About Me

This is an inspirational blog for anyone seeking to live their best life. None of us are perfect or come from perfect backgrounds, but this doesn’t mean we can’t aim for a positive and fulfilling life. The life we all deserve.

Bio

I grew up in a dysfunctional home and overcame many odds to be where I am today. Additionally, I was a single mother at 21 years old. I struggled to graduate with my bachelor’s degree with little help or guidance, but it made all the difference in my life. Therefore, I have a passion for guiding those who have a dream of attending college.

I have worked in the area of pediatrics as a nurse since 2001. My background is primarily Pediatric Intensive Care. I was recently an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas teaching growth and development, nutrition, and pediatric clinicals, but opted to work part-time to allow me more time for my family and writing (including this blog). I’ve taught nursing students at the college level for over ten years.

I’m currently married with four lovely children (2 boys and 2 girls). The road to where I’m at wasn’t easy. I’m a survivor and a fighter creating my future despite my past.

ipuna-black
My family (I need an updated pic!)

Through my personal experiences as well as what I’ve learned working in the pediatric setting, I’ve developed a passion for Young Adult storytelling. I love the YA years because it is an exciting time in one’s life when one begins to ask big questions and find answers. I grew up reading C.S. Lewis and Roald Dahl to escape from my home life. I hope to make even of a fraction of an impact these two authors have made through their words.

When I’m not writing, I’m is running or exercising, adding content to my other website www.healthykidsplay.com, or being a taxi driver for my kiddos in Las Vegas, NV. Balance is key in life.

Jy-Black-Encephalitis-Guillain-Barre-Syndrime-Flu-mist
This was Jy in October 2015. He was in a coma. That’s his favorite pillow! Can’t you tell?

Jy Black

My younger son, Jy, suffered from encephalitis and Guillain-Barre Syndrome post the flu mist at the end of 2015. He was in a coma for about three weeks and quadriplegic. He had to learn how to talk, walk, eat, go to the bathroom, etc. all over again. He continues to heal and is a constant inspiration to me. I talk about him often in my posts. I hope he inspires you too.

Initials I have accumulated:

  • BSN- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  • MSN/PNP- Masters of Science in Nursing, Specialty: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner / Clinical-Nurse Specialist in primary, acute, and chronic care, Stony Brook State University of New York,
  • PhD- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing: Sustainable Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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I’m hoping to connect with other positive/motivational/inspirational bloggers. We can collaborate and share our blog posts.

Additionally, this is a closed group of AMAZING people who are trying to be better today than they were yesterday. Please share any positive messages found in books (both fiction and nonfiction), blogs/articles, and personal stories. We can all learn from each other. Leave our past behind and let us claim the bright future we all deserve.

Let’s connect:

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Blog courtesy:

I enjoy sharing information and love it when others are inspired to share mine. As a courtesy to my work, I ask that my exact layouts, designs, words, and photos used for Ipunablack.com are referenced to my original posts. Please use kind words. This is a positive website meant for resources, inspiration, and to uplift one another. Any inappropriate comments, rude language, or other items unrelated to the post will be deleted.

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102 thoughts on “About Me”

    1. It’s nice to know that (I think) we all have a little voice of doubt in us. I’m so glad you shared your thoughts and also that you’re happy now! I believe school was easier for me because at the end, I knew I was going to get a degree. When you follow your passion, there are no guarantees….but with your words, it appears that happiness is a guarantee. 🙂 I’ll take it!

      Liked by 4 people

      Reply

  3. I spent almost 50 years as an RN–mostly in the area of death and dying, hospice. Now, in retirement, I am striving to nurture the more creative side of life through writing and art. I love to see that you are not waiting. Your career will nutrure your creative efforts.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Victoria,
      Thank you for the encouraging words! I hesitated because I have an intense tenure university position, but my creative side keeps calling me back to the computer. In the moment, I’m balancing both. I do believe my life experiences as a nurse and and in my youth will nurture my creative efforts. Additionally, I truly believe what you said, “Life gives us experiences, teaches us lessons, gifts us with wisdom that is not for us to hoard selfishly…..” Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me. It means a lot to me! I admire those who have opened themselves up through their creative masterpieces. I’m currently in the process of waiting to hear back from a few literary agents regarding my YA book. For now, I’ll continue to be inspired by other authors. Thank you again!

