The most helpful financial advice I have received has been to take care of my credit score. I never recall learning about a credit score as a high school student. Till I got into college and started to struggle financially, I had no clue how important it is to have a credit score. I began to apply for loans but couldn't get any because of my credit score. Then my parents, not to say less, but it is worse than my credit score. It hurt at times because my family is all I have. I don't have people I can ask ¨Can you be willing to be my cosigner.¨ I wish I had learned how important it is to have a credit score, especially for students with no one to rely on to help.

The biggest challenge I overcame was witnessing my dad destroy himself due to alcohol addiction and my mom attempting suicide while we were right in the next room. My parents don´t affiliate with no denomination, but I do. I am part of the Fountain Restoration Apostolic Assembly. It has helped me stay sain and become the person I am today. It has helped maintain spiritual fellowship with members, and we are all like family. They promote growth and expansion among everyone. Even with all their defects, they have always made sure to give us everything we need. But watching them go to the point of self-destruction has been heartbreaking mentally. You can meet me and see this young Hispanic sweet smiling woman who hides every pain behind her smile. The career field I chose was the human service field because I see my family in every client, from my mom dad to my siblings. I know the caseworker side where I wish I could do more for my family and provide all the services I can for them, from casework, residential, client-centered planning, helping each individual to the best of my ability. I want to make a difference in a life, and if I can avoid a family going through the trauma I have been through, that would be a win for me. It is not about the money but the passion and desire to help a person do better in life.

¨Now, I know you don´t want to hear this. I know you will say you don´t understand what I am going through, and you are right I am not, but I most definitely can sympathize with you. Neither am I going to tell you it will be easy because it is not. But if you think about it, it takes one step to get somewhere to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. Why not put that effort into the direction of potential growth.¨ My grandpa always told me ¨Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.¨ Romans 3, 5-7. I have learned that it is not always easy and that there is always a reason why things happen. You have to believe in yourself. We are all unique in one particular way. You have to take a step of faith and think you can do it. There are always resources out there that can help you along the way. If you feel confused and lost, reach out to me, or I will give you the information of where you can get help. You are already taking one step forward by talking to me and listening, and I am proud. Be proud of who you are today and take that to give you strength to see the goals you have for yourself in the future.

Heck of a Journey It has been a heck of a journey starting my education. Would I say I would take everything back? No, because it has shaped me into the strong woman I am today. From language barriers, mental health barriers, and financial barriers here I am a junior in college trying my best to finish my Bachelors in Human Services. I love being in the human service field because in every single client I see, I see my family from my parents to my siblings. I see the caseworker side where I wish I could do more for my family and provide all the services I could for them. My mom has been my rock and at home sometimes it is not easy when we were in a verbal abuse relationship with my dad. Seeing how I would go to my workplace and be in class learning about all the mental health issues, the abuses, how some families can be distraught, the trauma would all touch my heart. It got to the point where my mom attempted suicide. It affected me greatly and I buried myself in studies and learned through it to understand where my mom and how my dad was lost in alcohol addiction. Working in a shelter to help women who were abused and neglected. From young girls, women and also working with clients who were addicts made me stronger. I want to be able to make a difference in a life and if I can avoid a family going through the trauma I have been through that would be a win for me. It is not about the money or how I am paid but the passion and desire to help a person do better in life. In all honesty, I do not read books like that anymore. I feel like I have such a chaotic schedule from being a full-time student, working two jobs, and attending church are about it. I can say that the one that revolves around my life is the Bible. It has taught me beautiful lessons about service and love. My favorite quote is ¨Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.¨ Romans 3, 5-7. I have learned that it is not always easy and that there is always a reason why things happen.

It has been a heck of a journey starting my education. Would I say I would take everything back? No, because it has shaped me into the strong woman I am today. From language barriers, mental health barriers, and financial barriers here I am a junior in college trying my best to finish my Bachelors in Human Services. I love being in the human service field because in every single client I see, I see my family from my parents to my siblings. I see the caseworker side where I wish I could do more for my family and provide all the services I could for them. My mom has been my rock and at home sometimes it is not easy when we were in a verbal abuse relationship with my dad. Seeing how I would go to my workplace and be in class learning about all the mental health issues, the abuses, how some families can be distraught, the trauma would all touch my heart. It got to the point where my mom attempted suicide. It affected me greatly and I buried myself in studies and learned through it to understand where my mom and how my dad was lost in alcohol addiction. Working in a shelter to help women who were abused and neglected. From young girls, women and also working with clients who were addicts made me stronger. I want to be able to make a difference in a life and if I can avoid a family going through the trauma I have been through that would be a win for me. It is not about the money or how I am paid but the passion and desire to help a person do better in life.