Mental health is central to my growth and success as a student, because it shapes not only my ability to learn but also my capacity to connect with and support others. As someone who has navigated the complexities of PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and recovery from substance abuse, I understand firsthand how mental health impacts every facet of life—from focus and motivation to relationships and self-worth. Prioritizing mental health allows me to engage fully in my studies, practice self-compassion, and prepare to enter the helping professions with the empathy and resilience necessary to make a meaningful difference. My lived experience has also instilled in me a deep commitment to mental health advocacy. I strive to create spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported, whether in my personal life, my school community, or through professional avenues. At school, I openly participate in discussions about mental health, share resources, and encourage peers to prioritize self-care and seek help when needed. I recognize that stigma often prevents people from asking for support, and I aim to counter that by modeling openness, vulnerability, and understanding. At home and in my community, I support friends and family members by listening without judgment, connecting them to mental health resources, and promoting coping strategies rooted in mindfulness and emotional awareness. This commitment to advocacy will expand through my upcoming field placement beginning in January, where I will counsel survivors of domestic violence. In this role, I will work directly with individuals who have experienced profound trauma, many of whom also struggle with anxiety, depression, and complex post-traumatic stress. My focus will be on providing trauma-informed care, validating their experiences, and supporting them in building resilience, safety, and autonomy. This field placement represents both a professional and personal extension of my mental health advocacy. By integrating my own experiences with trauma, recovery, and coping strategies, I hope to create an environment in which survivors feel empowered to heal and reclaim their sense of self. Through both my academic and community engagement, I have come to see mental health not as an isolated issue but as a foundation for overall well-being and social change. Advocating for mental health is about more than raising awareness; it is about fostering environments—whether in classrooms, homes, or counseling spaces—where individuals feel safe to express themselves, seek help, and grow. My experiences as a student and as a person in recovery have given me the perspective, empathy, and dedication needed to advocate effectively, and my field placement will provide a platform to put that advocacy into action in a meaningful and tangible way. Ultimately, mental health matters to me because it is both deeply personal and profoundly communal. Supporting my own mental well-being enables me to succeed academically, while advocating for others’ mental health allows me to contribute to a more compassionate, understanding, and resilient community. As I begin my field placement counseling survivors of domestic violence, I am committed to carrying these principles into every interaction, helping others navigate their healing journeys while continuing to honor my own.

My experience with substance abuse has profoundly shaped every aspect of who I am—my beliefs, my relationships, and my career aspirations. What began as an attempt to escape unbearable pain eventually became the foundation of my greatest purpose: to help others find hope, healing, and recovery. Through addiction and recovery, I learned the power of resilience, compassion, and human connection—values that now guide both my personal life and professional calling in social work. For years, alcohol was my way of coping with trauma, mental illness, and the overwhelming chaos I couldn’t make sense of. My addiction took me to the darkest places imaginable—I attempted suicide three times within two months, and I truly believed I would never find my way back. When I finally made the decision to get sober, I didn’t just have to stop drinking; I had to rebuild my life from the ground up. I chose to completely relocate, leaving behind toxic environments and people, and began a long process of rediscovering who I was beneath the pain. Eleven years later, I am proud to say that I have maintained my sobriety, but even more importantly, I have cultivated a life of meaning, purpose, and service. Recovery transformed my beliefs about people, healing, and change. I no longer see addiction or mental illness as moral failings or weaknesses—they are symptoms of deeper wounds that require compassion, understanding, and support. I’ve learned that people don’t heal in isolation; they heal in safe, nurturing environments where they feel seen and valued. This belief has shaped how I show up in every relationship—both personally and professionally. My connections are now rooted in honesty, empathy, and accountability. I’ve learned to set healthy boundaries, communicate openly, and practice forgiveness—both toward others and myself. These lessons have also become the foundation of my career aspirations. My recovery journey led me into the helping professions, where I’ve worked as a substance abuse counselor, a supported employment specialist, a domestic violence shelter manager, and a team member in a hospital emergency department. Each role reinforced my desire to advocate for survivors of trauma and addiction—people whose pain often goes unseen or misunderstood. Today, I am pursuing a career in social work with the goal of specializing in trauma-informed care and working with survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking. My long-term vision is to create a healing center that integrates expressive arts, shelter, and peer-led support to help survivors rebuild their lives. Sobriety taught me that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances—it’s about reclaiming one’s voice, dignity, and sense of purpose. It is a lifelong journey of learning to live authentically, to feel deeply, and to give back to others. My experience with addiction has not only redefined what I believe about myself and others; it has given me a mission. Every day, I carry the reminder that healing is possible, no matter how broken things once were. And that belief drives me to dedicate my life to helping others find their way home, just as I did.

