I am a survivor of domestic violence at the hands of my biological father. My mother helped to get both of us out of that horrible situation. She was the example of strength and resiliency for me. The courts ordered me to see my biological father, which I did, until I was old enough to refuse. I would take my stuffed bear Maddie with me on my visits. It helped to keep me centered, and to remind me that home is where the heart is. I learned that challenges don't break you, they make you. I used my personal experience to create Bears for Broken Hearts, in which I donate new or lightly used stuffed animals to children who have survived domestic violence, child abuse, natural disasters, and mental health crisis. I donate my time to volunteering at my local county crisis shelter. A big issue I find amongst domestic abuse survivors is the lack of self love. So many times, the identities of the survivors are tied into and dictated by their abusers. Escaping and starting over also includes learning how to love and trust yourself. I began to find my voice not only through my platform, but my ability to express my style through cosmetology. A lot of times, domestic violence survivors use cosmetics to cover up the proof of abuse. I decided to use cosmetics to do the opposite, and to enhance my natural beauty. I want other survivors to see and understand that their inner beauty can, in fact, match their natural outer beauty. Beauty isn't merely physical, it is also found in strength, determination, courage, and resiliency. I find it to be so vitally important to be able to find who you are and be grounded. Attaining that sense of self is vital to healing. My drive for growth and self healing is my inspiration behind going to cosmetology school to begin my career. I want women to know that you can be successful in life by exploring a career in trade and vocation. Life isn't meant to be limited by preconceived notions or ridiculous standards. The glass ceiling is meant to be shattered, and it can be done by women who are furthering their education in trade and technical careers. I plan on paving the way for success within the field of cosmetology. I want to see my other domestic violence survivor sisters succeed, and I want to show them that it can be done, no matter how old you are and no matter where you get started. The only limitations that you have to your success, is the self-imposed ones that you personally take on. I can't wait to be the example for others and show them that you are not the sum of your past mistakes and experiences...you've been remade. Beginning my studies in cosmetology will help me to achieve my dream of being a successful cosmetologist in the quickest amount of time. But more importantly, it's going to help me prove a point that I already knew to be true. You see, your enemies just want to see you fail, and nothing bothers them more than having to see you succeed. I can't wait to prove my biological father wrong, and to show him that I am stronger than he ever anticipated or expected me to be.