By Keith Witherspoon
Defying your reality is only the beginning of something great.
To defy the odds is an understatement to define the life and success of this 27 year-old mother of two, but you would at least be headed in the right direction. Shamanda Burston had ambitions that far exceeded her then reality. She became a mother while still in high school which caused her to drop out of school for a period of time.
“Poverty doesn’t have to be your reality,” she explains.
Not willing to accept the stigma usually attached to high school drop outs, Burston used it as fuel to finish school and get her diploma. Understanding that a high school education wasn’t enough, she went on to receive her Bachelor’s in Human Services at Gardner-Webb University as well as her Master’s degree, eventually becoming a nationally certified counselor and licensed Real Estate professional.
Burston’s life experiences—as a counselor and in real estate—inspired her to pursue something even grander. During her practice, she realized that the issues she was helping people with were so common. These similarities inspired her conviction to reach a broader audience and address issues for those may not be able to afford therapy. By becoming a motivational speaker who inspires, she aims to, “help people help themselves” by providing life and financial guidance.
Burston asked herself how she could encourage people to step outside of their norm and seek fulfillment. The answer came easily to her:
“Break the cycle,” she says. “Inspire people to be better. Tap into their potential.”
In her career, she has also been a huge help in “cultural competency and diversity.” As a consultant helping businesses and fellow counselors navigate issues that may have a cultural dynamic they may not be aware of or equipped to handle.
Burston’s accomplishments are worth all the praise, but for her to take yet another bold step to help a broader audience of people shows just how far she’s come and just how limitless her aspirations are. She does not allow herself to be trapped by boundaries and refuses to be boxed in.
Burston posts daily inspirational video messages on social media to empower her fans and followers via her Facebook and Instagram pages. Be sure to follow her at @ShamandaBurston and visit her website at www.ShamandaBurston.com. Burston is just getting started, and we welcome you to follow her journey.
