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"It doesn’t matter where you come from, you determine where you're going."- Jeff Goins There words from this quote t is very inspiring to me just as my Mentor, Jacqueline Walton. I have known Jacqueline for about 19 years now. Mrs. Walton hired me as a part time assistance at her Allstate Insurance Agency in Broadview, IL while I was attending high school. She was my first real employer and a true role model to me. She was the first African American women I knew to graduate from high school in my neighborhood. She obtained a college degree and became a business owner. She excelled within Allstate Insurance Company for over 25 years before retiring. She started out a licensed Life, Home and Auto insurance agent at the corporate office in Northbrook, IL. She became her own agency owner and employed over five employees.

I was so inspired and impressed by Jacqueline. She was born and raised on the Westside of Chicago and once a resident in a housing project. She told me, "I didn’t realize I was poor until a teacher informed me I was a lower class citizen in the fifth grade." She thought she was at least middle class. She said her father was a sanitation worker for the city of Chicago. She lived in Cabrini green housing and thought she had an amazing apartment. I took was shocked she was from my neighborhood. The way she carried herself I always assume she and her family was not from my parts of town.

Her Mother and Father sought out to make sure she and her five siblings had everything they needed and wanted in life. She didn’t feel like she was poor. She didn’t understand why the teacher did not concur that she was a middle class little black girl growing up in Chicago in the 60's. She said she argued, "My father has a job, a car and we have nice things in our apartment." Jacqueline promised herself she will rise above the "norm." She will not allow what some considered a good life to be her final destination in America's class status. She was determined to become successful and thrived in the business world!

I remember having the conversation with her that after I finish High school, I'll just work for her at Allstate. I became a Licensed Insurance agent selling and exceeding in her Allstate Agency. She told me, Kewana you shouldn't just stop at getting a High school diploma. She said if you really want to live comfortable and worry free. You must keep pursuing your education. My own mother was satisfied and proud of me becoming the first to graduate High school in my family. She never once mentioned College to me. Jacqueline later influenced me to enroll in Robert Morris University, where I obtain my Associates degree in Business Administrative.

Jacqueline always pushed me to always apply myself and be ambitious. She told me to be the very best I can be and never settle for less. She help me realize little thing such as the way one should talk in a professional matter. She advised me to slow down, speak clearly and pronounce words. I've always had difficulties pouncing certain sounds and letter. I had to take speech therapy courses through my school years and didn’t really grasp the importance of speaking clear until I begin working at Allstate and attending meetings and work related functions.

Jacqueline was the first person to inform ne how important credit is and how not falling into debt saved her much trouble in obtaining a business own to start her business. She let me know how lenders look at late payments and inquires and showed me ways to improve my credit. She educated me on investing and saving money. She helped me open my very first CD and invest into Allstate stock. She advised me to shop around and compare before making big purchases. It was very useful in purchasing my first vehicle.

Jacqueline retired from Allstate insurance a back in 2016. She is now the Project Manager on the Bellwood Chambers of Commerce & Industry. I spoke to Jacqueline a few months ago and she informed me she is getting into politics now! Mrs. Walton is always aiming to be successful in evolve as a business woman. She is the absolute reason why I decided to go to College and get my degree. She helped me figure out I enjoy learning new things and challenging myself on things I might not be so great at. She helped me realize no matter where you come from you can always determine where you are going in life! I believe that I would be just like many others with no guidance, living pay check to pay check had it not been from Jacqueline Walton. She is a great role model for many little girls and boys from the poverty driven neighborhoods we come from. She is She encouraged me to come by her office and visit someday. I can't wait to see what she's up too!