My name is Carolyn Schneider, and I am a single mother, first-generation college student, and a woman in long-term recovery. My life has been shaped by adversity, resilience, and a desire to create a better future—not just for myself, but for the women I hope to serve. For over fifteen years, I struggled with substance use disorder, spending time in and out of jail and feeling trapped in a cycle I could not escape. Becoming a mother changed everything. My son became my reason to fight for a life of stability, purpose, and hope. He inspired me to enter treatment, embrace recovery, and take the first steps toward a future I could be proud of. Recovery taught me the power of support, community, and second chances. At the facility where I began my journey, I experienced kindness, accountability, and guidance at a time when I felt unworthy of all three. Their belief in me planted the foundation for my purpose: helping other women find their strength and rebuild their lives. Today, I work as a Recovery Coach at the same facility that helped save my life. Supporting women—many of whom are mothers—through the challenges of addiction and recovery is not just a job; it is my calling. I help them see that change is possible, that they are worthy of a better life, and that every step forward matters, no matter how small. I am currently pursuing a degree in social work because I want to expand my ability to empower women on a larger scale. Being first-generation, attending college has not been easy. I balance full-time work, single motherhood, and school while raising a son with ADHD and anxiety. Many nights I complete coursework after helping him with homework, managing our home, and finishing my responsibilities at work. Financial strain, limited time, and exhaustion are daily realities, but they have not stopped me. They motivate me. They remind me that my journey is about more than personal achievement—it is about paving a path for women like me and showing my son what is possible through hard work and perseverance. Through my career, I hope to make a difference by helping women reclaim their lives, rebuild their families, and gain the skills and confidence to thrive. I want to advocate for mothers in recovery, create programs that support long-term healing, and provide guidance that combines professional knowledge with lived experience. My goal is to eventually take on leadership roles within treatment centers or community programs so I can influence policies and services that affect women at every stage of their recovery journey. I want to create systems where women feel seen, supported, and empowered, because I know how transformative that support can be. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education with less financial stress and focus more fully on my goal of uplifting women. My journey is proof that adversity does not define a person—what they do with their experiences does. With education, experience, and determination, I plan to turn my own second chance into a force for positive change in the lives of other women, their families, and the community at large.

As a first-generation college student, earning my degree represents far more than reaching a personal milestone—it is breaking a cycle that has existed in my family for generations. No one in my immediate family went to college, and for many years I didn’t believe I would either. I struggled with substance use disorder for over fifteen years, spent time in and out of jail, and fought to rebuild a life that felt stable and meaningful. Becoming a mother changed everything. My son gave me a reason to fight for a future I had never imagined for myself, and recovery helped me discover my purpose. Today, I am studying social work because I want to support women and families who are facing the same battles I once fought. Being first-generation influences this goal in a powerful way: I know what it feels like to walk into a classroom, a treatment center, or a new opportunity and feel like you don’t belong. I know what it is to start from nothing and work your way toward something better. That lived experience drives me to create pathways for others who also come from disadvantage, trauma, or addiction. As a single mother working full time and raising a son with ADHD and anxiety, attending school has required resilience and determination. I often study late at night after finishing work, helping with homework, and managing the responsibilities of our home. Even with financial strain and limited time, I stay committed because I understand what this degree represents—not just for my career, but for my son’s sense of what is possible. Being first-generation motivates me to become the kind of social worker who not only helps individuals in crisis but also advocates for long-term change. My goal is to work in a treatment center or community program supporting mothers in recovery and eventually move into leadership, where I can help shape services that are compassionate, accessible, and rooted in real lived experience. Earning my degree is my way of proving that cycles can be broken and new legacies can be built. As a first-generation college student, I am determined to change the direction of my family’s future—and help others do the same.

