The Front Desk: These dreams are born, one FBN at a time

They come with their dreams of starting their own business. To be your own boss is a wonderful privilege. It's a lot of hard work 24/7, but in the end it's worth it. You get to take the wheel and steer your own course.

One such person with that dream was Amy - a young woman, wife, mother and hair stylist. She has a dream of opening her own salon, of putting her mark on the hair design world. She walked through the front door last fall, with her adorable baby and husband in tow. With wide-eyed excitement, she completed her Fictitious Business Name Statement. A few weeks later the paperwork came back and her business notice was published in the Hesperia Star. This was the beginning of her dream ' her new reality, which is flourishing today.

They come through the front door with happy tales: a child who excelled in sports, scholastics, the arts. It doesn't matter what age, they all have something in common; they want to share their stories.

One man came in to share his story of riding his bicycle across the United States. It was quite amazing that a person would attempt such a feat, let alone complete it.

Another time, a woman wanted to make the community aware of 'foreclosure pets.' Pets are being abandoned because their masters lose their homes. She shared ways of finding homes for our four-legged family members who become homeless, orphans.

They also come through the front door with sad tales, such as those whose loved ones have lost their brave battle over cancer and those who are still fighting, those who lost their jobs, their homes, their businesses, their loved ones. It makes you ponder your own life; to appreciate what you have.

I also see those who are looking for work ' fresh out of high school or college, or the seasoned worker. They are looking for a hand-up not a handout. It's tough out there. They worry about the bills, health insurance, mortgage payments or rent, food and family. So with a word of encouragement, 'don't give up, try this or go there,' they are on their way. Sometimes I say a quick, silent prayer as they leave.

We need all the help we can get, don't you think?

Sitting over my desk, in a wooden frame, is a statement that I take to heart: Always remember that PEOPLE come first! If you put people first then everything else falls into place.

Sharon Strickland is office administrator for the Hesperia Star newspaper.