‘Sometimes I look back on my life and say ‘wow, that was me, I made it’’
Nyati-melissa
Name: Cleveland. Age: 45. Family: 4 children, 3 grandchildren, 1 grandchild on the way, 1 grandchild that recently passed away. Residence: Sutter County. Occupation: Student, student worker, motivational speaker, minister, author, advocate, activist.
What’s your walk-up intro music? “This Girl is on Fire,” by Alicia Keys and “Bodak Yellow,” by Cardi B.
Hobbies, interests: Writing poetry, dancing, drawing and motivating others.
What brought you to the Yuba-sutter area? My relocation stemmed from my need to escape a horribly violent marriage. Yuba City was the perfect place to go; nobody would ever think to look for me here. Two months after I relocated here my husband passed away, but I stayed because my heart told me that this is where I was meant to be and this is where I will begin to make a difference.
What do you like about the Yuba-sutter area? I love that it is out of the way of the major city, and the peacefulness of the atmosphere. I have noticed that many residents do not agree with my point of view. They have informed me about how slow this area is and complain that there is nothing to do. Just perfect for me, the lack of multiple distractions makes it easier for me to focus on my goals and career plans. Being raised in the Bay Area allows me to appreciate the environment. I grew up in the concrete jungle where most of my childhood friends are either dead or in prison, so the change of pace is welcomed. While living in Yuba City I noticed the lack of resources Nyati-melissa Cleveland, 45, of Sutter County loves that the Yuba-sutter area is out of the way of a major city and that it is peaceful.
offered to women who have been victims of mental, physical or emotional abuse. These demographics are in line with my life mission and solidified my decision to begin my mission in this area.
Where would you like to retire to/live for a year? I would like to retire in the mountains, in Panama (on my family beach), Africa (there are a few countries in Africa that peak my interest.), Arizona, or Southern California. If I could go somewhere to live for a year, it would be in a foreign country, preferably one that is not loaded with tourists.
What would you do with a million dollars? The first thing I would do is put $250,000 of it in a CD account. Second, I would put $50,000 in an individual college fund for my grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Third, I would purchase property, about 10 acres and build three houses on it, so that my children will always have a place to go. And finally, I would take a trip around the world by myself.
Favorite memory to share:
The birth of my children and how I obtained guardianship of my grandson.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? When I was a little girl I wanted to be a nun, adopt a lot of children and be the first woman president.
Favorite places in the area: My favorite place in this area is Yuba College.
Dream job: My dream job is to be a traveling motivational speaker/ minister, with the means and financial stability to go anywhere in the world, I would assist women who are deprived of the resources or the tools to properly heal their wounds from abuse.
Pet peeve: When I see someone taking advantage of their power, by abusing another person mentally, physically, or verbally. Just thinking about it rubs me the wrong way, it could be at work, at school, at home or just in general.
What do you like about yourself? My resilience and perseverance. Sometimes I look back on my life and say “wow, that was me, I made it”. It often
AND
feels like I am watching a movie about someone else.
My ability to resolve conflict and bring inspiration to others. I love everything about me, because I am the only me I have, and it took years of pain, abuse and therapy to bring me to this point. The point of no return.
What/where is your heaven on earth? Within me, my heaven is where ever I go. Heaven is not a place to me, it is a state of being.
Favorite book: My favorite book is the dictionary.
What movie stops you while flipping through the TV channels? “Scarface,” “What Dreams May Come,” and “The Usual Suspects.”
Favorite musical group/ sports team: There are no music groups that I would label as my favorite, only because I enjoy such a wide variety of music, however if I was forced to choose it would be Prince the singer. And my favorite sports team is the Raiders, baby.
Who should play you in a movie? Queen Latifah a.k.a. Dana Owens. Main number .................... Steve Miller ...................... Andrew Cummins .............
Jake Abbott ...................... Patrick Groves .................. Josh Gutierrez .................. Jessica Hice ...................... Chris Kaufman ................. Rachel Rosenbaum ...........
Andy Arrenquin ................ Sports scores ....................
Chris Kaufman, Editor ....... Accounts Receivable ........ Classified Fax ...................
Accounts Receivable ........ Display Fax .......................
TODAY EVENTS
DVD lecture series “Victorian Britain”