My name is Carolyn Schneider, and I am a single mother, a first-generation college student, and a woman in long-term recovery. I am currently pursuing my degree in social work because I want to use both my education and my lived experience to help women and families overcome the challenges that I once faced myself. Education was never a part of my family’s path, but today it is becoming a foundation for my future and a model for my ten-year-old son. I chose social work because of the life-changing experience I had in recovery. I struggled with substance use disorder for more than fifteen years, spending years in and out of jail and caught in a cycle I felt powerless to escape. When I became pregnant with my son, everything changed. I wanted to be the stable and present mother he deserved, and that pushed me to enter treatment. The care and compassion I received there not only saved my life but planted the seed for my future career. Today, I work as a Recovery Coach at the same facility where I found my sobriety. I support women who are fighting for their own second chance, and that work has confirmed that social work is where I belong. By earning my degree, I will be able to expand the impact I can make and take on roles where I can advocate and create change at a higher level. Attending college as a single parent has come with significant obstacles, both emotional and financial. I work full time, manage a household on one income, and care for my son, who has ADHD and anxiety. These responsibilities mean my schedule is often stretched thin. Many nights, I complete homework after helping him with his own, long after I’ve finished a full day of supporting others at work. There are times when balancing tuition, gas, bills, and groceries feels overwhelming. There are moments of doubt where I question whether I can juggle everything. But each time, I remind myself why I started: my son depends on me, and I want him to grow up knowing that education opens doors, even for those who have had a difficult past. Every assignment I complete and every class I pass is a step toward a better life for both of us. When I finish my degree, my goal is to become a licensed social worker and eventually move into a leadership or counseling role within a treatment center or community organization. I want to use my education to help break cycles of trauma, addiction, and poverty for women and families. I want to show the women I work with—and my son—that where you come from does not define where you can go. In the long term, I hope to create or lead programs that support mothers in recovery, helping them rebuild their lives just as I rebuilt mine. This scholarship would ease the financial strain of being a full-time worker, student, and single parent. It would allow me to stay focused on achieving my degree and move one step closer to a future where I can make a lasting difference in my community.

My name is Carolyn Schneider, and I am a single mother, a first-generation college student, and a woman in long-term recovery. For more than fifteen years, I struggled with substance use disorder and the chaos that came with it. I was in and out of jail, disconnected from my family, and caught in a cycle that felt impossible to escape. At the time, I could not imagine a future where I was healthy, stable, or hopeful. But becoming a mother changed everything. When I had my son, I knew I wanted more out of life—not just for myself, but for him. He gave me a reason to fight for a different future. My journey into recovery began when I entered the treatment facility where I am now employed. The women there showed me compassion, accountability, and hope at a time when I felt unworthy of all three. Their belief in me planted the first seeds of self-belief. Recovery taught me that no matter how far a person has fallen, transformation is possible with community, courage, and consistent effort. Today, I have been sober for years, and the treatment center that once helped save my life is now the place where I help others save theirs. I currently work as a Recovery Coach at a residential treatment facility for women battling substance use disorder. Many are mothers themselves, facing the same fears, shame, and uncertainty I once carried. Being able to stand beside them—not from a place of judgment but from lived experience—is a privilege I hold close to my heart. I understand what it means to lose everything and fight to rebuild it piece by piece. I also know the power of having someone walk the path with you. My work allows me to be that person for others, and it has become my purpose. I decided to go back to school to pursue my degree in social work so I can expand my impact and serve my community on a deeper level. I want to advocate for women who often feel voiceless, help families heal, and support mothers who are working to break generational cycles. As a first-generation college student, this journey represents more than personal achievement—it represents rewriting the story for my family. I want my son to see that education can open doors no matter where you started. He has faced his own challenges with ADHD, anxiety, and early health issues, but he is thriving. Everything I do is with the hope of showing him that we are not defined by our struggles but by how we rise from them. Receiving the Second Chance Scholarship would be a tremendous support in continuing my education while balancing full-time work and single motherhood. Going to school is a financial and emotional commitment, but it is one I refuse to give up on. This scholarship would ease the burden and allow me to stay focused on my goals—graduating, advancing in the recovery field, and using my degree to make meaningful changes in the lives of women who are climbing their way out of the same darkness I once lived in. My life is proof that second chances are real, and that with love, hard work, and faith in the possibility of change, a new life can be built. I am committed to using my second chance to help others find their own.