My experience with mental illness has profoundly shaped my identity, goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. Living with PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, and surviving multiple suicide attempts and addiction, has forced me to confront not only my inner battles but also the stigma surrounding them. I have experienced how society often misunderstands and marginalizes people struggling with mental health challenges. Yet, through recovery, education, and self-awareness, I have transformed my pain into purpose. My lived experience has redefined how I see myself and others and fueled my dedication to destigmatizing mental illness through advocacy and social work. There was a time when I truly believed living was too painful to bear. Within two months, I attempted suicide three times, each attempt born from an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. I felt broken, unseen, and consumed by addiction and trauma. At my lowest point, I made a decision that changed everything: I left behind the people and environments that were destroying me. I relocated completely, choosing to rebuild my life from the ground up. That choice marked the beginning of my recovery. I entered sobriety—this year celebrating eleven years alcohol-free—and began intensive healing through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. These tools gave me the language to understand my emotions and the skills to manage them. I learned that recovery is not about erasing symptoms but about building a meaningful life alongside them. In learning to live again, I discovered a sense of agency and purpose. While healing, I began to recognize how deeply societal stigma harms those with mental illness. Too often, mental health struggles are met with silence, judgment, or pity instead of empathy and understanding. I experienced this firsthand—being labeled “unstable” or “too emotional” rather than recognized as someone surviving complex trauma. These experiences revealed how stigma silences people and prevents them from seeking help. Destigmatization became my personal mission. I realized that sharing my story is a powerful way to challenge stereotypes and humanize mental illness. Vulnerability became advocacy. By speaking openly about my diagnoses, recovery, and growth, I help others see that mental illness is not a moral failing but a human experience. This shift in perspective guides both my worldview and my professional goals. I want to live in a society where speaking about mental health is a sign of strength, not shame. My experiences with mental illness have also transformed how I connect with others. Before recovery, I felt isolated and misunderstood, withdrawing from relationships out of fear of rejection. The stigma surrounding my diagnoses made me internalize shame and self-blame. Through therapy and self-reflection, I learned that connection is a crucial part of healing. As I accepted myself, I became capable of building authentic relationships grounded in empathy and trust. Today, my relationships are defined by mutual understanding and emotional honesty. My lived experience allows me to meet others where they are, without judgment. Friends, colleagues, and clients often confide in me because they sense my sincerity and compassion. I understand what it feels like to be at the edge of hopelessness, and that shapes how I listen and respond. My relationships now serve as living proof that empathy can dissolve stigma and foster healing. My journey through mental illness has given me a profound sense of direction. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my resolve to create change for others who struggle as I once did. Professionally, I have worked in roles that align with this mission: as a substance abuse counselor, a supported employment specialist, a domestic violence shelter manager, and a team member in a hospital emergency department. Each position deepened my understanding of trauma, crisis, and resilience. These experiences taught me that recovery is not just an individual process but a systemic one requiring compassion, accessibility, and informed care. I am now pursuing a degree in social work, specializing in trauma-informed practice. My ultimate goal is to establish a healing center that integrates expressive arts, mindfulness, peer-led support, and a shelter component for survivors of trauma, addiction, and domestic violence. I want to create a space where people can heal without fear of judgment—a place that embodies the destigmatization I advocate for. My vision is to bridge the gap between clinical treatment and human connection, where recovery means not just surviving but thriving. My experience with mental illness has reshaped how I see the world. I have come to understand that suffering is universal, but stigma isolates it. The way society treats those with mental illness reflects how deeply we misunderstand vulnerability and strength. Living through my own struggles has shown me that resilience is not about never falling—it is about continuing to rise, again and again, despite the odds. I now view the world through a lens of compassion. I understand that everyone carries invisible battles and that empathy is the most powerful tool for change. My journey has also made me aware of how social systems often fail to support mental health equitably. I am committed to challenging those systems, advocating for trauma-informed policies, and amplifying the voices of those silenced by stigma. In doing so, I aim to help shift our collective understanding of mental health from something to be feared to something to be met with care and dignity. Mental illness once felt like a curse—something that isolated and defined me. Today, it is the source of my greatest strength, empathy, and purpose. Surviving addiction, suicidality, and trauma has not only shaped my goals and relationships but has transformed my understanding of humanity itself. I no longer see my story as one of brokenness but as one of resilience and hope. My experiences have taught me that healing and destigmatization begin with courage: the courage to tell the truth, to listen without judgment, and to believe in the possibility of change. My mission is to help others see what I finally see in myself—that mental illness does not diminish our worth; it reveals our capacity for strength, compassion, and transformation.

