The 2004 Women of AchivievementAward winner, Jacqui Vines spoke to a crowd of Southern faculty, staff andstudents in the Smith-Brown Memorial Cotillion ballroom.
Vines, the Vice President andGeneral Manager of Cox Communications addressed the audience and said, ” Iwould like to share some chapters of my life’s journey with you all.”
She reflected on growing up withher great aunt. She recalled how her aunt would embrace her and serenaded herwith the old gospel song, “We Shall Overcome.” At around six years old shemoved back with her abusive parents. The abuse was so bad that she had to behospitalized more than once through out her childhood.
After excruciating abuse, sherecalled the day that her mother and social worker came to her while atbasketball practice and informed her that she will be moving in a foster home.
“I never tried to runaway from thefoster home,” Vines said. After living there for a while, Vines was lateradopted by a Caucasian couple, in which still to this day she considers themher parents.
Unlike many others Vines took alonger time getting her first and only degree, “I spent 20 years going to nightschool.” The reason it took her so long was because every time she settled downat a job, a bigger and better one would come along. So, she would pack up andmove.
The experiences that she has beenthrough made her the woman that she is today. “I applied for one job throughoutmy entire life and that was a job as a receptionist and from there it went onand on and on,” Vines said.
She also had words of encouragementfor the students, “Watch thepeople you admire, understand that your behavior is always being judge,” shesaid.
While being caught up in her goalsand dreams, Vines had to take a step back and wonder what her life was for andwhat legacy she was going to leave.
Vines wanted the students to knowthat once you have your good paying job that you wanted make sure you valuesand morals support the company that you are working for.
