As a young girl, I learned the fundamentals of strength, perseverance, and sacrifice earlier than most. I am not about to tell you a story of a girl who struggled against the odds to get where she is now. I am going to tell you the story of my life. About a young girl, who never knew any obstacles and never shied away from any challenge but instead always rose to the occasion.
It was always just my mother and I. My Mom as I recall now, is responsible for almost all of my successes in life. Big or small there was nothing she wouldn't do for me. Before I was born, my mother left everything she knew and ventured off the safety of her Caribbean island of Jamaica, to America on a temporary Visa. My mother came to America to have me. She wanted more for me than she would be able to provide for me having stayed in Jamaica. Therefore she sacrificed her self to make it happen. That was not the last time in her life, she would do this. My mother continued to sacrifice her life for me, every day and in some ways, even though I'm an adult now, she still does.
I cant remember if we were poor, or if we were rich. I cant remember feeling different than an of my white childhood counterparts even though I guess I was. And I really cant remember ever feeling like I didn't have the things I needed, because I always did. My mother and I always found a way. Whether it was volleyball equipment I needed, or softball gear, or a basketball uniform, I always had it. Most importantly, what I always had was a guarantee that no matter what I Zara Northover wanted to do, I could!
I guess this confidence I had, made me visible to people in a way that was inspiring and moving. Even at such a young age, I was already being sought out by people who wanted to help me. I made them believe in me, and I guess now that I look back on it, on some level, my drive and positive attitude made others believe in themselves (especially my mom).
Though out my high school years; going into college, I met so many people who believed in me and were eager to help me reach my goals as an athlete; beginning with my Volleyball coach, Eileen Mallon. She spent extra time training me and working with me each day, and before I knew it I was an MVP and All-County Volleyball athlete. Having seen my potential, others took notice. Tom Amoroso, who was the football and the men's track coach, took it upon himself to spend his time grooming me for track. I started off as a sprinter and a jumper. Until one day a friend needed a partner for the shot put relay, and I decided to do it. With only a few minutes of instruction, I ended up throwing 32 feet from a stand. That same year I won both county and state championships.
In college I continued to excel. I surpassed all expectations and silenced anyone who doubted me. I threw 52 feet 10 inches and qualified instantaneously for the Division 1 Indoor Championships in Arkansas. I was the youngest person and only freshman to compete that year. During the summer I was ranked 2nd among the shot putters 18 and under for both the U.S. team and the Jamaican team.
I had been blessed my whole life with opportunities that were seemingly planned for me. I faced some difficulties that year and my oldest sister Devene James suggested I go home to Jamaica in order to refocus. That year I went to Jamaica to compete, not knowing that what I had entered into was a National Championship meet. In my mind, my trip to Jamaica was about reinventing myself and having a chance to be closer to my father Winston Northover. However, I not only spent my time building a strong relationship with my father; but I also ended up breaking the Jamaican Junior National record and qualifying to compete in the Junior Pan American Games in Barbados, where I took home one of Jamaica's first silver medals in that competition.
There is so much more to my story. There is so much more I could tell you about me. However, the information that I have already given you is the essence of who I am and what drives me. All of the highs and lows in my life, all of my failures and past successes, have placed me where I am today. If someone were to ask me what I do to stay so positive in life, I would say: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, reminding them that even when you experience set backs and moments of self doubt in life, you have to believe that anything you want to do can be done. If someone were to ask me to describe myself, I would say: I am a dreamer, a person always thinking about the endless possibilities that life has in store for me. I am a believer, someone constantly encouraging others to reach beyond their bounds. Above all, I am always and forever Moving in Faith.
It was always just my mother and I. My Mom as I recall now, is responsible for almost all of my successes in life. Big or small there was nothing she wouldn't do for me. Before I was born, my mother left everything she knew and ventured off the safety of her Caribbean island of Jamaica, to America on a temporary Visa. My mother came to America to have me. She wanted more for me than she would be able to provide for me having stayed in Jamaica. Therefore she sacrificed her self to make it happen. That was not the last time in her life, she would do this. My mother continued to sacrifice her life for me, every day and in some ways, even though I'm an adult now, she still does.
I cant remember if we were poor, or if we were rich. I cant remember feeling different than an of my white childhood counterparts even though I guess I was. And I really cant remember ever feeling like I didn't have the things I needed, because I always did. My mother and I always found a way. Whether it was volleyball equipment I needed, or softball gear, or a basketball uniform, I always had it. Most importantly, what I always had was a guarantee that no matter what I Zara Northover wanted to do, I could!
I guess this confidence I had, made me visible to people in a way that was inspiring and moving. Even at such a young age, I was already being sought out by people who wanted to help me. I made them believe in me, and I guess now that I look back on it, on some level, my drive and positive attitude made others believe in themselves (especially my mom).
Though out my high school years; going into college, I met so many people who believed in me and were eager to help me reach my goals as an athlete; beginning with my Volleyball coach, Eileen Mallon. She spent extra time training me and working with me each day, and before I knew it I was an MVP and All-County Volleyball athlete. Having seen my potential, others took notice. Tom Amoroso, who was the football and the men's track coach, took it upon himself to spend his time grooming me for track. I started off as a sprinter and a jumper. Until one day a friend needed a partner for the shot put relay, and I decided to do it. With only a few minutes of instruction, I ended up throwing 32 feet from a stand. That same year I won both county and state championships.
