My story is filled with many interruptions, ups, and downs. I come from a great family with two nerdy parents. My parent’s love for knowledge created a curious child. I remember being five years old and spending hours in the library looking through magazines and encyclopedias. I went through different phases of obsession, from fashion to cooking to singing to writing. I can honestly say I had a decent childhood. Unfortunately, no matter how great your parents are and how much they try to protect you, there will always be inevitable evil in this world that impacts everyone in it. Throughout elementary school, I was sexually abused by my friend’s father, which created a downward spiral in my emotional health and self-perception. I secretly carried the abuse for sixteen years. I fell into bad habits to mask the pain of being abused. I tried everything from chasing academic accomplishments to drugs and alcohol, but nothing seemed to work. I finally reached my breaking point when, at sixteen, I found out I was pregnant. This became a huge turning point in my life because, for the first time in a long time, I was forced to address my own problems and what would become of the life of another. It was the best thing that could have ever happened to me because without being responsible for another life, I don't know that I would have ever gotten mine together. During my experiences of reclaiming my life and growing another, I learned about the inadequate process of government healthcare. I was exposed to prejudice towards girls, specifically POCs, who choose to place or parent their child. These prejudices and experiences of inequality would be the catalyst for me to continue my education. The rollercoaster ride of intense therapy, pregnancy, self-image recovery, and attending virtual high school taught me countless lessons that have helped me as I continuously move forward with my life. This journey also fueled my passion for education and advocacy, leading me to where I am today. My personal experiences with adoption, as well as my continuous status as a birth mom, is by far the most significant adversity in my life, but in truth, I see it as the stepping stone that got me to where I am right now. Almost eight years after my daughter's birth, I am now going into my second year of law school and working towards becoming an abuse and neglect attorney with hopes of doing my part to change the. If I had to give advice to someone going through a similar situation, I would encourage them to dismiss any comment that brought them shame. Judgment from others may be inevitable, but allowing it to manifest to shame is not. Shame will rob you of any silver lining in a situation, and with it, I’d never be able to share my story. Sharing my story has been a powerful tool in my healing journey, and I encourage others to do the same.

I have spent several years working with the child welfare system in various capacities and learning from my own experiences. The latter half of my high school years was spent navigating the complicated world of adoptions and the unfavorable stigmas surrounding being a seventeen-year-old birth mom. The legal system does not always recognize the traumas surrounding abuse and its relation to choosing to place a child for adoption. When I decided to place my daughter, I was lucky enough to have an attorney who understood the gravity of the situation and helped me navigate the backward, non-birth mom-friendly process. I also had an attorney who represented me through the prosecution of my abuser, and I will forever be grateful for the role she played in lessening the blow that comes with being a minor cross-examined by someone whose goal is to destroy the credibility in the retelling of your painful story. After my nontraditional conclusion to high school, I decided that going straight to college wasn’t for me. So, before starting my college career, I spent a year working at an Orphanage in Villanueva, Honduras, where I was a house mom and an ESL teacher for elementary-aged kids. Among the most significant lessons from that experience was the importance of giving a kid a chance instead of writing them off as a “bad kid.” So many of the kids that have behavioral issues were acting out of hurt, neglect, and abuse. Once I truly understood and appreciated the impact of their pain, my perspective was forever changed. I saw a bit of myself in so many girls in my house and realized out of my personal pain, I likely could help others work through it. Once I returned to the States, I pursued a degree that would allow me to expand my education on child welfare, political science, and rural sociology. I began volunteering as a CASA soon after starting college, which provided me with gut-wrenching experiences that showed me the awful realities of a broken system. As a younger Casa, I often had to fight for my seat at the table to ensure that social workers, teachers, and police officers would take me seriously. I attempted to do my best to advocate for the five children I was assigned. As a result of that experience, I came to understand that the attorneys and their access to the legal process had the most significant impact in helping the children get the relief they needed and even had the potential to impact child welfare policies. This catalyst developed my love for working with children into my desire to work as an attorney. I am now, in the second semester of my 1L year, the last step before I can pursue my dream of helping kids achieve a better future. I often am asked if my past trauma affects my ability to work in this field as inevitably there is overlap in the stories of the kids I have, and will work with, and my own life. To that I answer that I cannot shy away from something just because it’s hard. I was given a nonideal set of cards, and I could easily avoid things that are a reminder of my trauma, but that is not what I chose. I want things to be different and refuse to do that from the sidelines.

