Good Morning TV Land!
My name is Wendi Vaughn and I have something to talk about! Well, that is apparent because I am setting up this blog about me, mE, and more ME. Actually the "Me" aspect of my life is intertwined with countless other people and activities so those of you tuning in will learn about all that is in my world.
As a teacher, singer/ songwriter, journalist, activist, and business owner, I must say I rarely have a dull moment to spare. My life started off in Glendale, CA 30 years ago. My parents, Wayne and Wanda Vaughn, are two of the most incredible people in this world and are my first gifts from God. They established a very loving home for my siblings and me. I actually have four siblings: Wayne Jr., Wyann, Witny, and Waren. Growing up in a household of pure five-letter "Ws" was quite the tongue twister. Even our pet cat is a W, Winta!
But as I stated before, Mom and Dad raised us to love without judgment, pray, and protect those we care for. At a young age, I discovered I had a passion for music. This was really an inheritance from Mom and Dad who are professional entertainers themselves. They actually met on the road, which is a very fun story to share at a later date perhaps. But their involvement in the music business, exposed me to a creative world of expression from no years old until today. I found that some of the best ways to release stress or really voice my thoughts on a topic are easily presented in song or poem. Because of this creative foundation, I've been able to be a part of some wonderful projects like singing on stage with Brian McKnight and Nancy Wilson. Recording music and writing songs for artists have also been very exciting endeavors. Currently, I have started to write for an on line health journal called Nutricula-U. (Click on the September cover for amazing articles on health.) There I share information from my perspective on all that surrounds me. It is very cool.
My interest in music also led to me going to a special high school called The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. I attended from my 10th grade year until graduation and if one word can encapsulate this experience, it would have to be- AMAZING. The work load there was more than one's regular school program. I got to school by 7 am and was out by 4 pm. However, I decided to take college courses after school since the high school was housed on the campus of Cal State University, Los Angeles. So my days were loooong, but I had so much fun while attending that I rarely noticed the hours ticking away.
I ended up graduating top of my class and was accepted into UCLA straight out of high school. I decided to go to Glendale Community College instead to conserve funds and later transferred to UCSD. I had a ball at UC San Diego. The school is nestled on a hill near the ocean in La Jolla, CA. This was simply a slice a paradise. Early mornings, I would run a couple miles through the city met by the cool crisp breeze spinning off the sea. The trees were often my only companions during those early morning jogs, their branches cheering me on. I graduated from UCSD in 2002 with a BA in Communication, which meant I completed my undergrad in 3 years and a quarter. I swear I think I heard the freedom bells ringing when I crossed that stage. I was ready for a change in pace. Having kicked school in the butt, I was eager to get started with LIFE. Unfortunately, this course didn't come with a syllabus.
When I returned to my family's home in Glendale after graduating college, I noticed I'd really changed. I was more independent and more protective of my personal space. Growing up in a house with no locks on the doors and siblings piled every which way, didn't allow much time for personal space- even in the bathroom. I really wanted a job in marketing/advertising. By then, I'd already determined this field as my perfect career choice because it allowed me to combine all my talents in one place. I had a job in a marketing capacity with Chipotle Mexican Grill. (Do you guys know about Chipotle? Delicious!) It was my first job after college and I was a greeter. The job didn't pay very much, in fact, I found that all my years in school didn't really set me up to make more than about $12 an hour in the field I desired. My aunt suggested I look into teaching adults with Los Angeles Unified School District. the hourly start out rate at the time was 34 bucks! I was sold.
I started teaching in 2003. The credentialing process was simple for a recent working grad to execute and the extension programs offered through USD were affordable enough. Stumbling upon teaching unraveled another passion of mine: helping others. I have taught a wide range of people, ages spanning from 9th graders all the way to men and women in their 70s. I must say teaching is by far one of the most important things anyone can do. Learning would be the first. As a teacher, I've learned more about life and myself. I've had to be held accountable for my responsibility to others in a very real way. In this process, I've become aware of the connection we all share as human beings, and I'm humbled by this great connection.
In 2005, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. CD is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and affects the digestive system. Crohn's completely took over my life when it really started to rear its ugly head. Having never been in the hospital for anything other than birth (not even chicken pox) I found it very hard to swallow. I was the health nut of my family and being sick just didn't fit me. I went through all the phases of DABDA (the grieving process, which from time to time I fluctuate on which phase I'm in still) and now I am simple in awe of how life works.
My first marketing move on my own with my family's company was created brochures and material to educate my community on Crohn's and Colitis. These diseases collectively affect more people than Breast Cancer or Prostate Cancer, yet still very little is known of these conditions. I am a part of millions of people struggling to find a comfortable life and the rest of the world has no clue of what we experience. Realizing IBD needed a voice, I became much more confident and kinda landed into my purpose. I want to market information that will help communities grow stronger. So far to fuel this desire, my family and I have set up companies that are geared toward arts and education. I'll share more of these efforts on my blog site as well.
Using marketing to educate is what I'm about. I want to help people on a macro scale and a part of that is alerting them to the fact that they need this help. Whether it is health related, financial literacy, college preparation, or work readiness we all need information, education and someone willing to guide us through life. I guess in a since, I want to be a part of developing the syllabus I missed so much when graduating college and started LIFE.