In college I continued to excel. I surpassed all expectations and silenced anyone who doubted me. I threw 52 feet 10 inches and qualified instantaneously for the Division 1 Indoor Championships in Arkansas. I was the youngest person and only freshman to compete that year. During the summer I was ranked 2nd among the shot putters 18 and under for both the U.S. team and the Jamaican team.
I had been blessed my whole life with opportunities that were seemingly planned for me. I faced some difficulties that year and my oldest sister Devene James suggested I go home to Jamaica in order to refocus. That year I went to Jamaica to compete, not knowing that what I had entered into was a National Championship meet. In my mind, my trip to Jamaica was about reinventing myself and having a chance to be closer to my father Winston Northover. However, I not only spent my time building a strong relationship with my father; but I also ended up breaking the Jamaican Junior National record and qualifying to compete in the Junior Pan American Games in Barbados, where I took home one of Jamaica's first silver medals in that competition.
There is so much more to my story. There is so much more I could tell you about me. However, the information that I have already given you is the essence of who I am and what drives me. All of the highs and lows in my life, all of my failures and past successes, have placed me where I am today. If someone were to ask me what I do to stay so positive in life, I would say: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, reminding them that even when you experience set backs and moments of self doubt in life, you have to believe that anything you want to do can be done. If someone were to ask me to describe myself, I would say: I am a dreamer, a person always thinking about the endless possibilities that life has in store for me. I am a believer, someone constantly encouraging others to reach beyond their bounds. Above all, I am always and forever Moving in Faith.
Z's Favorite Bible Verses, Quotes & Motto's
Oh Lord my God in thee do I put my trust. (Psalm 7:1)
Yet in all thins... We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)
"A man is not a failure because he tries and fails, but because he fails to try." ~Winston George Northover (Father R.I.P 4-28-2012)
"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase." ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"Moving in Faith... All day, Everyday in Every way" ~Zara Northover
"Greatness is upon you... you better act like it" ~Eric Thomas
"Be Phenomenal or Forgotten" ~Eric Thomas
"We all have a story, but who is willing to write, read, rewrite, reread and publish it for the world to have access to it. That is what a Motivational Speaker does." ~Zara Northover
“If she's amazing, she won't be easy. If she's easy, she won't be amazing. If she's worth it, you wont give up. If you give up, you're not worthy.... Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.” ~Bob Marley
"Patience in the process for longevity in the game." ~Zara Northover
"Dreams are God's vision for your life waiting to become a Reality." ~Zara Northover
"Haters mean success is on it's way." ~Zara Northover
"If you lay down with dogs, you'll wake up with fleas." Dr. Calvin Mackie
"Be Pregnant with Purpose... Give birth to your dreams" Dr. Calvin Mackie
"Doubt will paralyze you, but Faith will set you FREE." ~Zara Northover
"We are Blessed in order to Bless others" ~Anonymous
Yet in all thins... We are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)
"A man is not a failure because he tries and fails, but because he fails to try." ~Winston George Northover (Father R.I.P 4-28-2012)
"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase." ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"Moving in Faith... All day, Everyday in Every way" ~Zara Northover
"Greatness is upon you... you better act like it" ~Eric Thomas
"Be Phenomenal or Forgotten" ~Eric Thomas
"We all have a story, but who is willing to write, read, rewrite, reread and publish it for the world to have access to it. That is what a Motivational Speaker does." ~Zara Northover
“If she's amazing, she won't be easy. If she's easy, she won't be amazing. If she's worth it, you wont give up. If you give up, you're not worthy.... Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.” ~Bob Marley
"Patience in the process for longevity in the game." ~Zara Northover
"Dreams are God's vision for your life waiting to become a Reality." ~Zara Northover
"Haters mean success is on it's way." ~Zara Northover
"If you lay down with dogs, you'll wake up with fleas." Dr. Calvin Mackie
"Be Pregnant with Purpose... Give birth to your dreams" Dr. Calvin Mackie
"Doubt will paralyze you, but Faith will set you FREE." ~Zara Northover
"We are Blessed in order to Bless others" ~Anonymous
Special Thanks
- GOD without him none of this would be possible.
- My Mother Pearlene Campbell and Father Winston Northover who have always believed and supported me.
- My Sister Devene James for being by my side through thick or thin.
- Greg Harden an Associate Athletic Director from the University of Michigan who has told me from the very first day that my impact would be great and I was meant to be a speaker.
- Ron Jones from the Black Jew Dialogues for working with me and helping to develop the talent God has given me. I truly appreciate your efforts to critique my work, discuss techniques and break down my work in order to build it back up.
- To all of my friends and family I have been so blessed to have a world of individuals help me in some way and even though your name is not mentioned please know you are not forgotten. I love you all. Let's keep on Moving in Faith
- To my coaches over the years... Derek Anderson, Joe Donahue, Mo Saatara, Sandra Fowler, Dan Boothby, Bo Sandoval and various others that have aided in my athletic career
- To the amazing photographers: Stan Simmons, Arthur Vasquez and Craig Bailey who have captured many of my professional shots that I still use today.
- Medical Staff, Athletic Trainers, Chiropractors: John Ball, Christie Miller, Flo Russo, Vinny, Garrett, John Vargos, Doctor John Aiello, Kyesha Girlard and anyone who has helped me in any way.
- To the University of Michigan for providing me great opportunities to train, work and volunteer.
- James Henry for introducing me to my new favorite past time Ballroom dancing ;-)