Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirley Harris.
Hi Shirley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Wilmington, Delaware, I arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2011 to attend Beulah Heights University, also located in the Grant Park area of Atlanta. I lived on campus for about 4-5 years. When I arrived in Atlanta, I was running away from a previous life of drugs, alcohol, and other demeaning issues in my life which lasted for over 20-25 years. It has been my moving to Atlanta that I have accomplished many inspiring, encouraging, and up-lifting milestones in my life.
I have gained my Master’s degree in Leadership and will be graduating in May 2021 with my Master’s in Religious studies. I am very proud of these accomplishments that at one time seemed like an unattainable dream but have now become a living reality. I have been nominated as President of the Society of Women in Theology Sorority. This was a life-long desire of mine to become a member of a sorority sisterhood, one that has a meaningful purpose I searched for many years. I knew this was the right one for me the moment I attended my very first meeting. I must admit my life’s journey to the place where I am today has not been an easy road traveling, I’ve had my share of bumps and bruises along the way as well as lessons learned, but through it all, I am grateful today and have learned to love myself.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I struggled many years with drugs, alcohol, and homelessness, I’ve struggled through three failed marriages, the murder of my oldest daughter Robin. I’ve struggled with depression, suicide attempts, I’ve struggled through my self-worth, confidence, and belonging.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My professional area is within the Administration fields, clerical, secretarial arenas. My passion is data entry, I love to use my hands in typing and love the sound of the keyboard. I am very proficient with my typing skills, although I do not get the opportunity to use them as much as I use to my typing skills have excelled to about 70 WPM at times and my numerical skills have exceeded 1200, KSPM at times. I am very proud of this aspect of my life. I love performing all administration duties, it gives me a sense of importance. I have been a team leader at times in my working career, and I have recently been nominated as President of the Society of Women in Theology Organization (Sorority), I will be graduating from Beulah Heights University in May 2021 with my master’s degree in Religious Studies, I currently hold a master’s in leadership. I love to plan events for my personal enjoyment. I am considering finishing out my educational journey by obtaining my Doctoral Degree. I don’t believe I have the Award for being set apart, but I do know what is most important in my life is to love myself, family, friends and to reach out beyond the borders of my life to help others less fortunate to become productive, and succeed in their endeavors.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I loved to sing, music and dance. Personally, I was a person with very few selected friends. A person who loved to party and make others laugh and have fun. I love to dress fashionably. Even today I love fashion. I believe that a person should learn something new every day of their lives in order to continue the process of growing and building character.
Contact Info:
- Email: bhu8579@students.beulah.edu
- Instagram: Shirley B. Harris
- Facebook: Shirley Harris
- Twitter: Shirley Harris
