Julia, originally from the scenic Hudson Valley region of New York, embodies the true spirit of resilience and perseverance. Her journey is one of overcoming adversities and achieving professional success against the odds.
From the Hudson Valley to Florida
Julia moved to Florida to be closer to her mother, who passed away in 2007. Initially, she faced an unstable career path, working multiple jobs that didn’t stick. Despite these setbacks, Julia has never given up, continuing to work hard. A few years ago, her home was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian, leading to extensive repairs that insurance did not fully cover. This added adversity to her story, but Julia remains determined to restore her home.
A Dedicated Correctional Officer
Julia has dedicated over 15 years to her role as a correctional officer, inspired by her brother's service with corrections in New York. Her dedication and commitment recently earned her a promotion to Lieutenant. Julia has a commitment to keep trying until she achieves her goals. It took three times to get the promotion, a significant goal she set for herself before retirement.
Health Struggles and AGOGIE's Role
Julia has faced significant health challenges, including arthritis and knee pain, complications from a foot surgery. Despite the pain, she remained determined to stay active. Julia has figured out the best ways to exercise outside of her intense amount of walking as a correctional officer in her previous role. These exercises include Pilates, stretching, squats with a machine, and other low-impact activities. Discovering AGOGIE resistance band pants through a magazine story, she found relief and support for her legs, which allowed her to continue her work and daily activities with less discomfort.
Her Furry Family
Julia’s resilience is supported by her loving furry family, her five dogs: Petey, Tank, Zelda, Little, and Maggie. They are her constant companions, bringing joy and comfort, especially during tough times. Her dogs play a vital role in keeping her motivated and active.
"You Can't Sit Around and Wait to Die"
Julia's philosophy is simple: "You can't sit around and wait to die, keep moving." She emphasizes the importance of staying active and moving forward, no matter the challenges. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and a positive attitude.
Looking to the Future
As she approaches retirement, Julia is considering moving to a new state, such as Tennessee or Kentucky, for their beauty and change of seasons. Her future is filled with the promise of new beginnings and continued resilience.
Celebrating Julia
We celebrate Julia for her unwavering spirit, dedication to her work, and ability to overcome adversity. Her story is an inspiration to all AGOGIANs, demonstrating that with determination and support, we can conquer any challenge.