My name is Shunna Joshua, and I was born in st. Louis, Missouri. I was raised and brought up on the Northside in St. Louis city, where the brown water tower stands. I have three biological children, Ghais jr., Harmoni, and Mario jr., and I have been caring for my fourth child, Joshua, since he was eight months old. I have been employed through the special school district since October 2007, where I work with children with special needs, ages 3 to 5. I’ve obtained a couple of degrees while working in the childcare field: my associate’s degree in early care and education from St. louis community college at florissant valley in may 2003, my bachelor’s degree in k-12 cross-categorical from Fontbonne University, and I also started on my master’s degree in special education with a concentration area in autism at UMSL, which I am currently three classes away from obtaining. I’ve always found working with children to be a fulfilling experience. Each child is a unique individual, and it’s wonderful to watch them learn and grow as they navigate the world around them. In march 2017, I married the love of my life Mario Joshua, and ever since that special day, we have been cherishing every moment of our married life together. In my spare time, I enjoy writing, watching reality shows, going to church, shopping, pampering myself, and listening to music. If I had the opportunity, I would love to visit Jamaica. Maybe my stepfather and I could possibly reunite one day! Eating white rice or ramen noodles was a struggle for me. Having choices on what I want to eat is a success for me. Wearing clothes off of Otis’s table was a struggle for me. Being able to shop for what I want is a success for me. Having to ride the bi-state was a struggle for me. Owning vehicles is a success for me. Living in filth and with roaches was a struggle for me. Coming home to a nice, clean, comfortable house is a success for me. Using water or lotion for hair products was a struggle for me. Being able to purchase what I need for my hair is a success for me. Having to go to pantries for food was a struggle for me. Being able to go to the grocery stores is a success for me. These were just some of my struggles that I didn’t let stop my success.”
