Becoming a single mother at 21 was never part of Rosy’s plan, but it became the defining moment that shaped her into the resilient, empowered woman she is today. Faced with unexpected challenges, heartbreak, and the weight of cultural expectations, Rosy made a choice to persevere for herself and her son. Through unwavering determination, faith, and a deep love for her child, she turned her struggles into strengths. Today, Rosy is not only a devoted mother but also a successful business owner, inspiring others with her story of overcoming adversity and manifesting the life she envisioned.
- How did becoming a single mother impact your academic and personal life?
Becoming a single mother at the age of 21 was he furthest thing from the reality I had created. I was a senior in college, with a job offer at the DC Department of Corrections in Washington DC. Ready to take on the world, when the unexpected news turned my world upside down. Not only was I becoming a mother to a child I felt extremely inept to take care of, but graduation was around the corner, and my academic scholarships were only good for 4 years.
Needing all the support I could get- I was left high and dry, after discovering that the father of my child with whom I was in a relationship with at the time had spent his entire first paycheck (he had just started working full time after taking a break from school to support the coming of the baby) on sending dozens of flowers to a woman he met at his gym, while I waited for him patiently at home, at 8 months pregnant. I was at a crossroads in life, where the light within me shined dimmer than usual, as if my belly didn’t hang over my feet enough, my steps were faulty. I had lost my identity in a matter of months, who I was, who I was becoming.
The harsh reality about becoming a single mother for me was how unforgiving it was. To be a first generation Mexican American young woman, pursuing her dreams and breaking barriers for those behind me through education, to finding herself tripping over her own feet after becoming pregnant before marriage, before I’d completed my degree, and by a man from another race. I was seen by my family as a disgrace, a tragedy, and these were weights I carried on my back daily. I knew for a fact I couldn’t go back so I had to decide how to move forward. Securing my degree seemed like the first and most feasible step to take. During that last semester of school and pregnancy, I remember how hungry I was more than any of the lectures taught.
I remember how swollen my ankles were when I got off my car after the hour and a half commute from CU Boulder to Aurora. But what I mostly remember, and I wish I could forget is how lonely and heartbroken I’d have to go to sleep daily, feeling like the ceilings were caving in on me and how hopeless I felt. I graduated in the winter of 2014- December 15th and after two long weeks of being overdue- my son arrived on Jan 6th- 2015. One thing I knew then, was that completing my degree would hopefully create more opportunites for him and I to survive, but I hadn’t seen anything yet, you see 10 years ago Post Partum Depression wasn’t talked about as much as it is today, and so I was left with my sorrows and my brokenness to create a life worth living for, for my son and I. - What were some specific actions you took to overcome the financial and emotional challenges you faced?
After coming to terms with the fact that I would most likely be raising this child on my own, I decided that I needed to overcome every challenge that I faced by any means necessary. I wanted to come out on the other side as bad as I wanted to breathe. I wanted to inhale every thought of self-doubt, unworthiness, and exhale inner strength, the tenacity that was within me. I knew I needed to hustle and grind as hard as I possibly could for my child’s future. I took several different jobs at the same time, I was working at a halfway house part time, and showing homes for a realtor after I clocked out. I bring my baby carrier up to the doors of the homes I was showing and would ask the clients to excuse me for bringing my child along.
I found grace among many, and it was a sacrifice that even he had to be a part of at his very young age. Coming to the awareness of my son’s longing and desire and need to be by my side became my fountain of healing. With him there was no reproach, no rejection, only love, and this pure love I learned to recieve- brought me back to the love of a parent towards their child- or at least that is how the dynamic was intended to be. Becoming a mother helped me come to the revelation of my unending love and sacrifice for my child. I remember nights needing more to eat, but prefering to give my last to my child- cheerfully. This was when I learned to have a new relationship with God and grow in my faith. I didn’t think God loved me and had rejected me because my earthly parens had done this with me- but it was then that I learned His love was unconditional and followed me into the deepest of waters. - Can you describe how you managed to find hope and motivation during your most difficult times?
Looking into my sons eyes and knowing in my soul that he had nothing outside of me to shield him from the taintings of life, knowing well that tapping out seemed much more convienent while also being aware that I could be that person for him that I never had. That I could love him and support him in a way I didn’t feel supported, gave me strength. I had to walk out of the clouds of judgement from others that were impairing my vision of myself.