My journey has been shaped by resilience, motherhood, and the belief that no one is beyond redemption. For more than fifteen years, I struggled with substance use disorder, caught in a cycle of addiction, instability, and time spent in and out of jail. I felt trapped in a life that seemed impossible to escape. But becoming a mother changed everything. When my son was born—fragile, fighting through health issues, and dependent on me—I realized I needed to become the woman he deserved. His strength inspired me to fight for my own. Entering treatment was the turning point that reshaped my future. At a time when I felt broken and hopeless, the staff showed me kindness, accountability, and unwavering support. They believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. My recovery gave me a new sense of purpose: to help others who are walking the same painful path I once walked. Recovery didn’t just give me sobriety—it gave me a calling. Today, I work full-time as a recovery coach at the very facility where I found my own healing. I have the privilege of helping other women, especially mothers, rebuild their lives. I understand their fears, their shame, and their doubt because I lived it. I meet them with empathy, honesty, and the hope that someone once offered me. Watching women rediscover their strength reminds me every day why I chose this path. Helping them isn’t just a job to me; it is part of my identity. I am also a single mother to a son who continues to overcome his own challenges with ADHD and anxiety. He motivates me to keep going, even on difficult days. I want him to grow up knowing that our past doesn’t define us and that hard work, faith, and dedication can transform a life. I want to be the example he follows, not just the voice he hears. Being a first-generation college student is another milestone in my journey. No one in my immediate family has gone to college, and breaking that barrier is important not just for me, but for the generations that come after me. I am currently pursuing my degree in social work so I can deepen my impact in the recovery community. While my lived experience is powerful, I want to combine it with professional knowledge and credentials that will allow me to support women on a greater scale, advocate for change, and participate in building healthier communities. My long-term goal is to become a licensed social worker specializing in helping women and families affected by addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. I hope to develop programs that support mothers in recovery, strengthen family reunification, and empower women to break cycles of addiction, poverty, and hopelessness. I want to show women that no matter where they have been, they are still deserving of a meaningful life. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving these goals. Balancing school, full-time work, and single motherhood is challenging, and financial strain is one of the biggest obstacles I face. Support through this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my education and continue building the life I once believed was out of reach. Everything I do—my work, my education, my motherhood—is driven by the belief that people can change. My life is proof of that. And with this opportunity, I will continue turning my second chance into a force for change in my community and beyond.

My journey has been shaped by resilience, motherhood, and the belief that no one is beyond redemption. For more than fifteen years, I struggled with substance use disorder, caught in a cycle of addiction, instability, and time spent in and out of jail. I felt trapped in a life that seemed impossible to escape. But becoming a mother changed everything. When my son was born—fragile, fighting through health issues, and dependent on me—I realized I needed to become the woman he deserved. His strength inspired me to fight for my own. Entering treatment was the turning point that reshaped my future. At a time when I felt broken and hopeless, the staff showed me kindness, accountability, and unwavering support. They believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. My recovery gave me a new sense of purpose: to help others who are walking the same painful path I once walked. Recovery didn’t just give me sobriety—it gave me a calling. Today, I work full-time as a recovery coach at the very facility where I found my own healing. I have the privilege of helping other women, especially mothers, rebuild their lives. I understand their fears, their shame, and their doubt because I lived it. I meet them with empathy, honesty, and the hope that someone once offered me. Watching women rediscover their strength reminds me every day why I chose this path. Helping them isn’t just a job to me; it is part of my identity. I am also a single mother to a son who continues to overcome his own challenges with ADHD and anxiety. He motivates me to keep going, even on difficult days. I want him to grow up knowing that our past doesn’t define us and that hard work, faith, and dedication can transform a life. I want to be the example he follows, not just the voice he hears. Being a first-generation college student is another milestone in my journey. No one in my immediate family has gone to college, and breaking that barrier is important not just for me, but for the generations that come after me. I am currently pursuing my degree in social work so I can deepen my impact in the recovery community. While my lived experience is powerful, I want to combine it with professional knowledge and credentials that will allow me to support women on a greater scale, advocate for change, and participate in building healthier communities. My long-term goal is to become a licensed social worker specializing in helping women and families affected by addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. I hope to develop programs that support mothers in recovery, strengthen family reunification, and empower women to break cycles of addiction, poverty, and hopelessness. I want to show women that no matter where they have been, they are still deserving of a meaningful life. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving these goals. Balancing school, full-time work, and single motherhood is challenging, and financial strain is one of the biggest obstacles I face. Support through this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my education and continue building the life I once believed was out of reach. Everything I do—my work, my education, my motherhood—is driven by the belief that people can change. My life is proof of that. And with this opportunity, I will continue turning my second chance into a force for change in my community and beyond.