There was a time when I didn’t believe I would ever see another sunrise. My days blurred into nights filled with pain, fear, and exhaustion. I reached a point where the weight of my trauma, mental illness, and addiction felt unbearable. Within two months, I attempted to take my own life three times. Each attempt came from a place of hopelessness — a desperate desire for the pain to stop. What I didn’t yet understand was that the version of me that needed to die wasn’t my whole self, but the part that believed I wasn’t worthy of living. Surviving those moments changed everything. I made the decision to completely relocate, leaving behind the toxic relationships and environments that had fueled my self-destruction. I entered recovery from alcoholism, and this year I celebrate eleven years of sobriety. That choice marked the beginning of my healing — not an easy, linear path, but one grounded in resilience, self-awareness, and a deep commitment to growth. Living with PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder has taught me the complex reality of mental illness. I learned that recovery is not about eliminating symptoms, but about creating a life worth living alongside them. Through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and self-care, I learned to tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and rebuild trust with myself. I found meaning in being fully present, even when life felt uncertain. Every breath became proof of survival. My experiences with mental illness and suicidality shaped not only my identity but also my purpose. I began using my story to help others who were struggling in silence. Professionally, I have worked in multiple roles that allow me to serve individuals facing trauma and instability: as a substance abuse counselor, a supported employment specialist, a domestic violence shelter manager, and a member of a hospital emergency department team. Each role has deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve to advocate for those whose pain often goes unseen. Working in domestic and sexual violence agencies exposed me to the pervasive impact of trauma, particularly among survivors who, like me, carried invisible scars. It also revealed the gaps in our mental health systems — the lack of resources, understanding, and compassion for those who are both victims and survivors. I realized that my lived experience gave me a unique ability to connect with people in crisis, to meet them where they are, and to hold space for their pain without judgment. My journey has ignited a passion for social work and mental health advocacy. I am now pursuing a degree in social work with the goal of specializing in trauma-informed care. My dream is to one day open a healing center that integrates expressive arts, mindfulness, peer-led support, and a shelter component for survivors of domestic violence, addiction, and sexual exploitation. I want to create the safe haven I once needed — a place where people can rediscover their worth and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Mental health and suicide have profoundly shaped who I am, but they no longer define my limits. Instead, they have become the foundation of my strength and purpose. I am living proof that recovery is possible — that even in the darkest moments, life can be rebuilt from the ashes of despair. My survival has become my mission: to stand beside others on their path to healing, to be the voice I once needed to hear, and to dedicate my life to transforming pain into purpose.

My lived experience in recovery from suicidality and alcoholism has become the foundation of how I help others heal. Over eleven years ago, I reached a point of complete despair—three suicide attempts in two months and a life consumed by addiction. Choosing recovery meant rebuilding everything from the ground up. I left behind toxic environments, embraced therapy and mindfulness, and dedicated myself to learning how to live with purpose. Over time, that purpose became clear: to help others find hope where they see none. Through my professional journey, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside others as they faced their own struggles. As a Supported Employment Specialist, I helped individuals with mental health challenges regain confidence, find meaningful work, and rediscover a sense of self-worth. Later, as a Domestic Violence Shelter Manager, I provided support to survivors in crisis—helping them rebuild safety, stability, and self-belief after experiencing trauma. Each person I’ve supported has reminded me that healing is not linear, and that compassion, understanding, and presence are powerful catalysts for change. In January, I will begin my field placement counseling survivors of domestic violence, which feels like a natural continuation of my journey. I want to hold space for survivors the way others once held space for me—to be that reminder that recovery and growth are possible, even after immense pain. My studies in social work are giving me the theoretical and clinical foundation to match my lived experience with professional skill. My goal is to use my education and future career to build a stronger, healthier community—one rooted in empathy, empowerment, and connection. I believe that when people are given the opportunity to heal, to feel seen and supported, they not only transform their own lives but also contribute to the collective healing of their communities. Through counseling, advocacy, and trauma-informed care, I hope to continue creating spaces where people can rediscover hope, resilience, and belonging.

