WANETTA “ VANESSA” MASSEY | MS. SENIOR FLORIDA 2022 /2023

Her family and friends knew her as Vanessa, her middle name that she would go by from infancy to kindergarten. Growing up Vanessa was very shy and quiet, once she started first grade her teachers began calling her Wanetta, her legal first name. This was a name she never connected with, however, reluctantly gave into because she didn't use her voice to make the correction. It was even worse when it was mispronounced. Juanita, Wanona, Wanessa, you name it, people just never got it right. She never mentioned it to her parents although it never felt right.

She recently started back using Vanessa, as she has become more confident in her life and her want to return to the name she would hear from birth. It took her almost 60 years to do so however it is never too late to take control of your life.

A natural for pageantry, she competed in quite a few in her teens after she and her mom were approached. She enjoyed the pageants and after each win became more relaxed with engaging with people and the shyness began to ease, although she always remained humble.

Vanessa, while being the youngest of three, grew up like an only child because of the fourteen­ year age difference between her nearest sibling. Vanessa and her parents attended church services every Sunday and she still attends the same church that she has since the age of six.

She left Hallandale, Florida after high school and received her Associates Degree in Applied Science from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She was a New York City girl and had the best time of her life during those years as she was able to do some modeling while majoring in Fashion Design. A few years after completing college she became a flight attendant for Eastern & Delta airlines, where she also met her husband who was an airline pilot.

After 15 years of flying and at the age of 35, 5he became pregnant with twin boys. She and her husband were shocked and had to make a decision. Although not being ready, Vanessa decided to give up her career to take on the greatest, scariest & most rewarding challenged she had ever faced, caring for her heart and soul twin sons. She had never been around younger children consistently and for the next 20 years gave her all into being their caregiver, not withholding anything to ensure her sons would be loved, healthy, humble and grow up to be successful African American men. Her sons, Jason & Justin, were her number one investment in hopes of getting a great return and she did. They both were successful student-athletes who ended up playing Division I basketball while earning their undergraduate degree from Florida Atlantic & Brown University, respectively, as well as a Masters.

Even though her world revolved around her family, Vanessa was happy to finally have the time for herself. Vanessa always managed to make time to exercise and even became a Certified Group Fitness Instructor while her sons were completing college. But at this point, she was called again to be a caretaker for her brother who was diagnosed with Cancer. She took care of him for about a year's time until his death.

With the passing of her brother, Vanessa regained a portion of her own time back until about another year later when her mom experienced a terrible fall which has led to Vanessa becoming one of her primary caretakers over the course of the last three years.

This is where she is understanding the meaning of acceptance in her life and taking it one day at a time. We never know where our journey will lead so it behooves us all to not surrender to pressure & to stick to the plan. Vanessa realized her gift is to help others, she continues to promote prosperity by putting value into her family and anyone that comes into her life.

Especially women, young mothers & seniors. She always encourages them to make time for & take care of yourselves, by eating right, getting exercise & resting properly. And especially, be accepting of whatever God has planned for you.