Nova Pearson Kopp. No Ordinary Woman

                   NOVA PEARSON KOPP

          MRS.  GEORGIA   UNITED STATES 2015  

 I’ve known Nova most of my life. We attended the same high school, and although she is a year my junior, our circles crossed often and still do. She was a beacon then- a shinning light of happiness and encouragement, always smiling and always talking to anyone and everyone. She made you feel good. 
  Fast forward 2 decades, and Nova has honed her skill of motivation and transformation. Of her own confession, life has not been perfect. She has experienced  profound loss and disappointment - her Father committed suicide after years of mental illness when she was 14  yrs old; but what she has not done, is give up! 

  I have been fortunate to follow Nova on Facebook and talk to her in person and she has some excellent advice to share.  And by the way, Nova was 49 yrs old when she was crowned Mrs. Georgia  United States 2015. 

Nova, when and where and under what circumstances did you have the epiphany that changed your life?

   I was a 20 something - single mom, making 7 dollars an hour. My car was so junky, I had to borrow my bosses BMW to run an errand for him and I realized, ”He works the same hours as I do and yet he makes so much more. Why?” After concluding it was education, I went back to school. This was not easy because, after my Fathers death, I struggled in High School and I did not do well. This was when I began to change my mindset - I got my Bachelors and then decided to get my Masters, and I graduated Class Scholar! I believe, "If they can do it, so can I"!

  From there I decided to change my BRAND, and I surrounded myself with positive mentors. People who could help me rewire my thinking so I can achieve my goals - goals I always write down.

  I discovered simple truths that I apply to this day - you need to follow a road map to get where you want to go.  Quit destructive cycles in your life and find out what your triggers are - those things that cause you to make the bad decisions.  

 2. How do you overcome the fear and voices that tell you, you can't or shouldn’t?

   Your goals need to be achievable. I mean how do you swallow an elephant - one bite at a time! Follow the SMART model. As you achieve goals, you begin to believe in yourself.  Rewire your thinking. Thoughts are like channels in the brain. If you don't like them, then change the channel! Your thoughts become your road map! 

3.Any future plans and goals?  

   I would like to write a book that will help women. My heart is to see all women and girls know and reach their potential. I would love to be a motivational speaker of transformation for all women because I am passionate about helping women and children who have experienced traumatic events in their life. 

 4.Any last words you'd like to leave us with?

 Live in the "present". The present is a present from God.