What is your proudest accomplishment?

“I’m a single mom and my daughter is my accomplishment. Getting to know her, love her, being with her, and watching her grow up. She’s 11 and she’s in the sixth grade. Just watching her grow from a baby to where she is now is the proudest moment of my life.” – Melinda Howard of Birmingham.

What have you tried to instill in her?

“To be honest, get to know people, and not to judge anyone. Be who you are and try to help others along the way. She taught me how to be more patient and more loving towards others.”

Howard is a surgical technician for St. Vincent’s Hospital and has been there for 15 years. She also works part time as a surgical tech at UAB Highlands. Her time in the operating room has taught her some key life lessons.

“Not to take life for granted, not to take anything for granted. Even though we see a lot of things in the O.R. – people come and people go – it teaches you that life is short. Enjoy every day, take it day by day, enjoy the moment, enjoy life, and enjoy just being who you are. Just be you.”

Melinda Howard’s work as a surgical tech has given her perspective. (Tamika Moore/People of Alabama)

These are the faces and stories of people from all walks of life who call Alabama home. People of Alabama is a Red Clay Media and Alabama NewsCenter partnership.