Work hard, dream big

Published Dec. 10, 2013
By Senior Airman Ashley L. Gardner
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Calling the land of Boston, Mass., home and having a "work hard and dream big" mentality can get some individuals far in life. In the words of American author Napoleon Hill, "strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle."

Tech. Sgt. Thyiatira Singleton, 20th Force Support Squadron Airman Leadership School instructor, is one such example of personal perseverance and positivity.

Sometimes the growth of a person can be spectacular, the transformation they make starting at a young age resembles a caterpillar in a cocoon, obtaining knowledge, surrounding awareness, absorbing all the things that are experienced throughout their lifetime on the verge to becoming a butterfly.

Raised by a strong-minded yet soft-hearted mother and an U.S. Army father who exemplified tenacious Christian beliefs, Singleton has established herself as the type of leader one would expect to run into while attending ALS.

Leaders aren't born, they are developed through life experiences, and Singleton is such an example.

Growing up she relied on hobbies to keep her at peace, such as dancing and acting.

Starting at age 3, she and her sister danced while traveling around the world, learning valuable life lessons. In addition to her older sister, she depended on the influence of her dance teacher and several art therapists.

At 14 she began working and by 16 knew she had to overcome certain hardships in her life, a realization which led her to sign up for the Air Force delayed entry program.

"My motivation every day to keep me going is that I truly enjoy what I do," said Singleton. "Everything is so worth it."

Once in the military, Singleton's first five years of service were spent in airfield management. From there she pursued other roles such as education and training and being a command chief executive.

With guidance and encouragement from Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams, she became an ALS instructor.

"Singleton is one of those NCOs that will get the job done and do it well," said Master Sgt. Lindsey Wolf, 20th FSS ALS commandant. "She will not only accomplish the task, but will look for ways to improve the process. She is a phenomenal NCO - one whom the Air Force is lucky to have in its midst."

Since joining the Air Force 11 years ago, Singleton has been to four bases including Shaw; working her way up in rank and continuing to make positive influences in Airmen's lives, while raising her family, working hard and continuing to dream big.