Introducing me.

Hello Lovely People, I’m Mayra.

I’m so excited to be writing my first blog! I have so many ideas and articles in the works that I’m working on, but before I can upload all that cool stuff, let me introduce myself to you all!

My name is Mayra Galvan and I am a 32 year old Mexican American Texan who resides in Houston. I recently got laid off from my corporate job and recently graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown. I was one of those few unlucky (lucky – you’ll understand the more you read) ones that got laid off unexpectedly from my WFH job about a week ago (mind you, 3 minutes before my shift ended). Just imagine, I’m sitting on my desk chair, looking at the clock and it was 3:57 pm until I got that random Microsoft Teams call from my boss. When I answered, not only did I see her bubble, but saw another person in the chat with the title “Human Resources” and I knew something bad happened. I got the “unfortunately, you are one of those few who are getting laid off and I’m going to go over the next steps” conversations from the HR guy and what hurt me the most was they had no solid reason as to why I was getting let go. After the unexpected call, I shut down my computer and I couldn’t move. Literally, I was stuck to my chair in great disbelief. As someone who’s worked since her teens and never once got fired or laid off, this was all brand new to me. I didn’t know what were the next steps after this. It was a tough week, but it got better as the days were passing by with the help and support from my loved ones.

I have my Bachelor of Science in Technical Communications and a minor in Digital Media and I love coffee shops, museums, my bearded companion, writing, exploring, and good food. Oh, and saving the best for last, I’m a Christian–a Jesus loving, follower of God who by his grace I am saved. I’m also single. No kids, no boyfriend, but single…and that’s okay. If you’re confused by the part where I mentioned that I love my bearded companion…that’s my dog which I’m excited for you all to meet down the road.

Starting a blog was one of those dreams that I had to put a hold on but refused to let the idea go. It’s like wanting those Hazel Pointed Toe Pump black patent shoes from Sam Edelman. I knew I had to buy them, but I had to put that on hold because I am an adult who has bills and groceries to buy and couldn’t justify spending $150 dollars on shoes. But that didn’t mean I had to let go of the idea of owning them someday. [Disclosure: I finally invested in those shoes and they are my go to heels and I love them!]

Just like I had to put those shoes on hold, is the same thing with this blog. Some of the reasons why I waited so long was due to the lack of time, lack of creativity and lack of confidence. I am one of those who has faith over fear no matter the circumstances, but I lacked creativity and I was terrible at time management. With working a full time job and going to school part time for eight years, errands and on occasion babysit my nieces when my sister goes on her well deserved date night with my brother-in-law, it was impossible to fit a blog to my routine. If I created a blog during those times, it would’ve crashed and burned. I wouldn’t be passionate in my writing, and not giving it my full 100% potential. I took it as a sign from God that it wasn’t the right time for me to make this commitment. 

But the Lord is good and through all the faith that I had, no matter the circumstance I faced, I saw the wonders he has done in my life and how he’s working in my life. Now that I got laid off and I finally graduated, I have all this time and energy that I finally believe that this is the right time for me to create my blog. God knows all of our desires and this was surely one that I had in my heart and I strongly believe that he aligns everything for the good and on his time.

I believe that getting laid off was something that had to be done in order for me to accomplish what I wanted to do in my life. I was getting comfortable with where I was at my job since it was a WFH job. I didn’t have to spend money on gas, rack up my mileage, or get stuck in traffic. Although it was nice, but it wasn’t the type of job I aspired to have.

Another issue that I faced and slowly began losing hope was getting a job that I spent eight years studying for. I would constantly get the “Congratulations! You finally graduated with a Tech Writing degree. Now, what are you going to do with this degree? Where do you want to work? Do you have any leads to a job?” and me responding “I dunno and no.” After I graduated, I would spend long nights applying for internships or finding entry level jobs in the field with opportunities to grow, but was never one of the lucky ones to get offered anything or even land a job. I still don’t understand how the majority of these internships required the applicant to have 3+ years experience in the field. It was impossible to get anything but I knew it was because of how dry my resume was with the lack of experience in Technical Writing. All I have on my resume was my experience in accounting and one internship as a social media content coordinator. Ever since then, I just gave up and started to believe that where I am in my life is how it’s going to be. I realized that I wasn’t happy with where I was, and I believe now that God does things for a reason and knew that I didn’t deserve to be comfortable in where I was, rather receiving the best and be happy. I was given a great opportunity to utilize this time to chase after my dreams! 

So, here I am, writing my first post and honestly I’m having so much fun and I feel confident! After detailing my post and putting together a website design, I’m really excited to learn, to love, and above all, to grow in this medium. In the long run, I hope that this blog can be a place where you all can read my thoughts, personal experiences, tips, advice in hopes that it can resonate with you all and we can build a relationship down the road.

And this is it…for now! I had so much fun writing this piece and I’m excited to connect with you all very soon! Until then, may you have a wonderful and exciting day!

God Bless you all,

Mayra G.