It was a compilation of many nights and days where I would lay face flat on the carpet, meditating, crying out in prayer. Some days there were only groanings too deep for words, but in these extremely difficult moments, after flushing out the many tears and cries, I would also feel something inside of me rising, lifting my head of the ground, moving within me. Without having any idea where I was going- I always heard a voice deep within me that kept saying “keep going”. My motivation was my son, the way his innocence radiated when he smiled at me even during my breakdowns, having no awareness of pain, just filled with joy, he became that fuel that kept me going. - How did your past experiences with trauma influence your journey towards healing and success?
My upbringing was compromised of conditonal love: I’d be shown love only if I did “xy and z”. If I did any other thing, it was rejection, criticism, anger. I was taught to not cry, even when I was in physical pain, it desensitized the fragile little girl within me. I was told, “this is what you get” and “that’s what you get”- so when I found myself in a low place, all I could hear was “that’s what you get”. Religion was held over me like a looming dark cloud, and I always felt unworthy of forgiveness. Even over the years, as my son began to grow, and I’d earned the forgiveness of those who condemed me- I didn’t feel worthy of being released from my immature choices.
I had been silenced my whole life- and living in a season of being a single mother brought to the surface all the emotions I had suppressed my entire life. I had become so numb to so many emotions I had to swallow as I child that rage was the only thing that made me feel a release. I was angry, very angry at myself. Through therapy and prayer I had to begin the journey of forgiveness- and this uncovered a whole other layer of trauma from my childhood. I had to not only forgive myself- but I had to forgive myself for allowing myself to believe that I deserved to live some of the abuse I experienced as a child that I was never able to speak about or had help navigating through it. It was a pandora box of emotions that I needed assistance walking through. The scariest part was acknowledging that root of my pain- it wasn’t this baby, it wasn’t his father’s betrayal. It was the pain of the hurt little girl that lived inside of me that I carried for SO long. - How did you balance your responsibilities as a new mother with completing your college education?
My original matriculation date was set to May 2014, but with the rapid development of my womb, I had to push out my graduation date another semester. What I know now that I wish I knew then- was how we don’t scknowledge the importance of a mother when a new baby comes- we focus our attention so much to the child: is the baby healthy?
Is he warm enough, are all his vitals healthy, etc. But we don’t monitor the mother’s status as much until the child is born- and this was the exact case for me. I put myself, my body on the back burner to finish my coursework and graduate. In the end- I still owed the school a few credits- so I was forced to take an online class after my son was born. My sleepless nights now also became sleepless study nights- after a full day of work, we’d come home and be settled, until he fell asleep. I’d nap with him, and when he was up at night, I was too. I would nurse him, then work on my online coursework until he feel back asleep, and had that on repeat throughout the course. it wasn’t as balanced as it could be- but it got the course work complete. - Can you share any specific moments or events that were particularly pivotal in your journey?
As the years went by, I worked my way up into a more stable life. I got my first big girl job where I needed a degree, we got our own apartment after living in rooms in people’s homes for a couple years. He started daycare and it became my saving grace for being able to secure a stable employment. But there was still a void withinme and wounds that were tender to touch. I struggled with the idea of loving myself, after being rejected so much of my life. I learned to live in a constant heart break- whether it was caused by someone or myself, my heart was in a desolate place. I was grateful that my son had a roof over his head, food on the table and clothes on his back- but I still felt so much pain.
While outwardly smiling, I was inwardly hurting and too ashamed to admit it. Feeling as if I’d be ungrateful for the stability we had reached, yet still wanting the stability of my mind. Relationships- of all kinds felt so unfulfilling and I felt trapped living unauthentically, smiling for pictures but crying on the inside. I remember one night after putting my son to sleep how easy it would be if I could just call it quits at that moment. In that secret low moment- God met me. When I was feeling defeated- I know His love for me and in me lifted me. But I wanted to feel the change- it was then that I decided to come to the end of myself and let Jesus take the wheel. I stopped holding back, I surrendered every area of my life, uncovered it all, and took the biggest gasp of air I had ever taken.