The "dream version of my future self" is the truest form of who I am, enabling me to positively impact a multitude of lives.

My dream is to pursue a career in family law, with a specific focus on foster care cases. I am driven by a deep passion for helping children, especially those in rural communities. My undergraduate experience in a small rural community in South Georgia exposed me to the often-forgotten issues these children face, motivating me to make a difference. Volunteering with CASA, an organization for child advocacy, exposed me to the realities of the foster care system and the shortcomings of the legal system in protecting children's best interests. During my time with CASA, I had the opportunity to work with a sibling group of five children aged 1 to 17. This experience revealed to me the harsh realities faced by children within the foster care system. Witnessing hearing after hearing over two years led me to become disheartened by how often important aspects of their well-being were overshadowed or neglected. This firsthand exposure emphasized the urgent need for dedicated advocates who would ensure that the voices of these vulnerable children are heard and that their best interests are at the forefront of decision-making. My time with CASA and along with my journey, marked by feeling unheard during my childhood, have deeply influenced my desire to help children who find themselves in similar circumstances. Having experienced firsthand the transformative power of someone believing in me, I am committed to being that advocate for others. I strongly believe in providing support to children who feel voiceless, ensuring that they can express their needs, wishes, and dreams. By pursuing a career in family law, particularly in foster care cases, I aim to empower children by advocating for their rights, supporting their well-being, and fighting for outcomes that genuinely serve their best interests. Additionally, children of color need to see individuals who look like them in positions of support and guidance. As a future black female lawyer, I aspire to be that representation for children of color within the system. I want to be able to tell them that they can achieve anything they desire in life, just as someone once told me. By providing this representation and support, I aim to inspire and empower children of color to believe in their potential and to strive for success despite the challenges they may face. To strengthen communities, it is essential to invest in the future, and this investment begins with the children. The often repeated phrase, "children are the future," may sound cliché, but it holds undeniable truth. When we invest in the children of our communities, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future. By focusing on family law and advocating for the rights and well-being of children in rural communities, I seek to contribute to the overall growth and development of these areas. By providing these children with the support and opportunities they deserve, we can break cycles of neglect and create a ripple effect of positive change, ultimately leading to stronger, more vibrant communities.

If I am being honest, I was a self-proclaimed anti-Swiftie during my high school years. I dismissed Taylor Swift's music as overly dramatic and childish. Taylor Swift's audience is often stereotyped as young girls and pop lovers, and I tend to enjoy rock and indie music. However, my perspective drastically changed when I experienced a heart-wrenching breakup at the age of 22, leading me to discover the profound depth and understanding that Taylor Swift's music offers. I firmly believe that one cannot fully appreciate her music until they have been in a genuine relationship, particularly one that has ended. During the aftermath of my breakup, I began to understand the significance of Taylor Swift's lyrics. The timing of my breakup, just days before the release of Taylor's version of "All Too Well," felt meant to be. The raw emotions conveyed in her song mirrored the pain and turmoil I was experiencing, resonating with me in ways I never thought possible for a pop song. Fast forward almost two years later, and I have embraced my newfound status as a dedicated Swiftie. I have immersed myself in Taylor Swift's discography, immersing myself in every “Era” and confidently singing along to every word of her songs. While "Red" holds a special place in my heart as my all-time favorite album, it is "1989" that holds my favorite song, "Clean." "Clean" encapsulates the myriad of emotions I have encountered in the two years since my breakup. This particular ex was my first true love, someone I will never forget, but as the song suggests, the time has allowed me to breathe finally. The lyric that resonates with me the most is found in the bridge: "Ten months sober, I must admit, just because you're clean, don't mean you don't miss it." This line perfectly captures the lingering feelings of longing and nostalgia that occasionally surface, reminding me that healing is by no means a linear process. However, in the next line, Taylor Swift delivers an equally important message; "Now that I'm clean, I'm never gonna risk it." This statement serves as a reminder that while I may occasionally miss my ex, I am determined not to allow him back into my life, having moved on from the pain and growth that followed the breakup. Taylor Swift, the queen herself, has mastered the art of capturing the essence of heartbreak and the subsequent journey toward self-discovery. Albums like "1989" provided solace, understanding, and a soundtrack to my healing process. Although "1989" may not feature the power ballads found in some of Taylor Swift's other albums, it beautifully captures the up and down mixed feelings of grief and the path towards healing. From "Bad Blood" to "Clean," each song represents a step in the intricate process of grieving, a journey that only someone who has truly experienced heartbreak can comprehend. My personal journey from anti-Swiftie to a dedicated fan is a testament to the profound impact of Taylor Swift's music, and although there are still many that don't agree, the girls who get it get it.

