One of the most rewarding parts of writing Turn Your Fear Into Fuel has been connecting with readers who bravely share their journeys—stories filled with honesty, perseverance, and transformation.

Today, I’m honored to spotlight Jill (Queenie) Parvin’s story. I hope her journey offers you encouragement, perspective, and perhaps a glimpse of your own experience within her words.

“My story started with a cold call in May of 1997; a young man had left a message for my now late husband, David. A voicemail from Eric said, “If you are interested in potentially earning $100k in the next 18-24 months, please return my call.” Eric called the next day, he gave us the name of the company, and let us know they would be holding interviews on that Tuesday.” 

“I called my Dad, who researched Primerica, and called back a few hours later saying, “If Sanford Weil is involved, get on and hold on with both hands.” So we went shopping for interview clothes for David, who had been on dialysis for over 10 years and didn’t have proper interview clothes for a $100k position.”

The opening of this journey is a testament to the power of possibility and the courage it takes to step into the unknown. A simple cold call—so easy to ignore or dismiss—became the catalyst for a life-changing decision. What stands out is how Jill (Queenie) and David responded…not with skepticism or hesitation, but with curiosity and a willingness to explore. They did their homework, sought advice from trusted family, and prepared themselves for opportunity, even when it meant stepping far outside their comfort zone.

“David met me for lunch after his interview, and the first thing I asked was, “Is it Amway?” His brother had been in Amway and I just didn’t feel comfortable talking about a company I didn’t want to represent. He said, ‘No, it isn’t! It is better.’” 

There’s a beautiful honesty in this question….a reminder that it’s okay to ask the hard questions and to want to stand behind what you represent.

“So there was an Op Night that night and he had gotten a babysitter for our 4-year old, something he had never done. I knew then it was special. I stayed back because I wanted David to lead, and I knew if I got involved, I would take it over. That is what happened.”

This moment captures the quiet but profound ways courage shows up in our lives. It wasn’t a grand, fearless leap; it was a small, meaningful step outside their usual patterns, fueled by hope and a willingness to try something new.

“I signed my IBA 90 days later at the McCrummen Retreat at LaQuinta Resort. Right now, I am a Regional Leader and near-term RVP. I have been 7 sales away from that goal for over a year. I am a Trainer of Trainers. I have helped the Team by licensing others. I can encourage others, just not myself.”

Here’s the truth: the ability to encourage and empower others is a rare and powerful gift. Sometimes, we pour so much energy into helping those around us that we forget to save some for our own journey. But your track record proves you have what it takes. The same encouragement, belief, and support you give your team is exactly what you deserve to give yourself.

“We went to our 1st Op Night and I cried. You see, my late sister (2012) was a MBA Magna cum Laud Graduate and my late brother worked for the Railroad (2011). My Mom expected me to graduate from College and be like my sister; I wasn’t that daughter. My father created fresh-brewed coffee in the vending machine back in the 60s and built the largest vending company in the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area…he was entrepreneurial, and I believe that is why he loved the idea of Primerica. I saw in Primerica an opportunity to have a life I had only seen from the outside. Someone actually told me I could be someone: Primerica. I had not accomplished anything because I was afraid to succeed.” 

The entrepreneurial spirit you inherited is alive in you; not just in business, but in your willingness to believe that a new life is possible. Admitting that fear of success held you back is an act of honesty and self-awareness that many never reach. The truth is, the journey to believing in yourself is often the hardest and most important one.

“Now, I know that I have greatness in me, I just don’t know how to release it and create what I have spent 27 years, 8 months, and 5 days chasing my Dream of Financial Independence. My daughters both grew up and I was never able to achieve my goals/dream. I have had 8 RVP’s, my upline quit on me. I haven’t stayed because of leadership; I have stubbornly stayed because I won’t give up. I know that I am just 1 recruit away: me.” 

Recognizing the greatness within yourself, even when you haven’t yet seen the external results you long for, is an act of courage in itself. It’s clear that your journey has been filled with challenges, disappointments, and moments where giving up would have been the easier path. Yet, you’ve chosen to persist, not because of external validation or leadership, but because of your own inner drive and refusal to quit.

It’s natural to look back and feel the weight of time and missed milestones, but don’t overlook the legacy you’ve already built: your perseverance, the people you’ve inspired, and the example you set for your daughters and everyone around you. Greatness isn’t just measured by titles or income—it’s measured by the impact you have, the integrity you show, and the courage to keep chasing your dream.

Reflections

It’s humbling how the twists and turns of our journey can reveal strengths we never knew we had, and how perseverance can become our greatest legacy.

From Queenie’s story, we can learn:

• Fear of success can be just as powerful as fear of failure, but both can be transformed into fuel for growth.
• The courage to keep showing up, even when the path is unclear, is itself a remarkable achievement.
• True leadership is often found in lifting others, even as we continue to chase our own dreams.

To Queenie: Thank you…for your honesty, resilience, and for reminding us that greatness isn’t about perfection or titles, but about never giving up on ourselves or our dreams. Your story is a beacon of hope for anyone still searching for their breakthrough.

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