As a child, I grew up in an addiction filled household. At the age of four, me and my brother were left primarily in the care of our grandmother due to our parents’ divorce. My father was an alcoholic who I was lucky to see once a week. My mother was a gambling addict who I can to this day count on finding in front of a casino. Looking back, I didn’t understand how detrimental addiction was to a family, it was when I turned eight I understood the severity of my situation. By this age, both of my parents had remarried. My father found a sober life, one that I wasn’t included in. I learned that my mother has a type, alcoholics. My step-father would drink heavily all day at work, come home, then fight with my mom. This meant they would both leave for an undetermined amount of time. I was left alone to take care of myself and my newborn brother. Seeing these addiction-fueled fights, I found myself stepping into the role of protector, confronting my parents during their arguments and assuming responsibilities no child should bear. I was my mom’s secret keeper. I knew how often she left for the casino, I never knew how much she spent, but if she ever won, I was rewarded with some cash. I assume it was for my silence. Despite the resentment I held for becoming her designated babysitter, she knew I couldn’t say no. There were lapses in the drinking from my step-father, which would decrease fights, but I never got my hopes up. After my grandmother's passing (my mom’s mom), that was when things got worse. I sat on the stairs listening through the vent to their fight in the garage, my baby brother sits in my room watching “Finding Nemo” for the 20th time this week. I only sit there to make sure things didn’t escalate to violence, if they did I was ready to step in. The second I heard a clatter, I raced on my little legs, I had to protect my mom. My 13 year-old self may not have been able to do much, but she knew she had a voice. Stepping in on this fight humbles both my step-father and mother. I am getting screamed at and talked to from every direction, glass covers the floor from a beer bottle, finally when I speak, they are stunned. I am not the same girl as I was before, the responsibility I was handed at a young age grew into maturity and resilience, “You are failing as parents.” From that moment on I made an oath to myself, I will never end up like my parents. This meant taking charge of my life at a young age and breaking the cycle. These experiences shaped my identity, instilling a sense of resilience and determination. I put my energy into productive outlets, excelling in competitive sports, working part-time, and focusing on academics. At 18, I graduated high school and earned an associate’s degree, becoming the first in my family to pursue higher education. I’ve committed to living with intention and care. I avoid behaviors that could lead to dependency. I prioritize my mental health through therapy and surrounding myself with supportive, sober friends. As I pursue my degree, I remain focused on creating a future free from addiction’s grip, not just for myself but for future generations.