      Liked by 4 people

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      1. I love this ” “Life gives us experiences, teaches us lessons, gifts us with wisdom that is not for us to hoard selfishly…..” You are so right! We are to use what we know in service to others. I see this is an older post, and I hope by now you’ve had success as a published author! God Bless~ liz

        Liked by 4 people

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      2. Reading this comment I see you are waiting for a literary agent and, I wonder. Have you tried self-publishing? It’s quite rewarding to be your own publisher. Amazon offers a good option with Kindle & CreateSpace. I will write a comment bellow.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  4. Good luck with the agents…don’t be surprised to go through many rejections. It’s a long, tough battle. I didn’t even try for an agent with my 2nd novel–just self-published on CreateSpace. But you are young and writing YA fiction makes a difference. I hope you find just the right one.

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. You and I believe the same thing about passion. 🙂 People who don’t try to be creative are missing out on a freedom greater than flying. There is absolutely no limit, except for the person refusing to sit down with a notebook. Nice to meet you!

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. That’s a very interesting About Page, and since I was already following you, I thought I should check it out. It did not disappoint. I also would like to know more about your novel if you don’t mind sharing a YA book with a 57-year-old man who just never grew up (actually, I still read all genres). Anyway, I’ll leave that up to you, and I’ll read you later.

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    1. I read all kinds genres as well. I really like books that make you think or feel something deeply. I’m itching to talk about my YA novel. I’ve been hesitant because I currently have my full manuscript with a couple of literary agents. I will discuss it more after I hear from them. Thank you so much for asking! More to come later :).

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks, Andrea! I feel the same about your blog! I love how you are reaching many students and anyone who wants to better their lives. Keep it up! I’m glad I “stumbled” across your blog. 😍​

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    1. Thank you! I’m squeezing in my posts already. Ha ha. I will look at contributing and let you know. I love all that you are doing on your blog. You are touching people. I feel it in your words! Keep at it! One person at a time. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

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  24. Dear Ipuna,
    I am quite impressed with your story. Also, I see you have done much reading on my story. Do we connect? Could I hope for your input in what your read so far? At present I am looking fro meaningful connections likened to yours. So glad our pats are crossing. Much love, thiaBasilia. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  28. WOW! This is great! Passion is absolutely everything with anything we do. I can tell that I will love and look forward to reading much more of you~ You have a beautiful family 🙂 Glad I stumbled onto your blog!!

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. Your blog is very inspiring and so many positive vibes. It’s so good to know there are people like you who thinks more about other people and do so little things to make our lives happier and better. Thank you so much for what you are doing. I’m sure you are more lovely in person 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Awe, Fathmath, your comment means the absolute world to me. I genuinely try to be selfless. I consider others greatly. It brings me happiness to help others. I’m a very compassionate person. Maybe that’s why I became a nurse, and then a teacher for nursing students! ❤️​ It’s nice to know that you are feeling the positive vibes. I love that. You seem so sincere and smart! So glad we connected!

      Liked by 1 person

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  38. Thank you, so much, for the follow on my blog. I’m glad we crossed path, because you seem to have so much love and positivity to share with others and I am on a path to find more positivity right now! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yeah!! I definitely have a lot of love and positivity. I’ve been through a lot in the first 25 years of my life. I finally feel like I’m at a place that’s positive, and I can share that with others. I always try and see the glass is half full in all situations. All souls are tarnished, but they just need some shining. All souls are gems once we get past what is keeping them tarnished. You are a gem. I know it. I’m glad we met. I look forward to reading your blog. My seatbelt is fastened. 😎

      Liked by 1 person

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  41. Ipuna, this is a lovely aobut page, telling about yourself, family, professional life and dreams. You have a beautiful family and I had to smile at the need to update photo! Children grow so fast! You have had a varied and busy life at work and I’m particularly struck with your nutrition element of your work as my niece has just graduated from university in this subject. Books are a lifesaver on so many occasion and I love both CS Lewis and Roald Dahl – how wonderful you are writing YA books. When will you be publishing? Best of luck! 😀❤️

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you for so many of your words, Annika! Yes, kids grow up so quickly!!! I have written two books. I decided to push number one on hold because it had a paranormal aspect to it (mermaids) that seem to be hard to sale. My second book is contemporary YA. I’m waiting to hear back from a couple of literary agents. We will see how it goes. I look forward to hearing your process as well. It isn’t easy, but it is possible with persistence and constant learning and you had indicated under my success post.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
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