(1) During my junior year of high school, I discovered I was pregnant, a devastating revelation that brought shame and caused my grades to plummet. Concerned for my well-being, my parents intervened and learned about my situation. Fearing for my future, they enrolled me in a program called Mercy Multiplied, where I received legal assistance and continued my education in a therapeutic environment. While at Mercy, I underwent counseling and made the difficult decision to place my daughter for adoption. With the guidance of an adoption coordinator, I learned about open adoptions and developed an adoption plan. This process was incredibly challenging, especially for a teenage girl, as I navigated the overwhelming task of signing legal documents to surrender my parental custody. The emotions I experienced when giving birth to my daughter were indescribable. Leaving the hospital without the child I had carried for nine months was an incredibly painful experience. However, I am immensely grateful that I had the opportunity to choose adoptive parents for my daughter. Knowing that she is well-cared for and experiencing a life I couldn't provide has made the grieving process easier. Although coping with grief remains a daily struggle, I have no regrets about my decision of adoption, and I consider it my proudest accomplishment. Six years have passed since the life-altering event of teen pregnancy and adoption, which transformed my perspective on adoption and gave me a new outlook on life. This change in mindset has influenced every aspect of my existence. During my pregnancy, I witnessed the flaws and corruption within government healthcare, the legal system, and family services. When asked the question of what matters most to me the simple answer is kids. Both the kids that I was and the kids that end up being placed for adoption like my daughter are the most important things in my life. Far too often, young women of color like myself are treated as statistics and lack the compassion afforded to their white counterparts. In my own experience, I was lucky enough to be supported by a nonprofit organization that ensured my voice was heard when I couldn't advocate for myself in the hospital, courtroom, or education system, all too willing to dismiss me as just another troubled black kid. I hope to be the voice for children of color whom society is quick to disregard. All too common people get angry about an issue that matters to them but do nothing about it. I refuse to let that be me. I will not be another “angry black woman”. By pursuing a career in adoption law and child services, I aim to challenge the inequalities and biases that exist within the system. My personal experiences have fueled my determination to advocate for those who are marginalized and overlooked. I believe in the power of change and will dedicate my life to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, receives the care, compassion, and opportunities they deserve. (2) Learning to be patient with myself has been a crucial lesson that I have embraced throughout my journey toward law school. As someone who has always excelled academically, I faced an entirely new level of challenge when studying for the LSAT while completing my final semester of undergrad. This demanding endeavor required me to adopt new study strategies and push myself beyond my limits. Despite facing multiple setbacks and repeatedly scoring lower than my desired goals on practice tests, I had to remind myself that I was capable and avoid succumbing to self-criticism, as it would only hinder my progress. While the high costs of LSAT tutors were well beyond my means, I sought out and utilized free programs until I finally found a tutor who could accommodate my budget and provide valuable assistance in the weeks leading up to the test. Moreover, I learned to embrace patience throughout the entire law school application process. Although I submitted my applications in mid-October, it was not until late January that I heard back from schools. Those weeks of anxious waiting felt excruciating, as silence seemed synonymous with rejection. I found myself quickly falling into a negative mindset, assuming the worst. However, I eventually realized that I had no insight into the decision-making processes of these schools, and my negative thoughts were only causing unnecessary distress. The most valuable insight I have gained from this experience is that self-doubt serves no purpose in my journey. Studying for the LSAT was an entirely new and challenging experience, but through hard work and determination, I was able to overcome it. As I prepare for law school, I anticipate a whole new set of circumstances: a new state, new acquaintances, and an unfamiliar field of knowledge. However, I firmly believe that by maintaining self-belief and giving my utmost effort, I will triumph. This invaluable insight will undoubtedly accompany me as I embark on my law school journey. It will serve as a constant reminder that doubt only hinders progress, and I must trust in my abilities to achieve success. While challenges may arise, I will approach them with patience, resilience, and unwavering confidence in my capabilities. Law school represents an opportunity for growth, and I am ready to embrace the transformative experience that awaits me.