My journey has been shaped by resilience, motherhood, and the belief that no one is beyond redemption. For more than fifteen years, I struggled with substance use disorder, caught in a cycle of addiction, instability, and time spent in and out of jail. I felt trapped in a life that seemed impossible to escape. But becoming a mother changed everything. When my son was born—fragile, fighting through health issues, and dependent on me—I realized I needed to become the woman he deserved. His strength inspired me to fight for my own. Entering treatment was the turning point that reshaped my future. At a time when I felt broken and hopeless, the staff showed me kindness, accountability, and unwavering support. They believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. My recovery gave me a new sense of purpose: to help others who are walking the same painful path I once walked. Recovery didn’t just give me sobriety—it gave me a calling. Today, I work full-time as a recovery coach at the very facility where I found my own healing. I have the privilege of helping other women, especially mothers, rebuild their lives. I understand their fears, their shame, and their doubt because I lived it. I meet them with empathy, honesty, and the hope that someone once offered me. Watching women rediscover their strength reminds me every day why I chose this path. Helping them isn’t just a job to me; it is part of my identity. I am also a single mother to a son who continues to overcome his own challenges with ADHD and anxiety. He motivates me to keep going, even on difficult days. I want him to grow up knowing that our past doesn’t define us and that hard work, faith, and dedication can transform a life. I want to be the example he follows, not just the voice he hears. Being a first-generation college student is another milestone in my journey. No one in my immediate family has gone to college, and breaking that barrier is important not just for me, but for the generations that come after me. I am currently pursuing my degree in social work so I can deepen my impact in the recovery community. While my lived experience is powerful, I want to combine it with professional knowledge and credentials that will allow me to support women on a greater scale, advocate for change, and participate in building healthier communities. My long-term goal is to become a licensed social worker specializing in helping women and families affected by addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. I hope to develop programs that support mothers in recovery, strengthen family reunification, and empower women to break cycles of addiction, poverty, and hopelessness. I want to show women that no matter where they have been, they are still deserving of a meaningful life. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving these goals. Balancing school, full-time work, and single motherhood is challenging, and financial strain is one of the biggest obstacles I face. Support through this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my education and continue building the life I once believed was out of reach. Everything I do—my work, my education, my motherhood—is driven by the belief that people can change. My life is proof of that. And with this opportunity, I will continue turning my second chance into a force for change in my community and beyond.

My journey has been shaped by resilience, motherhood, and the belief that no one is beyond redemption. For more than fifteen years, I struggled with substance use disorder, caught in a cycle of addiction, instability, and time spent in and out of jail. I felt trapped in a life that seemed impossible to escape. But becoming a mother changed everything. When my son was born—fragile, fighting through health issues, and dependent on me—I realized I needed to become the woman he deserved. His strength inspired me to fight for my own. Entering treatment was the turning point that reshaped my future. At a time when I felt broken and hopeless, the staff showed me kindness, accountability, and unwavering support. They believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. My recovery gave me a new sense of purpose: to help others who are walking the same painful path I once walked. Recovery didn’t just give me sobriety—it gave me a calling. Today, I work full-time as a recovery coach at the very facility where I found my own healing. I have the privilege of helping other women, especially mothers, rebuild their lives. I understand their fears, their shame, and their doubt because I lived it. I meet them with empathy, honesty, and the hope that someone once offered me. Watching women rediscover their strength reminds me every day why I chose this path. Helping them isn’t just a job to me; it is part of my identity. I am also a single mother to a son who continues to overcome his own challenges with ADHD and anxiety. He motivates me to keep going, even on difficult days. I want him to grow up knowing that our past doesn’t define us and that hard work, faith, and dedication can transform a life. I want to be the example he follows, not just the voice he hears. Being a first-generation college student is another milestone in my journey. No one in my immediate family has gone to college, and breaking that barrier is important not just for me, but for the generations that come after me. I am currently pursuing my degree in social work so I can deepen my impact in the recovery community. While my lived experience is powerful, I want to combine it with professional knowledge and credentials that will allow me to support women on a greater scale, advocate for change, and participate in building healthier communities. My long-term goal is to become a licensed social worker specializing in helping women and families affected by addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. I hope to develop programs that support mothers in recovery, strengthen family reunification, and empower women to break cycles of addiction, poverty, and hopelessness. I want to show women that no matter where they have been, they are still deserving of a meaningful life. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to achieving these goals. Balancing school, full-time work, and single motherhood is challenging, and financial strain is one of the biggest obstacles I face. Support through this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my education and continue building the life I once believed was out of reach. Everything I do—my work, my education, my motherhood—is driven by the belief that people can change. My life is proof of that. And with this opportunity, I will continue turning my second chance into a force for change in my community and beyond.

