Maria - Teacher, Cancer Survivor, and Jiu Jitsu Fighter
MARIA - Teacher, Cancer Survivor, and Jiu Jitsu Fighter
Strong, brave, and giving is how I would describe our October Mamacita - Maria. She has been part of our extended family for many years and we’ve been lucky to walk in close proximity to her journey while learning the many lessons she teaches those around her. Her strength came from fighting battles many of us will never face. Her bravery shines through because despite her struggles, she never gave up and she always gives more than she receives. She should carry a permanent plaque that says, “I am phenomenal.”
Maria is a Mamacita of three, a veteran of the US Navy, a middle school teacher, a cancer survivor, and jiu jitsu fighter. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master's in Higher Education and Administration. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, this is the best time to highlight how incredible she is. Working Mamacitas is humbled to have the opportunity to share her remarkable story.
IN HER OWN WORDS - as narrated to Gisset
My introduction to motherhood was never part of my plans, I was a 20-year-old serving in the US Navy and was based in Mississippi during those years without family or friends close by. At the time of my son’s birth, my husband had been deployed to Iraq and I was left to raise our child on my own. Once my contract expired, I decided to step away from the Navy and settle into a career in Education.
I began my career as an Academic Advisor at various universities; a role I truly enjoyed but after having three kids, family time was my priority. I decided to make a switch and become a history teacher. From a young age, I knew I wanted to help others with similar upbringings as mine. My parent’s mantra was always, “con educación, todo se puede,” and I push that same belief on to my students. I love telling stories about the past and keep my students engaged by allowing them to make their personal connection to history and teach them how their contributions matter.
My career and family were thriving when I was thrown a curveball that changed my life - I had cancer. I believe my husband saved my life because he found the lump on my breast. At 34-years old, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Things moved very quickly then with no time to process what was happening. I decided to undergo a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. My treatment was supposed to be four months of chemotherapy with radiation. At that time, we were in the process of relocating from New Orleans to California and I decided to take a chance and refused radiation.
When I settled in California, I started chemotherapy. While in treatment, I experienced all of the nasty side effects you hear about, but as a Mamacita of three, there is no time to be sick, I had to muster up the mental strength to get through every single day without self-pity. Although my children were empathetic about what was happening to me, they still required their daily care. I owe a lot of my recovery to prayer and having a positive mindset. I never complained or asked for help from my family or friends because I didn’t want to seem weak. I believe a lot of us Mamacitas tend to be prideful because we want everyone to see how tough we are, when in reality, we too, need to be taken care of. I persevered and am currently in remission.
Jiu Jitsu came into my life by chance. When my son was 5-years old, he had a lot of energy and needed an outlet. My father-in-law, who practices jiu jitsu suggested we enroll our son to train. The first year he trained, I watched from the sidelines and it piqued my interest. One of the instructors invited me to a class and even though I wasn’t confident at that moment, I decided to give it a shot a few months later. Instantly, I fell in love with the sport and kept training. This became an outlet for me to unload the burden of being a working mom, wife, teacher, etc., best of all, it has improved my overall health. Jiu Jitsu has also helped me gain confidence in myself. This has become a family affair, my kids actively train and compete just as I do.
Currently, I am training to fight PAN Ams this month in Orlando, Florida. This is the biggest Jiu Jitsu Tournament in North America. I feel proud to compete for myself, my family, and team. They are my number #1 supporters and no matter the outcome, I know I did my best. I am striving and training to be the best white belt 40-year old woman in the world.
For all the Mamacitas out there - put your health and well-being first because if you are healthy and happy, your family will be happy too. It's okay to have a life outside of your family. We are strong, independent women that can have it all if we chose to. The only barrier in life is the one you put in front of yourself. We only have one life to live so take risks and enjoy it to the fullest.
As you can see, Maria is another example of a fierce Mamacita. Join me in sending her the best vibes and wishes for her upcoming fight in Florida. May she always shine exceptionally bright.
Xoxo - G
