. But one of my biggest blessings this year was being in a position to inspire my students during a time when they need it most. The pandemic has caused a lot of stress, depression, and chaos in everyone’s lives, so being in a position to lead a life with a positive outlook in spite of the current challenges we face was a blessing for me.
I made it a priority to give my students hope about the future in spite of the challenges that we see all around us. In addition, I learned to be thankful in the present moment and leave the future to God.
Did you read any good books that you would recommend to others?
Yes, I spend the bulk of my time reading books! Some of the books that I’ve read recently that I’d recommend are:
Girl Wash your Face by Rachel Hollis
Girl Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist
Smart Women Finish Rice by David Bach
Traffic Secrets by Russell Brunson
Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle
I’m Just A Girl in Grandma’s World by Marshecka Rodgers
What was the best song of the year?
Two of my favorite songs of the year was Beyonce and Blue – “Ivy Brown Skin Girl” and “My Way” by Aloe Blacc.
What were the movies or television shows that you couldn’t stop watching?
I rarely ever watch television. When I do watch television, it’s to catch up on the news.
Who were the artists you listened to the most?
N/A
What did you Google the most?
SEO, Facebook marketing, and bridal trends for 2020.
Tell us the most surprising thing you heard all year.
I’d say that the most surprising news was that I had to teach students via Zoom as opposed to the classroom.
Where were you when you learned about COVID-19 and how did you respond?
I was in my high school classroom teaching when I learned about Covid-19. I was devastated that we were going to go from the classroom to online.
I had just recently started teaching and was just getting in a groove with my high school students and building a classroom community, so I wasn’t looking forward to teaching online.
How were you helped and hurt by the pandemic?
I was helped because I got an opportunity to slow down from the hustle and bustle, and work side by side with my husband and daughter. We got an opportunity to play various board games and cook many family meals together. I’m so very thankful for my family.
However, on my 40th birthday, I received the hurtful news that one of my favorite Aunts passed away due to Covid. I had the hardest time dealing with my Aunt passing.
[I’m] so thankful for the support of my friends to get me through one of the rough patches of my life. God’s grace is so real and I’m beyond grateful for the people that he places in my life.
Did you vote?
Of course, I voted! I’ve never not voted!
Did 2020 cause you to value your life and the lives of others more than you did already?
Yes, 2020 taught me to value everything more than I did previously! I’m just super thankful for all of lessons and blessings along the way.
What can we expect from you in 2021?
You can expect more creativity from my soul. I’m an entrepreneur, I love to create, write, and inspire. When I’m not in the classroom, I’m writing, planning elaborate weddings, building businesses and spending time with my family. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
