What is so great about your life?Besides having an unbelievably close relationship with my family, the greatest thing about my life is I’m free and willing to change. I’m not stuck because of “obligations” either financial, or maternal. My life is also great because I have a distinct career focus and I am actively working toward that.What were your original goals when you set out to create your “dream” life?Out of high school, some 8 years ago, it was my “fantasy” to go to a certain prestigious historically black university, pledge a certain sorority, graduate in 4 years, and go into the work force. However, when I made these plans I had no clue as to a career focus, or a major for that matter! I mean nothing at all! Because of that I flunked out of college and had to start over.How long did it take for your dream to become a reality?I’m still working on it. I’m one semester away from graduating undergrad and I will be in grad school in the spring. It has been a LONG journey, but I’m not done yet. I have learned to flow with the changes. Nothing has been made easy for me, but I have a better appreciation to the accomplishments that I have made. I look back over my life and I just smile and thank God for getting me through.What are some of the steps you took in accomplishing your goals?I did NOT stop! I knew I wanted to be independent, but I also knew I had to work for my independence. After I flunked out of college, my mom said, “just come back home, start over, and find your groove.” I was not only shocked at this, because I wasted $30,000, but encouraged and motivated. I just got to work. Enrolled in the local community college. Found my “groove” and took that to the university. I developed an insatiable appetite for education. And that is what pushed me forward. I also developed relationships with my professors. They encouraged and helped me far beyond necessary.What is your biggest advice for those still working towards their dreams?First get moving. A sedentary life is counterproductive and pretty much useless. What ever it is that you desire to do, start working toward it. Take classes. Work within that career field. Intern. So get out your own way and start moving toward your goals.Second, surround yourself with people who share and support your desire to succeed. There is nothing worst than a killjoy. Sometimes our so-called friends are comfortable with our friendship as long as you are not doing anything better than they are. So when you being to make strides towards your own goals they do not praise you and all of a sudden you become a sellout, or a phony. So leave those people alone and recreate your circle to include other people who are also on a mission.Lastly, trouble will come. Trouble or set backs in life are inevitable. So just buckle down and push through because giving up will not solve anything. My former psychology professor autographed my copy of his book with this saying: “A set back is a set up for a come back.” That is something that I STILL hold to be true. Set backs do not mean stop!*******Thanks Jasmine for your words of wisdom in living the life you've always dreamed of. If you're a successful woman (however you define it) and our living the life of your dreams, answer the above questions and send in your picture to Courtney [at] thinkandgrowchick [dot] com.