Recovery has given me a life I never believed I could have. After struggling with addiction for over fifteen years and spending years in and out of jail, I reached a point where I was simply exhausted—tired of losing everything and tired of believing I wasn’t meant for more. Becoming a mother pushed me to choose a different path. My son depended on me, and I wanted to become the stable, loving parent he deserved. Going to treatment changed everything. For the first time, I experienced compassion, accountability, and people who believed in my potential. Recovery taught me that I am worthy, capable, and stronger than the life I once lived. It gave me purpose, self-respect, and a future I am proud of. Today, I work as a recovery coach at the same facility where I got sober. Helping other mothers fight for their lives is not just my job—it is my calling. I want every woman to know that recovery isn’t just possible; it is life-changing. As a first-generation college student, I am now pursuing my degree in social work so I can continue growing in this field. This scholarship would ease the financial strain of balancing school, full-time work, and single motherhood, allowing me to stay focused on my goals. Recovery gave me a second chance, and this opportunity would help me continue turning that second chance into something meaningful—for myself, my son, and the women I serve.

For more than fifteen years, addiction controlled my life. I spent years in and out of jail, trapped in a cycle I didn’t know how to escape. I lost time, opportunities, and parts of myself I thought I could never get back. Eventually, I became tired of being tired—tired of having nothing, tired of hurting, and tired of believing that a better life wasn’t meant for me. That breaking point became the moment I decided to reclaim my future. Everything changed when I became a mother. Having my son forced me to look at my life with honesty and courage. He had his own health struggles as a baby, and today he continues to navigate ADHD and anxiety. Yet he thrives, grows, and fights through challenges every day. His strength inspired me to find my own. I knew I wanted to become the kind of mother he deserved—present, stable, and loving—and that meant facing my addiction head-on. I entered treatment determined to rebuild my life. What I found there was exactly what I needed: compassion, accountability, and people who believed in me before I believed in myself. That experience changed me forever. The love, patience, and support I received in treatment lit a fire in me. I knew then that I wanted to give that same hope to other women who were walking the same path I once walked. Today, I am proud to work as a recovery coach at the very facility where I got sober. I help other mothers who are struggling with substance use disorder, and every day I am reminded why this work is so meaningful. I see myself in these women—the fear, the doubt, the shame—but I also see their strength and potential. Guiding them through their journey isn’t just my job; it is my purpose. I am living proof that recovery is possible, and I want them to see that a new life is within reach, no matter where they’ve been. As a first-generation college student, returning to school is another chapter in my transformation. I am pursuing a degree in social work so I can expand my ability to help women rebuild their lives. My dream is to continue growing in the recovery field, advocating for mothers, supporting families, and breaking the cycles of addiction and trauma that hold so many women back. Balancing full-time work, single motherhood, and school is challenging, but I am determined. This scholarship would lift a financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my education. It would bring me closer to becoming a licensed social worker and opening even more doors to support women who feel lost, hopeless, or forgotten—women just like I once was. My journey has taught me that transformation is possible, hope is real, and our past does not define our future. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue proving that to my son, to the women I work with, and to myself