On the first day of my junior year of high school, I found out I was pregnant. Devastated at this news and the shame of how the pregnancy had come to happen my grades began to slip until finally, my parents stepped in and with gentle prodding found out what was going on. Terrified and worried at the news that I was pregnant they decided to send me to a program called Mercy Multiplied where I would be able to receive legal assistance and continue my education in a therapeutic environment. While at Mercy I went through counseling and decided it would be best if I shared my daughter through adoption. With the help of my adoption coordinator, I learned about open adoptions and created my adoption plan. This was an exceedingly arduous process, and as a teen, it was even more overwhelming and traumatic to sit in a judge's chamber and sign legal documents when I had so little understanding about surrendering my parental custody. When it was time for me to give birth to my daughter, I experienced more emotions than I could ever have been prepared for as a 16-year-old girl. There are no words to describe what it felt like to leave the hospital without the child you carried for 9 months. I was so incredibly grateful to have been able to choose adoptive parents for my daughter. It has made the grieving process so much easier knowing that she is well and experiencing life in a way I could never have provided for her. The grieving process is something I am still learning to cope with every day. Nevertheless, I do not regret my choice for adoption and would say that it is my proudest accomplishment. It has now been six years since the life-altering event of teen pregnancy and the adoption of my daughter which changed my view on adoption and gave me a new lens through which I look at life. This new mindset has shaped every aspect of my life. When I was pregnant, I got a taste of what government healthcare, the legal system and family services looked like and with that small taste, I realized the system was broken and corrupt. I could not just live the rest of my life knowing these things were happening and doing nothing about it, so I have decided to devote my life to changing these issues with the power of law. I plan to become an adoption lawyer and work with child services. I have started chasing this dream by working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) where my main objective is to ensure the kids I work with are not forgotten in the system. Far too often young women of color like myself are looked at like a statistic and not provided with the same compassion given to our white counterparts. I happened to get lucky ending up at a nonprofit that ensured my voice was heard when I could not speak up for myself in the hospital, courtroom or the education system so willing to write me off as another troubled black kid. I hope that I can be the one to speak up for children of color that society wants to right off.

Passion is something that we all possess. It manifests itself differently in every individual, whether it be excelling in athletics, making scientific discoveries or any other field of interest. Regardless of how it is displayed, passion is a powerful force that can contribute to making the world a better place. For me, my passion,or my why, is to improve upon the adoption and foster care system. This is a personal passion, born from my own life experiences and the knowledge I gained from working in an orphanage in Honduras.My journey towards this passion began on the first day of my junior year of high school when I found out I was pregnant. I went through counseling and decided to share my daughter through adoption. The adoption process was a challenging and emotional journey, but I was grateful to have the opportunity to choose adoptive parents for my daughter. This experience changed my perspective on adoption and gave me a new lens through which to view life. My desire to pursue a career that allows me to serve those without a voice was further fueled by the year I spent in Honduras working at an orphanage. While there, I was responsible for taking care of several young girls who had been sexually abused and mistreated by someone, often a family member. I quickly learned that there were far greater opportunities for kids in the American foster care system than in Honduran orphanages. This realization led me to pursue a family law degree to protect the rights of children and ensure them a better future. The child advocate mindset I developed has shaped every aspect of my life. I realized that the government family services system was broken and corrupt nationwide. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing, so I decided to devote my life to changing these issues with the power of law. My plan is to become an adoption lawyer and work with DFACS. I have been able to get my foot in the door as a CASA where I volunteer weekly to assist a family case that includes five siblings in a volatile termination of parental rights case. My primary objective is to ensure that they are not forgotten in the system. Doing this has given me the opportunity to work directly with children and learn about childcare policy and hands-on experience in the courtroom. It has been five years since the life-altering event of teen pregnancy and the adoption of my daughter. I have now a recieved my undergraduate degree and am getting ready to move on to the next step of completing my law degree. As a dedicated and hardworking student, I bring a keen desire to learn more and contribute in the field of law.In conclusion, passion can lead to meaningful contributions in any field. For me, my passion for improving the adoption and foster care system comes from personal experiences and working with children in need. Through pursuing a career in law, I hope to create laws that protect the rights of children and ensure them a better future.

