Ebony Smith: The Perseverance of a Ripple Graduate

Hi, my name is Ebony Smith and I am a Ripple of One participant. I have been a part of Ripple for two years now. I graduated from the program on June 18th, 2020. Ripple has really made a positive impact in my life. I’m so glad I put my pride and stubbornness behind me for Ripple of One. Before I joined the program my life was a roller coaster with no ending. I had low self-esteem and was always depressed. I struggled with financial issues and health problems. I also did not have a reliable car! I struggled with self-discipline, budgeting, saving, and worrying about what people thought about me. I was living paycheck to paycheck, working at jobs that didn’t pay enough. I worked these jobs primarily to support my daughter and myself. I always heard about the Ripple program, but I would never take the time to research what it was like. One day my mom kept talking about Ripple of One and told me to join because she believed I could benefit from it. She was absolutely right!

I was in a dark place. I had a number of issues stemming from being adopted and not being fully accepted by certain family members. I was also raped and diagnosed with cancer. I was blessed with parents that did raise me and loved me dearly. They took tremendous care of me and helped me become the woman I am today. After understanding everything that happened to me I wanted a change. I didn't want to continue with my same issues and have them haunt me.

Ripple of One helped me to love myself and take pride in what I do. The program helped me to step out of my comfort zone and to reach my full potential. Ripple gave me a loving and caring Mentor and Financial Coach. I came into Ripple with no savings or hope, but now I have savings and a great job! I finally have a job that I thought I’d never possess the skills for. Ripple also helped me get my dream car that I always wanted, which is a convertible. Ripple also provided classes and workshops to better my interview skills and to build my self-esteem. During my time in the program I had a few setbacks. I lost my brother and mother in August of 2019 and it was extremely difficult for me. There were times I wanted to give up, but with the help of GOD, my two mentors, a financial coach and my Ripple family I stuck with it. I pushed myself everyday to persevere! It's still hard, but now I can cope with it better. I learned in Ripple to always dream big no matter what people may think.

Now, I feel unstoppable in my dreams and I’m not going to allow anyone to tell me differently.  I am very grateful for Ripple of One, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have made it this far! If you are ready to make a change in your life and prepared for what it takes, I strongly encourage you to do so. I hope you make the necessary changes and have the determination to stick with it. DON'T SECOND GUESS YOURSELF, JUST DO IT!!!