For more than fifteen years, addiction controlled my life. I spent years in and out of jail, trapped in a cycle I didn’t know how to escape. I lost time, opportunities, and parts of myself I thought I could never get back. Eventually, I became tired of being tired—tired of having nothing, tired of hurting, and tired of believing that a better life wasn’t meant for me. That breaking point became the moment I decided to reclaim my future. Everything changed when I became a mother. Having my son forced me to look at my life with honesty and courage. He had his own health struggles as a baby, and today he continues to navigate ADHD and anxiety. Yet he thrives, grows, and fights through challenges every day. His strength inspired me to find my own. I knew I wanted to become the kind of mother he deserved—present, stable, and loving—and that meant facing my addiction head-on. I entered treatment determined to rebuild my life. What I found there was exactly what I needed: compassion, accountability, and people who believed in me before I believed in myself. That experience changed me forever. The love, patience, and support I received in treatment lit a fire in me. I knew then that I wanted to give that same hope to other women who were walking the same path I once walked. Today, I am proud to work as a recovery coach at the very facility where I got sober. I help other mothers who are struggling with substance use disorder, and every day I am reminded why this work is so meaningful. I see myself in these women—the fear, the doubt, the shame—but I also see their strength and potential. Guiding them through their journey isn’t just my job; it is my purpose. I am living proof that recovery is possible, and I want them to see that a new life is within reach, no matter where they’ve been. As a first-generation college student, returning to school is another chapter in my transformation. I am pursuing a degree in social work so I can expand my ability to help women rebuild their lives. My dream is to continue growing in the recovery field, advocating for mothers, supporting families, and breaking the cycles of addiction and trauma that hold so many women back. Balancing full-time work, single motherhood, and school is challenging, but I am determined. This scholarship would lift a financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my education. It would bring me closer to becoming a licensed social worker and opening even more doors to support women who feel lost, hopeless, or forgotten—women just like I once was. My journey has taught me that transformation is possible, hope is real, and our past does not define our future. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue proving that to my son, to the women I work with, and to myself

As a first-generation college student, returning to school is more than a personal decision—it is a step toward breaking generational barriers and creating a new path for my family. I grew up without examples of higher education around me, and for a long time, I didn’t believe college was meant for someone like me. Today, I stand determined to change that narrative, not only for myself but for my son and the women I serve in my work as a recovery coach. My journey has been shaped by resilience. I faced the challenges of addiction, motherhood, and rebuilding my life from the ground up. Becoming a mother to my son was a turning point. He struggled with health issues as a baby and now battles ADHD and anxiety, yet he continues to thrive. Watching him grow through his challenges showed me the strength that exists in persistence. He depends on me, and he motivates me to push forward even when life feels overwhelming. I want him to see that education opens doors, and that no matter where you start, you can choose a different ending. Being in recovery myself, I found purpose in helping others through their own struggles. I now work full-time as a recovery coach at a treatment facility for women with substance use disorders. The women I support often carry heavy stories filled with trauma, doubt, and hopelessness—stories I understand deeply. I use my lived experience to show them that change is possible and that they are capable of building lives filled with meaning. This work is more than a career; it is a calling that fuels my desire to grow, to learn, and to serve on a deeper level. That is why I am pursuing my degree in social work. I want to expand my skills, increase my impact, and open new opportunities to advocate for women in recovery. But balancing full-time work, school, and single motherhood is not easy. Financial challenges often stand between me and the education I am striving for. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of that burden and allow me to focus more fully on completing my degree. It would bring me one step closer to becoming a licensed social worker who can help women rebuild their lives with dignity, compassion, and hope. My dream is to continue breaking cycles—cycles of addiction, poverty, and limited education. I want to show my son and the women I work with that we are not defined by our struggles but by how we rise from them. This scholarship would not only support my education; it would invest in my purpose, my family’s future, and the many lives I hope to impact through my work.

