Hello! I'm Shannon Wilson, Founder and President of A Ray of Light and Positivity, Inc., affectionately known as AROLAP, Inc. Since 2007, I've dedicated myself to mentoring, driven by a passion that continues to fuel my journey. Over the past 17 years, I've made it my mission to impact the lives of young adults through mentorship and life guidance. My experience includes over a decade as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida and several years as a life guide mentor with The Foundation for Foster Kids.
Mentorship is more than a passion—it's my way of addressing the void many young adults face. Reflecting on my own youth, I realize I too yearned for a mentor. Today, I aspire to be the mentor I needed then for today's young adults. This aspiration led me to establish AROLAP Inc. in the summer of 2019, aiming to extend my reach beyond previous commitments to other agencies. True to its name, AROLAP Inc. has become a beacon of positivity and support for young adults.
At our organization, we mentor with love and laughter—'AROLAP mentors differently!' Our mentorship and life guidance structure is highly effective and warmly received by participants.
May we all aspire to be a ray of light for those in need and a beacon of positivity. Positive vibes always!
We invite you to join us in making a difference!"
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Shannon Wilson​
Founder's Address
I grew up in a single parent home. I attended a new elementary school every year. I almost failed the fifth grade. I once had suicidal thoughts in middle school. My dad raised me in a single father home as a teenager. My mom had a substance abuse issue with mental illness and my dad had a middle school education. I came from a family of teenage pregnancy. We received public assistance. We were poor. I went to Jones High School all four years (by choice). I lacked skills necessary to get into college because of the lack of resources at my high school. I became a recluse when I started college. I didn't make college friends until my last 2 years of college (I was a 5 year student). I have been discriminated against, bullied, and taken advantage of. I've been in an abusive relationship. I've been depressed. I suffer from anxiety. They said I would never make it. They said I would be a teenage mom. They said I would be a statistic. I've been bruised and bent throughout my life-but, I made it and never broke!
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All of this made me into the woman I am today. I don't see it as my "put me down" story because it is my "PICK ME UP" story!
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If you know me-then you know my story! I don't hide it and I use it as a reminder to myself that I am capable of persevering. I am capable of using my life experiences to help others through mentorship, volunteerism, and life coaching. I am capable of being the epitome of success. I am proud to be a product of my environment!
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Check the resume:
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High School Diploma-Jones High School 2002
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Bachelors of Arts-University of South Florida 2007
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Masters of Arts-Ashford University 2018
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Licensed Cosmetologist
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Notary Public
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Certified Life Coach
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Non-Profit Mentoring Organization Founder
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Be the change you wish to see!
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Because I am a product of my environment
