The number 15 has defined two of the biggest turning points in my life.

I was 15 when I became a mother—unprepared, afraid, but determined.
And my son was 15 when I published my memoir—an unfiltered story of my journey, my mistakes, and my fight to become the woman and mother I wanted to be.

Now, 15 years have passed since that book was released into the world. And just like the first time I turned 15, everything changed.

This anniversary isn’t just a number. It’s a full-circle moment. A symbol of what happens when you live with confidence, grow through resilience, and choose to lead your life no matter how it started.

Turning the Page at 15

That first “15”—becoming a mother at an age when most kids are just figuring out who they are—forced me to grow up fast. I made choices that weren’t easy, but I never let them define my future.

Fifteen years later, I faced another pivotal “15”: the release of my memoir. It was one of the hardest and most empowering things I’ve ever done. I exposed my pain, my truth, and my choices—hoping that someone else would find freedom through my story.

Confidence and Resilience in Action

Since that moment, I’ve witnessed what confidence and resilience can create over 15 years of consistent, purpose-driven work:

• Thousands Inspired. My story helped readers—especially teens, moms, students, educators, even dads—see their own strength, understand themselves and others more, and make different, better decisions.

• Speaking and Teaching Across the World. I’ve stood on stages from high schools to national conferences, challenging audiences to lead their lives with purpose. I’ve even spoken in Canada and on the continent of Africa!

• The Birth of the S.O. What! Foundation. My story became a mission. Through the foundation, I’ve created programs that help young people build confidence, eliminate excuses, and choose success.

• Two amazing fundraising events, the Love Yourself Event and the S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree. 

• The S.O. What! Literacy, Life Skills, and Character Education Curriculum.  I had no idea my story could be such a powerful tool for improving literacy, life skills, and life outcomes for students from 5th grade to college! 

Why This “15” Is So Significant

Fifteen is more than just a number—it represents two powerful, life-altering crossroads in my journey.

I was 15 when I became a mother. I didn’t feel ready, but I made a choice—to take responsibility, to keep going, to grow up fast and raise my son with everything I had. That decision shaped the rest of my life.

And my son was 15 when I published my memoir. The same age I was when everything changed for me. He watched me tell our story—his story—and mine. He saw his mom stand in truth and use pain as purpose. And in that moment, I saw in him the beginning of a different kind of legacy—one rooted in strength, transparency, and growth.

Now, here we are. Fifteen years later. The memoir has not only lived—it has led. It’s become a message. A movement. A milestone.

This “15” is a full-circle reminder that transformation is possible at any age. That choices matter. That stories heal. And that confidence and resilience can echo across generations when we dare to lead with them.

Your Turn to Reflect

Think about the milestones in your life.
What did you survive—or overcome—at age 15?
What have the past 15 years taught you about strength, confidence, or resilience?
What’s your next “15” going to stand for?

Maybe it’s time to speak your truth.
Maybe it’s time to lead your life like it matters—because it does.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’re ready to lead with confidence and live with resilience, check out my resources at www.summerowens.com. Explore blog posts like “You Don’t Have to Be Ready to Begin”, or learn how the S.O. What! Foundation is helping youth rewrite their futures.

Fifteen years ago, I told my story.
Now, it’s your turn.

Lead your life with confidence.
Live your story with resilience.
And never underestimate the power of what one choice—one truth—can create.