Becoming a mother changed the entire course of my life. As a single mom and the first in my immediate family to pursue higher education, I have learned that strength often grows in the places where life feels the heaviest. My journey has not been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the woman, mother, and recovery coach I am today. I am proud of where I am, and even more passionate about where I am going. When my son was born, my life shifted in a way I could never have prepared for. He faced many medical challenges as a baby, and now at ten years old, he continues to navigate ADHD and anxiety. Watching him grow, struggle, and overcome has become one of the greatest inspirations in my life. Even on the hardest days, his resilience reminds me that I must keep pushing forward. He depends on me, and I am determined to show him what perseverance looks like. I want him to witness firsthand that education can completely transform a person’s life and open doors that once seemed impossible to reach. My son motivated me to look at my own life and recognize that I wanted more—more stability, more opportunity, and more purpose. As a woman in recovery, I know what it means to rebuild from the ground up. My experiences with addiction and healing helped me discover my passion for helping others who are walking a similar path. Today, I work full-time as a recovery coach at a treatment facility for women with substance use disorders. This work is deeply personal to me. I have sat in their chairs, cried their tears, and fought the same battles they are fighting now. Being able to guide women through their darkest moments and remind them that recovery is possible is more than just a job; it is part of my calling. My lived experience gives me a unique connection to the women I serve. They know I understand them—not because I read about addiction in a textbook, but because I lived it. Every day, I get to show them that transformation is real. I use my story to offer hope, encouragement, and proof that a different life is waiting if they choose it. Helping these women is not just about support; it is about showing them their own strength, even when they can’t see it themselves. Still, I know that there is more I can offer. That is why I made the decision to return to school and pursue my degree in social work. Being the first in my family to attend college is a milestone I do not take lightly. This path is challenging—balancing full-time work, school, and single motherhood—but it is a challenge I embrace. I want to further my career so I can support women on a deeper level and create lasting impact within the recovery community. Education is the key that will allow me to grow professionally and personally. More than anything, I want my son to see that with commitment, hard work, and faith, nothing is out of reach. I want him to know that our circumstances do not define us; our choices do. Every class I take and every assignment I complete brings me one step closer to the future I want for both of us. And in doing so, I hope to show him—and the women I serve—that we are capable of achieving even the things that once felt impossible.

Becoming a mother changed the entire course of my life. As a single mom and the first in my immediate family to pursue higher education, I have learned that strength often grows in the places where life feels the heaviest. My journey has not been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the woman, mother, and recovery coach I am today. I am proud of where I am, and even more passionate about where I am going. When my son was born, my life shifted in a way I could never have prepared for. He faced many medical challenges as a baby, and now at ten years old, he continues to navigate ADHD and anxiety. Watching him grow, struggle, and overcome has become one of the greatest inspirations in my life. Even on the hardest days, his resilience reminds me that I must keep pushing forward. He depends on me, and I am determined to show him what perseverance looks like. I want him to witness firsthand that education can completely transform a person’s life and open doors that once seemed impossible to reach. My son motivated me to look at my own life and recognize that I wanted more—more stability, more opportunity, and more purpose. As a woman in recovery, I know what it means to rebuild from the ground up. My experiences with addiction and healing helped me discover my passion for helping others who are walking a similar path. Today, I work full-time as a recovery coach at a treatment facility for women with substance use disorders. This work is deeply personal to me. I have sat in their chairs, cried their tears, and fought the same battles they are fighting now. Being able to guide women through their darkest moments and remind them that recovery is possible is more than just a job; it is part of my calling. My lived experience gives me a unique connection to the women I serve. They know I understand them—not because I read about addiction in a textbook, but because I lived it. Every day, I get to show them that transformation is real. I use my story to offer hope, encouragement, and proof that a different life is waiting if they choose it. Helping these women is not just about support; it is about showing them their own strength, even when they can’t see it themselves. Still, I know that there is more I can offer. That is why I made the decision to return to school and pursue my degree in social work. Being the first in my family to attend college is a milestone I do not take lightly. This path is challenging—balancing full-time work, school, and single motherhood—but it is a challenge I embrace. I want to further my career so I can support women on a deeper level and create lasting impact within the recovery community. Education is the key that will allow me to grow professionally and personally. More than anything, I want my son to see that with commitment, hard work, and faith, nothing is out of reach. I want him to know that our circumstances do not define us; our choices do. Every class I take and every assignment I complete brings me one step closer to the future I want for both of us. And in doing so, I hope to show him—and the women I serve—that we are capable of achieving even the things that once felt impossible.