Francesca “Franki” Regina:
I attended P.E.A.S.E. Academy in 2004-2005 and married another alumni in 2006 (divorced as of 2022) having two children. Attending P.E.A.S.E. bolstered my love of writing, for which I am published and have been a feature at the Southwest Word Fiesta and other events. I developed a strong sense of my love for volunteerism through mandatory 3 hour weekly requirement P.E.A.S.E. had/has. I volunteered at Burnsville’s Sobriety High School before it closed, giving students rides to school who otherwise couldn’t attend, fundraising, and creating enriching off-campus events. Before leaving MN, I spoke publicly against sexual violence against women and the importance of living sober in schools, drug treatments, churches, and even in a jail with sex offenders.
I have been mostly working in the service industry since graduation to support my lifestyle. I decided young to be a “career server.” My children were able to be home schooled and I volunteered as a dishwasher and cook to put them through private school when not home schooled. I volunteer as a lunch server just to see them and help out in their current school when able. Our family volunteered and lived on farms in MN, WI, and NM when we faced homelessness in 2013-2014 through WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) and now I own my own organic greenhouse business and home in NM.
It may seem insignificant to be a High school graduate who waits tables, yet my volunteerism has led to my biggest accomplishments. I am fulfilled in my daily life rather than chasing future happiness. Volunteering to write grants locally and having a reputation for being competent and hardworking led to being recruited to manage grants for a multi million nonprofit for two years by the CEO. I was called the “grant guru” and helped secure millions in mental health funding for the region, similar to my ex-husband who has secured grant funding and founded a Food Hub in the area. My children and our health always come first and we own homes a block apart.
As I work in the dirt and see how healthy the plants are and prepare for my night shift, I realize how fortunate I am. That being fulfilled daily and loving my life and children (ages 12 & 18) is absolutely a successful life and worth sharing. Thank you P.E.A.S.E. Academy for being the hand held out that I could grab onto as a struggling teen. I am grateful to have been given a second chance at life from where I was heading. I didn’t expect to live a long life or have children. I am eternally grateful P.E.A.S.E. exists. It changed my life 100%.
