Jun 16, 2015

Gentlewoman, Jessica Yanez-Perez


I’m so proud to be friends with such inspiring women.  I enjoy hearing their stories, sharing similarities and learning from them.  Whenever a girlfriend reaches an accomplishment, it makes me really proud. I get inspired and it sparks a fire in my heart.
I knew it was time to bring back this series called “The Gentlewoman” where I highlight everyday women and give the world a glimpse of who they are. 
Today, I am featuring my lovely friend, Jessica.  She recently graduated from UNT - an accomplishment that may have been delayed, but none the less it was accomplished.  Jessica has experienced some highs and lows the past 12 months, but through it all she has remained positive, motivated and God fearing.
 
 

1.     For those people who don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’m originally from San Diego, CA, but I’ve lived in Dallas for the past 11 years now. Wow! Time certainly has flown by. If I had to describe myself to anyone who didn’t know me, I think all you need to know about me is that I’m a pretty positive person with four major loves: God, family, friends and sports!

 
 

2.     You just graduated from UNT!  Congratulations!  Can you tell me what this accomplishment means to you?

Thank you so much Vickie! Well, graduating at 37 definitely wasn’t part of the plan. Growing up I always envisioned going to a university as soon as I was done with high school. Unfortunately, some things are out of our control and moving back and forth from California, New Mexico and back to California during my last years of high school certainly didn’t help. Going back to school was always a goal of mine, and to know that I accomplished that on my own, while working full-time and volunteering at church means the world to me. It’s something that can never be taken from me.
 
 

3.     We met and started a friendship through our church.  Can you tell my readers how long you have been going to Fellowship, where you volunteer and give some details on what this church means to you?

I began going to Fellowship Church around 2005/2006. I was introduced to FC by my best friend and I’ve never doubted that Fellowship was where I needed to plant myself. I’ve worked in various areas from greeting and working with the teens in The Mix ministry.  I currently serve as the choir director for the Dallas campus.

 
 
It’s so hard to put into words what Fellowship Church means to me. The church isn’t just a building; it’s the people who serve in it. Without the people, the church is nothing and I am so grateful for all the amazing people I have met and who have become part of my life. I truly don’t know what I would do without all these wonderful people.  


 
4.     You live in Dallas and your parents live in California.  How hard is it to live in such a big city without your family?

Living so far from my family definitely has its drawbacks. I think the hardest part is not being there for all the little holidays where we shared so many traditions. I’m fortunate because I have made my own family here in Dallas. Family isn’t always the people who share your blood, they are people who share your life, and I have the most fantastic Dallas family.

 
I recently went through knee surgery at the end of last year.  It was a difficult time, but my FC family made it bearable.  I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the experience without their help. I was overwhelmed with the love I received.  They really took care of me.  It was so touching that I actually broke down into tears.   From taking me to the hospital, picking me up, visiting me, taking care of my dog and bringing me food and sweet treats (the list goes on and on) – it is forever engraved in my mind and heart.  I will never forget how loved I felt during a very difficult time.  Thank you.

 
 

5.     A few months back you decided to start eating healthier and start exercising.  You have lost weight and you look fabulous. Can you share some of your journey with my readers?

Oh my gosh. Where do I even start? I just remember looking in the mirror and not only was I not happy with what I saw, but I was crying. I knew the reflection looking back at me was not the reflection of who I was. I knew I had to make a change if I wanted to live a long and healthy life. I’ve lost an aunt and uncle to complications from diabetes and I knew if I didn’t change my lifestyle, I was heading in the same direction. God has given me one body, and if I want to serve Him to the best of my ability I better keep my “house” in order.  
 
 
 
6.     For anyone who is struggling with weight and/or eating healthier, what would you like to say to them?  Can you share any tips/tricks?

First, don’t diet. I’ve taken the pills, creams, and wraps. Those are all quick fixes that don’t teach you about nutrition and portion control. Find a program that teaches you how to relate to food. I live by the 80/20 rule, meaning that 80% of the time I eat clean and 20% of the time I get to indulge a bit. I’m human and can’t eat perfect 100% of the time and this way I don’t feel bad about the times I do indulge because I know I will workout and eat clean the next meal. Finally, having a support system is key. It’s so much harder when you try and go at it alone.

7.     Who inspires you and why?

I don’t think I’ve ever told them, but my parents inspire me. They have had their struggles as people, as spouses and as parents, but they never give up. They work through it and know that everything that’s worth anything is worth fighting for. They’re far from perfect as we all are, but they are fighters and I admire that.

 

8.     What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Never give up and give your worries to God.
 

9.     What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

Have patience. We are a microwave society, who wants what we want, when we want it, where we want it and how we want it. I am just as guilty as the next, but if we are always in a rush for the next thing, we can never enjoy the gifts God has given us in the present.

 

 
10.   What are you most proud of?

I am most proud that I didn’t give up on my goal of going back to school and getting my degree. It could’ve been so easy to quit and just keep working, but I didn’t. God kept the fire alive in me and I can’t wait to see where he leads me next.
I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me.  So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. – Philippians 3:12

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