One year, three months, and sixteen days - a group of numbers that anyone who has struggled with addiction will understand.At the age of 17, I checked myself into an institution to overcome my addiction to cocaine, which I had used to cope with social anxiety, an obsession with weight, and academic pressure. However, my decision to get sober was not my own. It was the result of finding out that I was pregnant with my daughter, whose father was not only my dealer but also a much older boyfriend who convinced me that I wasn't genuinely addicted. At the facility, I delved into why I used cocaine and how to avoid relapse. My initial goal was to be sober for my daughter's sake, but it gradually evolved into a desire to be a better person for myself. By the time my daughter was born, I had proudly been sober for seven months. Now, six years later, I have learned that recovery is not something I can do alone and that it requires a conscious choice every day. On challenging days, I am reminded that people care about my recovery and are cheering me on in my journey. Although I have relapsed in the past, I have learned that it doesn't break my recovery. Recovery means getting back up after a fall and celebrating the fact that I have been sober for one year, three months, and sixteen days.

My identity as a black woman is something that is very important to me now, but I couldn’t say that during my youth. I grew up in a predominantly white town and attended predominantly white schools. Like many black girls in that same situation, I had a hard time accepting who I was from an early age. I can remember being as young as 5 years old when I first experienced microaggression when another kid in my kindergarten class asked me why my hair was so poofy. That comment started a trend of being self-conscious about everything that made me different: my dark skin, my big lips, my curvy hips, and my extra curly hair. In middle school, and until my sophomore year of high school, I straightened my hair just about every day so that I would look like the other girls around me. Fast forward to now and I am a confident proud black woman that wears her hair natural and am not ashamed of the features that make me a beautiful black woman. I wish I could say there was some defining moment for me, but it really was through my search for identity and the process of maturity that took over a span of years and experiences to get me to where I am now. I still struggle sometimes as most women do with accepting myself for who I am. As a resident of South Georgia, it isn't out of the ordinary for me to hear racist comments from others about my skin color, but I have learned that ignorance is everywhere. I could choose to be a victim and allow the cruel words to keep me down, or I can use the words as ammunition to fuel my passions as I maintain my honor student status in political science and pursue my family law degree. I have persistently chosen to push myself to reach the high goals that I have set for myself. When I look back on my youth and remember all the years I spent worrying about how I would fit in and how to make myself “less black”, I am reminded of how hurtful it felt being “the only” for so long. The feeling of loneliness and feeling like an outcast is one I am sure any minority can relate to as familiar. .I hope to one day be able to mentor young black girls in order to motivate them to be confident leaders and not victims of circumstance or environment. No one gets to write your story but you. When you feel like an outcast it's easy to feel down on yourself and lack the desire to be anything more than what others say you are, but listen world, Black Girls Can Do and Be Anything.

Music has always been a significant part of my life. From making my own music to listening to the music of my parent’s childhoods there are few times I can remember not having music in the background as life went on. The song I selected Sunflower, by Vampire Weekend, has been a favorite of mine for a while and its happy tone helped me get through this past year. Music truly is medicine, so I hope this playlist of 15 songs is as medicinal to you as it is for me.

