The first time I recognized that I was struggling with my mental health was during periods when I could not stop crying. I experienced a persistent pit in my stomach that lasted for days, often without a clear explanation. Eventually, I received a diagnosis and began medication, which provided some relief, yet I continued to struggle daily. As I got older, I began to rely on substances as a way to self-medicate, a coping mechanism that gradually became a habit and then an addiction. At the age of 18, I received treatment at a drug rehabilitation center and have been in recovery ever since. Recovery was hard at first; there were many moments when I wanted to give up. I had to find ways to hang on, and one of the ways I would do that was by daydreaming about my future. I wanted my future to be full of enjoyment and fulfillment, and I knew that now I had the support to follow my dreams. Although many years have passed since I first became sober, I recognize that recovery is a lifelong process that must be actively nurtured each day. My personal journey has given me deep insight into the complexities of mental health and substance use, and it has shaped my desire to support others facing similar struggles. Motivated by the care and patience I received during my own healing process, I entered the field of psychology to provide others with the same sense of support, understanding, and hope. During my final semester of undergraduate studies, I took a course on human trafficking, which ignited a strong passion to work with men and women who have survived trafficking and are working to rebuild their lives. This experience solidified my commitment to trauma-informed, survivor-centered care. I graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and went on to work at a residential treatment center for adolescents with mental health disorders. This role provided me with first-hand exposure to the challenges faced by youth in the foster care system and the long-term impact that instability and trauma can have on development. Through this work, I strengthened my crisis de-escalation skills, learned to lead with compassion in high-stress situations, and developed a deeper understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in helping professions. While working in residential treatment, I realized that although a bachelor’s degree opened doors, it was not sufficient for the level of clinical impact I aspired to achieve. As a result, I applied to Cleveland State University’s online Master of Social Work program with a concentration in clinical social work. I began working toward licensure in the spring of 2024. In tandem with my graduate studies, I am also pursuing certification as an addiction counselor to gain hands-on experience working with individuals affected by substance use disorders. I am deeply proud of how far I have come—both personally and professionally—and I hope to empower others to recognize their own resilience, reclaim their sense of worth, and move toward healing and fulfillment in their lives.

As a child, I remember having the desire to help. I didn't know who or what I wanted to help with this desire, but I knew I had to do something. Growing older, I became interested in building a career in veterinary services. I wondered if this was what I was meant to do—helping animals who had become more than pets to people. Around my senior year in high school, I was exposed to the world of mental health and the work professionals do in the psychology arena. It was then that I knew I had found my niche in life. This was the path I had sought out since I was a young girl. During my senior year in college, I took a class on human trafficking and knew that I wanted to build a community centered around helping survivors reintegrate into society again. I am driven by a deep desire to build a future where I can contribute to the well-being and empowerment of survivors of human trafficking. My goal is to complete my master's degree in social work and specialize in trauma-informed care. By equipping myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the multifaceted challenges faced by survivors, I hope to make a meaningful impact on individuals who have endured profound exploitation. Earning a graduate degree in social work is a personal milestone that will serve as a foundation for my career in advocacy and support services. I envision creating programs that not only provide immediate relief—such as shelter, counseling, and medical assistance—but also foster long-term recovery. These programs would focus on education, job training, and community reintegration, empowering survivors to reintegrate into their lives unbound by exploitation. Not only will these programs foster financial and career empowerment, but they will also give survivors the opportunity to enjoy their lives through hobbies, community activities, and family-centered services.

Recovery has meant many things to me throughout my time being sober. Recovery started off being something that seemed unreachable, it felt like I would never get to recover. After a few years going to AA and NA meetings, I started to feel more confident. At this point in time, recovery meant that I could live a successful life not chained down by substance use. Today, recovery to me means putting your best foot forward. It means doing the next best thing. It means helping others in need. I strive to live a free life even throughout the hard times in my life. Recovery is something you constantly have to work for. Today, I am proud to say that I am 5 years sober from my drug of choice.