A Journey Built on Purpose, Growth, and Grit
Every Virtual Assistant has a story worth telling, stories of grit, passion, and transformation.
Today, we shine the spotlight on Syrel Mae Sister-Marzan, a VA whose journey reminds us why remote work can be life-changing.
A Mother’s Purpose
For Syrel, the decision to become a Virtual Assistant began with one simple, powerful inspiration,
her kids.
“My kids inspired me to become a Virtual Assistant. I wanted to find a job that gives me flexibility — where I can work, grow, and provide for them while still being there to watch them grow every day.”
Her story echoes one of the strongest reasons people choose the VA path: the desire to build a career without missing the moments that matter most. We’ve seen time and again how parental motivation becomes a source of unstoppable drive. Syrel’s journey is a perfect example.
Building Confidence One Step at a Time
Like many new VAs, entering the online workspace felt overwhelming for her. She recalls:
“The biggest challenge I faced when starting out as a Virtual Assistant was building my confidence and experience. Since I was new to the online work environment, I wasn’t sure where to start or how to find clients.”
But Syrel didn’t let uncertainty stop her. She adopted a learner’s mindset — joining communities, taking on small projects, and improving a little each day:
“I overcame it by continuously learning — watching tutorials, joining online communities, and taking small projects to gain experience.”
This type of determination is what we see in our most successful VAs. Growth starts with courage, but it’s sustained by consistency, something Syrel has mastered beautifully.
Her Workday: Structure, Focus, and Service
Syrel’s typical day reflects the professionalism Summit VAs are known for. She starts by checking tasks, messages, and priorities, then moves into a steady rhythm of administrative tasks, client communications, reports, and contract preparation.
Her secret to staying on track?
“I balance multiple projects by staying organized using Google Sheets… I update it regularly throughout my shift so I can monitor my progress and make sure every project is on schedule.”
Simple. Effective. Reliable. These qualities make her invaluable to her client and a model VA for our community.
Meaningful Relationships That Go Beyond Screens
One of the most beautiful parts of Syrel’s journey is how deeply she values her client relationships. Her proudest moment as a VA is not tied to a task but to trust.
“My proudest moment as a Virtual Assistant is maintaining a great working relationship with my client. Seeing their appreciation and trust in my work makes me proud and motivates me to keep improving.”
A moment she’ll never forget is when her client surprised her with a birthday video:
“They remembered my birthday and sent me a video greeting with all the team members… it made me feel appreciated and connected, even though I mostly work remotely.”
At Summit VA Solutions, this resonates deeply with our belief that real relationships create real results. Syrel’s experience proves that strong communication and genuine connection can thrive even in a virtual workspace.
Challenges That Built Strength
Not every day is perfect. Syrel openly shares one of her toughest moments:
“One of the hardest challenges was when I did a task incorrectly.”
But she handled it with accountability and professionalism — fixing the issue, communicating, and implementing a checklist so it would never happen again. This response is exactly the kind of ownership that sets Summit-trained VAs apart.
How the VA Life Transformed Her World
When asked how this career changed her life, Syrel’s answer captures what many VAs dream of:
“Being a Virtual Assistant has changed my life by giving me financial stability and the flexibility to be there for my kids… It has also allowed me to travel with my family to places I had never been before.”
More than that, she gained confidence, discipline, and the pride that comes from contributing meaningfully to her client’s success.
From our perspective at, Syrel’s story is proof of what happens when skill meets heart. Her journey reflects the very mission we stand for, empowering hardworking individuals to build sustainable, fulfilling careers from home.
Skills Sharpened Along the Way
Through her VA experience, Syrel strengthened key abilities such as:
- Organization and time management
- Administrative and contract processing
- Communication
- Client follow-ups and report handling
- Independent problem-solving
- Attention to detail
These are not just skills — they are pillars that support long-term success in any VA career path.
Her Advice to New VAs
Syrel leaves newcomers with the words she wished she heard early on:
“Stay organized, communicate clearly, and be patient with yourself. Focus on quality and keep learning — consistency and reliability go a long way in this role.”
And we couldn’t agree more.
Syrel exemplifies what makes a true Summit VA: determination, humility, growth, and heart. Her story shows future VAs that this career is not just about tasks and tools, it’s about building a life that aligns with your values.
Whether you’re a parent, a career shifter, or someone seeking flexibility and purpose, Syrel’s journey is a reminder that with the right training and support, you can thrive.
