My name is Shawnna Knoll, and I am 31 years old.  I decided to begin a martial arts program when I quit smoking in December 1996.  I wanted to give myself a life-promoting gift with the money that I would have been spending on cigarettes, so I thought about martial arts.  None of my friends or relatives are active in martial arts and I knew next to nothing about my options.  So, I did some research and decided on Tae Kwon Do.  Then, I looked in the yellow pages and chose the PS Academy.  I was pretty convinced that martial arts would not be appropriate for me given my age and previous joint injuries; however, Sandra happened to answer my phone inquiry and shared with me her age and joint injuries!  So, I visited the academy and immediately felt at home and ready for the challenge.  That was January 6, 1997.

There are a couple of reasons why I am still a member of what is now Personal Success Systems.  The main reason is the supportive atmosphere to all of the members.  We as members are encouraged to set our own goals and compete within ourselves to be the best that we can be in all of our affairs.  We are a big family.

Another reason that I am still a member of PSS is that I had the opportunity to sign a monetary contract with PSS that obligated me for the duration of my goal to receive a black belt.  Many times, my life is very busy and takes unexpected turns and twists.  When that happens, I am most likely to cut out of my life the very things that are the best for me such as physical fitness or long-range goals.  By signing a contract and making that commitment, I show up!  And I ALWAYS am happy that I keep coming.

The biggest change for me that happened as a result of being a part of the academy has been my vision of myself and what I can do with my future.  When I started at the academy, I was attempting to complete the undergraduate degree in Chemistry that I had abandoned 6 years previously.  I was filled with fear, uncertainty, and hesitancy, and yet I was determined to finish what I had started.  Grandmaster Hyong suggested that I fill out a goal statement and discuss my obstacles with the academy.  So, I did just that.  I completed the chart, outlined a plan of action for myself, and did my best to follow through with the plan.  The results were amazing.  I discovered that I have within myself the knowledge, willingness, and ability to accomplish so many things, but my fear and my negative thinking were paralyzing me.  I am now graduating with honors with a Master of Science degree in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics in May!  My career goal is to get my Ph.D. and teach nutrition at a university while working in some capacity as a Registered Dietitian – is that cool, or what!!  My goal in martial arts is to receive a second-degree black belt and assist, in some capacity at a dojang (unfortunately, I do not foresee staying in Illinois to assist at our awesome academy).

I would recommend to other people to set goals and dreams, no matter how outrageous or far-fetched that they may seem.  The only thing that one needs to do to reach those goals and dreams is to talk with others that have achieved those goals and then make a decision to do what those people did in order to get there.  I have always wanted to take the easy route in life with the least amount of effort, but I have learned that the most rewarding events have come to pass for me as a result of hard work, perseverance, and indomitable spirit (we have Tae Kwon Do tenets for a reason!!).

Thank you, PS Academy, Grandmaster Hyong, and the PS staff for changing my attitude and outlook on life.

Shawnna Knoll, age 31