Cultivated Confidence: Graduates with Honors of Her Own From the School of Hard Knocks

Deborah was attending nursery school in 1965 when she learned the meaning of life. She noticed Crystal, the most beautiful little black girl ever, and knew they would be best friends. Together, they shared an equal philosophy: we are the same with the exception of our skin color. Because of this unspoken respect for human diversity, Deborah values universal acceptance. At age eight, Deborah’s newly-married mother, adoptive father and brother moved to a ranch where Deborah discovered her passion for the well-being of all animals. Not bearing to have another beloved pet sold for slaughter, Deborah joined 4-H and showed horses instead of raising livestock. To this day, she maintains a vegetarian lifestyle for health and ethical reasons. After receiving her Associate of Arts degree from Brooks Fashion Institute in Long Beach, California, Deborah transferred to the University of Hawaii. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree and remained in the Hawaiian Islands 10 years as a fashion show producer. Deborah left the Islands to pursue a fashion career in the Bay Area, however, the high fashion industry conflicted with her desire to wear Levi’s. Longing to try something entirely different, Deborah moved to Alaska to work with Russian fishermen. Too seasick to function on a boat, Deborah eventually chose employment inside the plant. One of her tasks was located at a weighing station. She stretched her 5’2＂ body across the conveyor belt and was told to allow only 50 pounds of fish through at a time. She was too petite to hold back the boat loads of fish coming down the belt. As the fish tumbled over her body and into the weigh tank below, it was soon discovered Deborah was not suited for this, either. She selected her newest duty at the lighted table station, used for pulling out worms from the fish. However, Deborah’s supervisor discovered her leaned over, vomiting from the sight of the worms. Deborah knew it was time for her and her Levi’s to catch the next flight back to California. Deborah and her husband married in 1996. They purchased a ranch in 1997 and welcomed Spencer, their son. Deborah began rescuing farm animals and while raising her son, tended to their herd. Deborah, now divorced, raised her son and is running her ranch to several rescued farm animals. She is maintaining persistence and determination, knowing these qualities are powered by the Universe.