I'm now attending Boston University on line to attain my MS in International Marketing Management. I want to marry my innate gifts with practical knowledge. I'm my own project in a way I guess. Weird! But so cool. Thanks for tuning in. Until next time, enjoy your life and smile. You never know who is watching.
Links:
My testimony
Crohn's Colitis Founation of America
2010 Annual Golf Classic CCFA- Wendi & Wyann singing "Just Believe"
My name is Wendi Vaughn and I have something to talk about! Well, that is apparent because I am setting up this blog about me, mE, and more ME. Actually the "Me" aspect of my life is intertwined with countless other people and activities so those of you tuning in will learn about all that is in my world.
As a teacher, singer/ songwriter, journalist, activist, and business owner, I must say I rarely have a dull moment to spare. My life started off in Glendale, CA 30 years ago. My parents, Wayne and Wanda Vaughn, are two of the most incredible people in this world and are my first gifts from God. They established a very loving home for my siblings and me. I actually have four siblings: Wayne Jr., Wyann, Witny, and Waren. Growing up in a household of pure five-letter "Ws" was quite the tongue twister. Even our pet cat is a W, Winta!
 |
| Wayne, Wyann, Wanda, Witny, Wendi, Waren Vaughn |
My interest in music also led to me going to a special high school called The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. I attended from my 10th grade year until graduation and if one word can encapsulate this experience, it would have to be- AMAZING. The work load there was more than one's regular school program. I got to school by 7 am and was out by 4 pm. However, I decided to take college courses after school since the high school was housed on the campus of Cal State University, Los Angeles. So my days were loooong, but I had so much fun while attending that I rarely noticed the hours ticking away.
I ended up graduating top of my class and was accepted into UCLA straight out of high school. I decided to go to Glendale Community College instead to conserve funds and later transferred to UCSD. I had a ball at UC San Diego. The school is nestled on a hill near the ocean in La Jolla, CA. This was simply a slice a paradise. Early mornings, I would run a couple miles through the city met by the cool crisp breeze spinning off the sea. The trees were often my only companions during those early morning jogs, their branches cheering me on. I graduated from UCSD in 2002 with a BA in Communication, which meant I completed my undergrad in 3 years and a quarter. I swear I think I heard the freedom bells ringing when I crossed that stage. I was ready for a change in pace. Having kicked school in the butt, I was eager to get started with LIFE. Unfortunately, this course didn't come with a syllabus.
 |
| ESL class 2008 |
I started teaching in 2003. The credentialing process was simple for a recent working grad to execute and the extension programs offered through USD were affordable enough. Stumbling upon teaching unraveled another passion of mine: helping others. I have taught a wide range of people, ages spanning from 9th graders all the way to men and women in their 70s. I must say teaching is by far one of the most important things anyone can do. Learning would be the first. As a teacher, I've learned more about life and myself. I've had to be held accountable for my responsibility to others in a very real way. In this process, I've become aware of the connection we all share as human beings, and I'm humbled by this great connection.
In 2005, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. CD is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and affects the digestive system. Crohn's completely took over my life when it really started to rear its ugly head. Having never been in the hospital for anything other than birth (not even chicken pox) I found it very hard to swallow. I was the health nut of my family and being sick just didn't fit me. I went through all the phases of DABDA (the grieving process, which from time to time I fluctuate on which phase I'm in still) and now I am simple in awe of how life works.
My first marketing move on my own with my family's company was created brochures and material to educate my community on Crohn's and Colitis. These diseases collectively affect more people than Breast Cancer or Prostate Cancer, yet still very little is known of these conditions. I am a part of millions of people struggling to find a comfortable life and the rest of the world has no clue of what we experience. Realizing IBD needed a voice, I became much more confident and kinda landed into my purpose. I want to market information that will help communities grow stronger. So far to fuel this desire, my family and I have set up companies that are geared toward arts and education. I'll share more of these efforts on my blog site as well.
Using marketing to educate is what I'm about. I want to help people on a macro scale and a part of that is alerting them to the fact that they need this help. Whether it is health related, financial literacy, college preparation, or work readiness we all need information, education and someone willing to guide us through life. I guess in a since, I want to be a part of developing the syllabus I missed so much when graduating college and started LIFE.
I'm now attending Boston University on line to attain my MS in International Marketing Management. I want to marry my innate gifts with practical knowledge. I'm my own project in a way I guess. Weird! But so cool. Thanks for tuning in. Until next time, enjoy your life and smile. You never know who is watching.
Links:
My testimony
Crohn's Colitis Founation of America
2010 Annual Golf Classic CCFA- Wendi & Wyann singing "Just Believe"
I Love U Soooo Much For U Being U. May GOD Continue to Grow & Bless U Queen Wendi :0)
ReplyDeleteI am so blessed that our lives crossed the same path
ReplyDeleteIn 2nd grade :) .. Ever since then you have become one of my best friends and cousin. You are my inspiration ! You are a hero to
Many people. You are loved and admired by so
Many people.. I love you very much and keep you in
My daily prayers !
amazingly gifted, talented, loving, beautiful woman.
ReplyDeleteAmazing you are and fortunate to have such a supportive family. I see nothing holds you back, you face adversities head-on. Your an inspiration. Thanks for being candid in your blog. I wish you all the best!
ReplyDeleteI love your "I am my own project" comment. Really a spot on way to look at life. I love your bog and your passion. Thanks for sharing. "See" you around campus.
ReplyDelete