Today we’d like to introduce you to Antwanette Weaver.
Hi Antwanette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Even as a young child, I knew I wanted my career to involve working with children and helping others. While in high school, I decided I wanted to become a pediatric nurse; however, during my junior year of high school, I became pregnant with my son, Kameron. After having Kameron, and then getting married soon after high school graduation, I decided I needed to work full-time to support my son. Subsequently, a family member helped me to secure a job with Fort Bend ISD as a teacher assistant working with pre-kindergarten students.
While working as a teacher assistant, I enrolled into college to start working on my degree. Shortly after, I decided to pursue a teaching certification; therefore, I simultaneously worked for Fort Bend ISD as I pursued my undergraduate degree. In 2005, I completed by undergraduate and started teaching first grade at Fort Bend ISD. After 3 years of teaching, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in counseling with the end goal being to become a school counselor. However, while working on the degree I later decided to also complete courses to become a licensed professional counselor. I made that decision because I became very aware of how mental health issues were not only impacting my life, but the lives of those around me.
In 2010, I completed my degree and obtained a school counseling position with FBISD. I became a fully licensed professional counselor in 2013. Just when I was contemplating transitioning from the school system, Fort Bend ISD created six mental health counseling positions and in 2019, I transitioned into my current position. On July 13, 2020, I lost my son, Kameron, to suicide. Over the next year, I worked to make meaning of his death, and struggled to understand how this could be our story. Together my daughter, Aliyah, and I decided to create a non-profit to bring awareness to suicide and other mental health related issues. Finally, on November 16, 2022, A Bold Story Never Ends became a registered non-profit organization. We chose this name because we believed Kameron’s story could not end with his death, and his boldness in life would be furthered through our actions moving forward.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The journey has definitely not been easy, and the road has been anything but smooth. Becoming a teen mom presented its own challenges, but there were also many other obstacles to overcome. While working to achieve my career goals, I balanced being a wife, having a full-time job and being a student while simultaneously striving to properly care for my children. Shortly after completing my master’s degree, my marriage ended, and I had to completely rebuild. Then, just when I thought I’d found my footing, grief snatched the rug from under me. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression throughout my life, but grief greatly intensified my anxiety to the point that it was nearly paralyzing. I had to work extremely hard just to continue to move forward. However, working with a therapist and prioritizing my self-care has greatly improved the quality of my life.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m still currently employed in conjunction with growing my non-profit organization. A Bold Story Never Ends was created to honor the memory of my son, and to diligently work to save lives by providing psychoeducation on mental health related issues.
One major goal of A Bold Story Never Ends is to extend Kameron’s passion for education by providing scholarships to area high school students interested in pursuing higher education. Kameron was always encouraging others to find their passion and pursue them.
Additionally, we also strive to bring awareness to mental health issues by offering awareness events, presentations, and other initiatives addressing various topics. Suicide stole the life of my son, and I will work endlessly to break the stigma around mental health to protect other parents, families, and friends from this devastating reality.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the diversity of our city. There are endless opportunities to meet and learn from people who represent so many cultures. I truly appreciate the ability to experience, firsthand, the traditions, food, and customs of others. It is truly a melting pot.
I would say the thing I like least is the continuously growing amount of traffic. Commuting in the city requires a great deal of patience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboldstoryneverends
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boldstoryneverends
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aboldstory?t=sCucHcVYo-wkyOZj_iL4Xg&s=03
Image Credits
A Bold Story logo photo by Christy Staples
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