We had the good fortune of connecting with Mechelle Townsend and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mechelle, how do you think about risk?
Taking a risk is also taking a chance. And you know what they say? Chances makes champions. My life has been a constant revolving door of risks, sacrifices and discipline. It’s what I live by. Life is all about making sacrifices, taking risks, believing in yourself and having discipline. When we master these in life, we are able to create the life we want. I’ve obtained 5 college degrees, most recently graduating in May 2022. Taking risks, making sacrifices, and having discipline changed my life. I was a wild child! I knew nothing about taking risks, making sacrifices and having discipline until I got serious about my education in 2016. I was homeless, now I own homes. I dropped out of college several times before I actually finished. I smoked cigarettes for six years before getting cleaned six years ago. I truly believe I would have never obtained these goals without having discipline, taking risks and making sacrifices.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am currently a Adjudicator aka special agent for the State of Michigan at The Department of Labor and Economic. I’ve been working for the government now since 2020. I obtained this position after graduating from college in 2020. Now that I’ve graduated again in 2022 my goal is to obtain a position in the medical examiner’s office. I recently made it to the 5th step in the process of becoming a medical examiner investigator for Fulton county! I’m just waiting to hear from the hiring department regarding the next steps! I’m so excited. The lessons I learned along the way is to never give up. Always keep striving to do better than the day before. Positivity is the key. It starts off mental. We must believe that we can achieve it mentally before manifesting it in the physical realm.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely visit Grant Park in Downtown Atlanta! Check it out! The views of nature are serene. Also if you have kids the amusement park in Marietta is okay and reasonably priced. Any art galleries are cool too! Check out Buckhead and Kennesaw when you are in Georgia. They have some of the best stores and restaurants to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My school deserves a lot of recognition! I’ve been attending since 2017. Shout-out to all the graduates of 2022. I recently graduated from Southern New Hampshire University. I’ve completed my associates, bachelors and masters!

My husband and my kids also deserve a shoutout for their help and support!! I love you all so much! They made me get my stuff in order because I knew that I wanted so much more for my family! So thank you Phoenix, LJ, Trhue and Louis.

Facebook: Mech Smith

Youtube: SKFTV-SmithKidsFamilyTV

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.