Maria Thompson

Moraya Ugwu • July 16, 2021

All we can say is Maria Thomson has been inspiring us since day one! And of course we can not forget about our favorite doodle, Leo!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work?

I am currently finishing my prerequisites online and hoping to apply to nursing school within the year! Due to a number of chronic illnesses, I am not able to work and go to school at the same time, but definitely look forward to working as a nurse in the future.

What is your biggest passion in life and how do you incorporate this into your work?

My biggest passion is helping advocate for others. I have done this through political activism, protests, organizing a hospital prom and helping people learn and become connected in the service dog world.

How do you take care of your mental and physical health?

The truth is I don't. Obviously this is a major problem and one that I am actively working on. I think the key to taking care of ones self is making sure to take even those small moments for yourself. I have started try different meditation apps, as well as listening to audiobooks and podcasts. I have also been trying to have a daily routine.

How do you keep yourself organized as a person who wears many hats in their life?

I don't! Therefore I'm always stressed, late and lost! However I am more on top of it than I give myself or my google calendar credit for.

What are some things you think are important for people in their early twenty's to learn?

I think it's important for people to learn how to connect with others and not to just be out for themselves. Especially after these last 8 years, the climate in our country has changed drastically for the worst. As this happens we are becoming more hostile to each other instead of coming together in a time of weakness.

What do you define success and prosperity as in your life?

The hardest part about being chronically ill is that success has to be measured differently. I haven't been able to work like many of my peers, I haven't yet graduated from college and for the most part haven't had any huge accomplishments. This makes can be extremely hard at times. It feels like the whole world is moving on without you. Success for me can be as simple as getting out of bed in the morning. It also can be new tasks I have trained my service dog or a hike I accomplished. While many will have bigger successes on the daily, don't forget to count the small ones too.

If you were given three things to make you happy for the rest of your life what would they be?

Family, friends and my doodle, Leo.

Are there any decisions you regret making in your life?

Of course! I wouldn't be human if I didn't have regrets. No one is perfect.

What characteristics/traits do you pride yourself the most for having?

I pride myself in being honest, loyal and genuine.

You can follow Maria and Leo and learn more about their story at:

Instagram: @leoservicedoodle

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Holiday Gift Guide 2023

By Moraya Ugwu • December 4, 2023

Its that time of year when you have to find the perfect gift for your loved ones and we are here to help! Over the next 4 days we will be sharing our gift guides for this holiday season. Just click on anything below and it will take you right to purchase it!