Mental illness is very much a real thing that often gets overlooked. I personally have struggled with mental illness since I was younger but to understand my story I have to explain it from the beginning. The summer after my sophomore year of high school I started dating a guy several years older than me, I was 16 at the time and had met the guy at a party that I had no business being at in the first place. I was attracted to what he could get me, alcohol, money, and attention. As time went on he wanted more and more from me. First, it was my time, and then it was money, and eventually, it was my body. I never really was a fan of physical touch because of trauma from my childhood but I was so desperate to keep him, who I thought was the love of my life I gave in. On the first day of my junior year of high school, I found out I was pregnant. When I started experiencing morning sickness every day my parents knew something was up. Once they found out that I was pregnant all the secrets came out and I was sent to get help at a girl’s home called mercy Multiplied. While at mercy I went through counseling and worked through many of the issues that had plagued me most of my life. decided it would be best if I placed my daughter for adoption. With the help of my adoption coordinator, I learned about open adoptions and created my adoption plan. In no way was any of the process easy when it came time to give birth to my daughter I experienced more emotions than I could ever prepare for. There are no words to describe what it feels like to leave the hospital without the child you carried for 9 months. I am so incredibly grateful to have been able to choose the adoptive parents for my daughter. It has made this grieving process so much easier knowing that she is well and experiencing life in a way I never could have provided for her, but even still the grieving process was and still is something I learn to cope with every day. No one tells you that you’re going to lose your will to live when you no longer have a child to keep alive. No one tells you that each birthday, Mother’s day, and milestone you miss is going to be a constant reminder that your child is being raised by someone else. Dealing with mental illness that came with my new status of birth mom while being a student means experiencing all the first of being in college and all the milestones of being a birth mom at the same time. The 2019-2020 school year was nothing near a walk in the park, never the less I survived. During my freshman year of college, my daughter turned 3 and I had to experience that week alone for the first time since my daughter had been born. That year I learned the importance of reaching out for help and making sure not to isolate when times get tough. I struggled with being away from home in a completely new area and on top of that dealing with not raising my daughter and having no one to talk about it or understand the emotions. There are many stigmas tied to seeing a therapist and taking medications but there is truly nothing wrong with seeking professional help. I am currently in school studying political science and rural psychology. I have always had a love for politics but it wasn’t until I went through the experience of being pregnant and placing my child for adoption that I realized I wanted to do something that will help kids. When I was pregnant I got a taste of what government healthcare and family services look like and with that small taste, I realized how broken and corrupt the system was. My dream is to become an adoption lawyer and work with DFACS. I am currently in the process of becoming a child advocate so that I can start learning the ins and outs of the system. Hopefully one day I will be able to write policies that help the children need always be first.

Ever since I was a child my parents have always made a point to remind me of the importance of being selfless. Not only was it stated but it was lived out by their actions and the actions they encouraged us to be a part of. We have spent many thanksgivings serving food to the homeless, going on family mission trips, and have made boxes for operation Christmas child every year that I can remember. I grew up up in a household where serving others was a part of who we were. My desire to pursue a career that allows me to give back stems not only from my upbringing but from the year I spent in Honduras working at an orphanage founded by Jeremiah 29:11 Ministries. While living in the country of Honduras, I was a house mom for several young elementary school girls. My responsibilities included many that were typically expected of a mom, such as cleaning and making sure they did their homework as well as being available to them at all hours of the day to provide the nurturing, listening ear of a mom. Almost every one of the girls I worked with had been sexually abused and mistreated by someone, often someone from their family. I spent a good bit of time learning about how family law in Honduras works and quickly learned that there were far greater opportunities for kids in the United States than for kids in Honduras. I learned about the differences in social-economic opportunities that are provided for someone in Honduras versus in the United States and was appalled to learn that some domestic safety issues were not much difference between the two countries. This sparked a fire in me to pursue a family law degree and learn how I can work to create laws that will protect the rights of children and ensure them an opportunity at a better future. This instilled mindset has shaped nearly every aspect of my life. I am currently in the process of becoming a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, for the coastal plains area. Once I become certified will be volunteering weekly with the case that I am assigned. By doing this I will be able to serve and help a child in need even before I get my degree. Another way that I serve is by being the chairmen of service and giving for my sorority Alpha Sigma Alpha. Alpha Sigma Alpha is known for the service projects they do all over the country. One of my favorite service projects I have been a part of through my sorority, was the special needs dance, “Night to Shine”. Last semester, I was able to organize several events for our two philanthropic partners; “Girls on the Run” and “The Special Olympics”. This coming semester, I plan on organizing more events with these partners as well as working with local organizations in my school community. Serving others is part of who I am and I take pride in the personal ways I pursue community service.

