HOST JACKIE TANTILLO - Be True To Yourself with Guest UI Designer Trevor Alexander

Trevor Alexander is a UI/UX tech designer and the kind of son that just wants to share inspirational stories of his mother. He's not looking for personal gain, but solely out of respect and admiration for his mom, Constance or better known as Connie, Trevor wants her story told.  

The second son of four children, two boys and two girls, Trevor,  so he says was  "accident prone" as a child which kind of came in handy when his mother became a x-ray technologist.  An active child, sometimes stumbling over his own feet and/or injuries related to sports allowed he and his mom to spend some 'one on one' time together having x-rays taken after a fall.

Connie was a nurse. She had worked in the ER and then transitioned into becoming a x-ray tech. It's a challenging career shift, lots to learn and the information is complicated regarding the machines and constant technical updates. Connie really gravitated to her new career,  she was constantly studying and staying current with all aspect of this new field .  Her experience as a nurse reenforced Connie's ability to be very nurturing. She truly cared about her patient's wellbeing and wanted to see them through their difficulties. Trevor's believes that this  "truly resinated with his mother, the fact that she was there to help them. She was able to connect with each and everyone of them."

Though stressful, in time, she was able to segment or compartmentalize  the work/stressors and come home and be  mom. She was very good at leaving her work out of the home.  

Over time, Trevor's mother made a very difficult decision, which would effect the entire family.  Trevor wrote me initially to say "our family went through some terrible difficulties because of this decision, with her picking up work at a bakery to try and make ends meet.  Her courage left a lasting impression on me. To stand up and refuse to be taken advantage of and mistreated knowing the road ahead would not be easy, always inspired me in my own career to aspire to such courage.  I'm a UI (User Interface) designer, who's been in the industry for over 16 years and I can think of many times my career was inspired by my mother's bravery".

When Trevor was in high school his mother quit her well paying job as the x-ray technologist because "of the abhorrent conditions of the work place," says Trevor.  His mother wasn't being respected and Connie and Jim, Trevor's dad, mutually agreed that it wasn't a healthy situation and time to walk away. " My mother had  tremendous drive to stay in her job, she was highly qualified, but there was a breaking point.  She couldn't in good faith keep this going." Trevor continues, my mom  said, 'I'm worth more than this.'  "And more importantly, she wanted to make a statement to her kids that you stand up for yourself, you don't get pushed around and get taken advantage of," says a proud Alexander.

We never know what life is going to throw our way, but it's important to believe in ourselves and realize that there is always a solution for a better future and no one/no employer should ever take advantage of anyone, ever.

Connie took a job in a bakery at a supermarket with crazy hours. She had to work 12 hour shifts on her feet, but she loved it. She made new friends and would come home laughing and smiling with wonderful stories to share. She also came home with fresh baked goodies for the family.

Trevor's book is entitled " An Ugly Design Career".   https://uglydesigncareer.com/

 Twitter: http://twitter.com/alexandertrevor

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers and the roles they play in our lives. And my guests answer the question, 'are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother'? You'll be amazed at what the responses are.

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal relationships with their mother.

Some of my guests include Baritone Singer Christopheren Nomura, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Tim Wacker, Activist Kim Miller, Freighter Sea Captain Terry Viscount, Film Production Manager Peg Robinson, Professor of Writing Montclair State University Dr. Bridget Brown, Tammy Steckler, attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter Mark Heingartner, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Maryellen Valyo Cole and Roger Evens, Property Manager in New Jersey and so many more talented and insightful women and men.

I've worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. I've interviewed so many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.

A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created my logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".

Check out my website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/

Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo

Find audio versions of the podcast here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/60j14qCcks4AP3JUrWrc2M

Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/60j14qCcks4AP3JUrWrc2M

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