I had never felt my lungs expand so deeply, I felt weight lift off the front and back of my head. I felt as if I could relax my shoulders and unclench my jaw. I felt free. Free from every ill thought I had ever heard about myself, from every negative thought I had about myself. Free to laugh big belly laughs that filled my cups and put a pep in my step. I found a new gratitude for everything I had walked through. For the hardships, and the lonely times, and I would constantly pursue oppportunites that allowed me to fill other single momma’s cups. - How did you rebuild your self-esteem and sense of worth after facing such hardships?
I was reminded, and finally understood who I WAS. Who I actually was, not who I had shrunken myself to be. Not who I had hidden myself to be, not who I pretened to be, who I actually was. I was fearfully and wonderfully made, I believed that God had done ALL things well, and that I was not the exception! I’d look into the mirror and compliment everything that I was made to believe was wrong with me: my deep bronze skin, my luscious curls that expanded in the heat, my many beauty marks, the way my features adorned my face.
I began to admire myself for my resilience even admist being “half way there mentally”, at my lowest I was still able to survive things that not everyone can. I found pride in my story- and slowly, I started to fall in love with myself. This turned into power, strength, innovation, the awakening of new creativity within me. I began to smile more when I told my story and cry less! - How do you define and practice manifestation in your daily life?
Every day while I get my day started (I try), to look into a mirror or meditae as I drive, and visualize the HIGHEST version of myself. Sometimes she’s loud, sometimes she’s poise, sometimes she’s in a suit and sometimes in a playful dress. I direct and project all my intentions and plans for the day to emulate “her”.
She is love and lovely, she is kind, she is a power house, she has a voice, she commands things to shift in her favor and they do, and her cup overflows and refreshes the cups of others. When someone cuts me off while I’m running late and my water cups spills over me and I begin to think or even say things that don’t align to “her” I try to digress and recenter my thoughts into her. When days get stressful and I want to emotionally eat and make the large fries I think of her- she is healthy.
When my bank account looks funny and the payment reminder emails flood my inbox, I don’t let my mind run wild- she is a money magnet. In every day things, I try to incorporate joy, and some days the manifestations are more powerful than others. Some days I take the “L”s gracefully- or not, but I take every failure as a lesson. Sometimes the lesson is that you’re not always going to hit the mark. Still- I see “her”. - What advice would you give to other women dealing with similar struggles or past traumas?
What I would tell another women dealing with similar struggles or past traumas would be to take a minute to meditate and remember the little girl they used to know. What fueled her fire? What made her eyes glisten- remember that. Then take a moment to trace back to the event(s) that led to the loss of luster in her eyes.
Accept it, acknowledge it, release it. This isn’t the recipe on the back of the pancake mix box- this is something that might need to be repeated over and over, it will most likety require professional help- TAKE IT. Once the blinders have been removed from your eyes- begin to visualize the HIGHEST version of yourself. She can look however you SEE the highest version of yourself- and hold on to her, rememeber her, acknowledge her, speak like her, walk like her, apply to the jobs she would, book trips she would. Have radical faith. - How has your experience shaped your approach to parenting and personal goals?
My experience has shifted my approach on parenting in a drastic way- I no longer see it as a burden but as a privilege. My only goal as a parent is to leave this earth knowing that I’ve equipped my offspring with knowledge, wisdom and the love that surpasses any of the hiccups they may experience in life. I want them to know without a shadow of a doubt that there is nothing they can do to change my heart for them- and that they were born winners! - Can you share a recent achievement or milestone that you are particularly proud of?
I’m extremely proud to say that I am the owner of a flourishing event planning business, where love it the driving force, and ran by myself and other like minded women who teach themselves to smile in the face of adversity. This opportunity has allowed me to spend as much time as I need with my family, reach financial freedom and travel the world when I want. - How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals despite ongoing challenges?
I focus on God and He continues to show me “her” - What are your future aspirations, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Currently- I’m manifesting being an event venue owner, and the best Wedding Planner in Denver CO by popular demand. I see myself being a destination wedding planner, and a beacon of light in my church and my community. I’m going to use my talents and skills to create multiple streams of income, and one day I aspire to open a “house of love” which will be composed of a series of duplexes catered to single parent families- where they will recieve financial literacy, money management workshops, empowerment skills and clean credit services as they embark on thier journeys to discovering the highest versions of themselves!
W: https://www.marcroseeventco.com