To understand my desire to work in public policy I will have to go back a few years and explain some of my past. In 2016 I started dating a guy several years older than me, I was 16 at the time and had met the guy at a party that I had no business being at in the first place. I was attracted to what he gave me, alcohol, money, and attention. As time went on he wanted more from me. I never really was a fan of physical touch because of trauma from my childhood but I was so desperate to keep him, who I thought was the love of my life, I gave in. On the first day of my junior year of high school, I found out I was pregnant. When I started experiencing morning sickness every day my parents knew something was up. Once they found out that I was pregnant all the secrets came out and I was sent to get help at a girl’s home called Mercy Multiplied. I am currently in school studying political science and rural community development. I have always had a love for politics but it wants until I went through the experience of being pregnant and placing my child for adoption that I realized I wanted to do something that will help kids. When I was pregnant I got a taste of what government healthcare and family services look like and with that small taste, I realized how broken and corrupt the system was. When I was pregnant I lived in a girl’s home called mercy multiplied and several of my friends there had grown up in the system. They told me about how they bounced around from family to family and how many of them had been abused by the very people that were supposed to take care of them. My eyes were opened up even more after I spent in Honduras working at an orphanage founded by Jeremiah 29:11 Ministries. While living in the country of Honduras, I was a house mom for thirteen young girls. While there I learned about the differences in social-economic opportunities that are provided for someone in Honduras versus in the United States and was appalled to learn that some domestic safety issues were not much difference between the two countries. This sparked an even bigger fire in me to pursue a family law degree and learn how I can work to create better policies that will protect the rights of children and ensure them an opportunity at a better future I can’t just live the rest of my life knowing these things happen and do nothing about it so I have decided to devote my life to change things with the power of law. My dream is to become an adoption lawyer and work with DFACS. I am currently in the process of becoming a child advocate so that I can start learning the ins and outs of the system. Hopefully one day I will be able to write policies that help the children need always be first.

Mental illness is very much a real thing that often gets overlooked. I personally have struggled with mental illness since I was younger but to understand my story I have to explain it from the beginning. The summer after my sophomore year of high school I started dating a guy several years older than me, I was 16 at the time and had met the guy at a party that I had no business being at in the first place. I was attracted to what he could get me, alcohol, money, and attention. As time went on he wanted more and more from me. First, it was my time, I started spending all my free time with him, and then it was money and eventually it was my body. I never really was a fan of physical touch because of trauma from my childhood but I was so desperate to keep him, who I thought was the love of my life I gave in. On the first day of my junior year of high school, I found out I was pregnant. When I started experiencing morning sickness every day my parents knew something was up. Once they found out that I was pregnant all the secrets came out and I was sent to get help at a girl’s home called mercy Multiplied. While at mercy I went through counseling and decided it would be best if I placed my daughter for adoption. With the help of my adoption coordinator, I learned about open adoptions and created my adoption plan. In no way was any of the process easy when it came time to give birth to my daughter I experienced more emotions than I could ever prepare for. There are no words to describe what it feels like to leave the hospital without the child you carried for 9 months. I am so incredibly grateful to have been able to choose the adoptive parents for my daughter. It has made this grieving process so much easier knowing that she is well and experiencing life in a way I never could have provided for her, but even still the grieving process was and still is something I learn to cope with every day. No one tells you that you’re going to lose your will to live when you no longer have a child to keep alive. No one tells you that each birthday, Mother’s day, and milestone you miss is going to be a constant reminder that your child is being raised by someone else. To this day I struggle with PTSD induced anxiety, depression, and OCD but my mental illness does not define me. I am currently in school studying political science and rural psychology. I have always had a love for politics but it wasn’t until I went through the experience of being pregnant and placing my child for adoption that I realized I wanted to do something that will help kids. When I was pregnant I got a taste of what government healthcare and family services look like and with that small taste, I realized how broken and corrupt the system was. My dream is to become an adoption lawyer and work with DFACS. I am currently in the process of becoming a child advocate so that I can start learning the ins and outs of the system. Hopefully one day I will be able to write policies that help the children need always be first. Dealing with mental illness while being a student is experiencing all the first of being in college and all the milestones of being a birth mom at the same time. During my freshman year of college, my daughter turned 3 and I had to experience that week alone for the first time since my daughter had been born. I struggled with being away from home in a completely new area and on top of that dealing with not raising my daughter and having no one to talk about it or understand the emotions. The 2019-2020 school year was nothing near a walk in the park, never the less I survived.

The word bold is defined as "showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous". When I was 16 I found out that I was pregnant due to circumstances that were out of my control. Many others in this situation would have chosen the clear choice of abortion as I was a high schooler with no ability to be a mom, However, I chose to make the bold choice of continuing my pregnancy. Now almost 4 years later I am the birth mom of a beautiful little girl and continuing to make bold chooses every day!