Rilonda Neal, “Miss Ro” - PART 1

I am so grateful to each parent that has participated with this podcast thus far, because each of them have been so transparent and open to telling their stories. Rilonda’s story, or Ro as she’s known to many, is no different; however, hearing Ro’s story was particularly humbling for me, because the podcast you’re about to hear was my first time learning just what she’s experienced. And it’s not because she’s unwilling to share - Ro is very transparent and willing to talk about what she’s been through in efforts to show others they can choose to live on the brighter side of the pain they’ve seen. As super busy colleagues, Ro and I just never had the opportunity to sit down one-on-one to learn more about each other. Our conversation reminded me that, especially when I haven’t taken the time to genuinely get to know someone, it is crucial that I don’t: assume to understand why people make the choices they do, to have all the answers, or to think of myself more highly than I ought to and shun those whose life looks much different than mine. Ro’s life has been no walk in the park, but I am humbled by her choice to be unselfish, giving and loving, in spite of her past. I often explain the Youngstown Parent Storytellers Project as an opportunity for parents to tell their Youngstown story, not the one everyone thinks they may know. Please listen to Part One of my conversation with “Miss Ro,” and stay tuned for Part Two.