Hello, It’s Me!

Summary

Carrie Tawil, a writer for ILLUMINATION, shares her journey from writing as a child to achieving her dream of becoming a published writer, influenced by her family, education, and the encouragement of colleagues.

Abstract

Carrie Tawil introduces herself as a multifaceted individual with a passion for writing that began in her childhood. Despite her academic achievements, including being the first in her family to earn a Master's degree, she harbored a long-standing dream to become a writer. Encouraged by a friend to start a blog, she eventually found her way to publishing on Medium, with the support of her co-workers, Arthur and Irene Hernandez. Carrie's writing is deeply personal, often reflecting on conversations and stories that offer new perspectives. With a background in Counseling, she dedicates her professional life to supporting youth and families, and she finds joy in sharing knowledge with others in her field. Her articles on ILLUMINATION are a testament to her journey and her commitment to personal growth and learning.

Opinions

Carrie views her childhood notes to her mother as more than simple messages, considering them deep and heartfelt, a sentiment echoed by her mother who preserved them.
Despite her academic success, Carrie admits to staying on the path of education out of comfort and proficiency rather than a lack of fear in exploring new avenues.
Carrie initially doubted her writing abilities when comparing herself to other writers on Medium, reflecting a moment of insecurity before her eventual publication.
She expresses gratitude towards her co-workers, Arthur and Irene Hernandez, for guiding her through the process of becoming a writer on the platform.
Carrie writes with the intention of exploring topics that challenge her thinking, aiming to learn from others and offer new insights through her work.
She values the role of teaching and sharing knowledge, particularly in a collaborative and conversational setting, as a means to excite and empower others in her field.
Carrie is committed to self-improvement, both mentally and physically, to fulfill her roles as a wife, mother, and professional, and she sees her hair color changes as an expression of her individuality and love for art.

How It Happened

Wow, to write that title is pretty surreal because I have written since I was a young girl able to write my mother a note to tell her I loved her. According to my mother, the notes were never simple but deep and heartfelt. She could be saying that because she is my mom and she loves me but then one day she sent me a picture of a letter I wrote to her. She has kept them all.

Carrie Tawil: photo by author

Hello world, my name is Carrie Tawil. I am a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, a youth advocate, a nerd for knowledge, and a constant work in progress. As the first person in my family to graduate from a collegiate program with a Masters degree, I have always been seen as “on the right path.” Truth, I just stayed on the same path because I was too scared to deviate from what was comfortable and what I was good at doing, school. Straight A student, deans list, dual concentration in my masters program. Oh yeah I had goals and I achieved them.

The one goal I have always dreamed of is to be a writer. Never knowing how to get in, or publish anything, I continued to journal day and night. After 20+ years of writing in a journal, I started my blog. A small start but I pushed the button, check it out. Then a really sweet, kind co-worker/friend of mine called me and said “Girl your blog post had me laughing you should write.” I took baby steps. I checked out her husband, Arthur Hernandez’s writings, became a Medium Member, and started scrolling.

My first thought, yeah there is no way I am good enough.

A week or so passes and I receive a text, “Did you write your story yet?” I guess I did not respond fast enough because the next thing I knew my phone was ringing and I am placed on speaker phone with Irene and Arthur saying “Okay this is how it works.” I was accepted as a writer and I submitted my first article and BAM! The one goal I have put aside for so long was made into a reality. Thanks you two! I am truly honored to be making contributions on this platform and look forward to what my future holds as a writer.

What to Know About Me

I write for me, usually about topics which have been conversations in my life, or stories which have been told to me from a third party that have offered new perspectives. I enjoy learning from others so if something sends a spark in my brain to think differently it usually turns into words on my pages. I have an educational background in Counseling and spend a lot of time supporting youth and families of all natures in my daily job. I enjoy learning but I also love teaching, well not in a classroom setting but more in a conference based environment. I really get excited about sharing tools and knowledge with my fellow social service providers, family, friends, or hell anyone who can hold a conversation for longer than 20 minutes with me.

I spend my time figuring out how to be a better person both mentally and physically so I can be around for all the ups and downs of life. This includes being a wife to my husband and mother to our 3 babies. I often curse more than I should and ask for forgiveness later. I change my hair color often because art comes in so many shapes and sizes and well I am a walking billboard.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I look forward to reading and learning from all of you. I hope you enjoy the same from me.