My life has been shaped by profound challenges, yet it is through these struggles that I have discovered clarity, purpose, and resilience. Living with PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, I faced the darkness of addiction, isolation, and multiple suicide attempts within a short period. There was a time when survival itself felt impossible, when despair consumed daily life, and when I doubted that I could ever rebuild a sense of self. At my lowest point, I made a conscious decision to reclaim my life — to confront my pain, embrace recovery, and commit to a path of healing and growth. This decision became the catalyst not only for personal transformation but for my academic and professional aspirations. Recovery, for me, is built on three foundational principles: accountability, community, and resilience. Accountability has meant taking responsibility for my actions, my choices, and my healing, even when it was uncomfortable or painful. It has required honesty, self-reflection, and consistent effort to align my behaviors with my values. Community has provided the support and connection necessary for sustained growth. Whether through peers in recovery, mentors, or supportive networks, I have learned that healing is not a solitary journey; it is strengthened through shared experience, empathy, and relational support. Resilience has allowed me to persist through setbacks, to adapt in the face of challenges, and to transform adversity into growth. These principles have become integral to how I navigate life, learning, and professional development. My lived experience with mental illness and recovery has profoundly shaped my academic trajectory. The skills cultivated through recovery — persistence, self-discipline, emotional regulation, and reflective thinking — have directly informed my studies in social work and related fields. I approach coursework with a personal understanding of trauma, a dedication to evidence-based practice, and a commitment to integrating lived experience into professional knowledge. Recovery has inspired me to focus academically on trauma-informed care, expressive therapies, and interventions for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. It has motivated me to engage deeply with research, fieldwork, and experiential learning opportunities that connect theory to practice. Furthermore, my journey has instilled a profound sense of purpose in my academic pursuits. I am driven not merely to succeed in the classroom but to translate knowledge into meaningful action. My experiences allow me to approach peers, clients, and the academic community with empathy, insight, and authenticity. They have also informed my long-term professional goal: to create trauma-informed, recovery-oriented spaces that integrate expressive arts, peer-led support, and safe shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. I aspire to contribute both scholarship and service that center the voices of those most affected by trauma, demonstrating that recovery and healing are possible with support, understanding, and resources. Ultimately, my mental health journey has taught me that adversity can be a catalyst for transformation. The challenges I once feared would define me have become the foundation for both my academic and professional growth. Recovery is not simply endurance; it is the active cultivation of knowledge, resilience, and purpose. It has empowered me to reclaim agency over my life, pursue higher education with intention, and dedicate myself to helping others navigate their own paths to healing. Through accountability, community, and resilience, I have transformed personal struggle into a driving force for learning, advocacy, and service — embodying the principle that even the most profound challenges can inspire growth, insight, and meaningful contribution.

Recovery, to me, is a lifelong and transformative process defined by accountability, community, and resilience. It is not a singular achievement but an ongoing commitment to self-awareness, personal growth, and purposeful living. Through recovery, I have come to understand that healing requires both individual responsibility and collective support; an interplay that continually shapes who I am and how I engage with the world around me. Accountability serves as the foundation of recovery. It involves more than acknowledging past actions; it demands honest reflection, ethical decision-making, and sustained commitment to positive change. By taking ownership of my choices, I cultivate integrity and self-discipline, allowing me to move forward with intention and authenticity. Community is equally essential, as recovery does not occur in isolation. It is strengthened through shared experience, mutual understanding, and connection with others who walk similar paths. The support of a recovery community reinforces empathy, belonging, and shared resilience, reminding me that healing is a collaborative process. Finally, resilience reflects the capacity to adapt, persevere, and transform through adversity. It is the quiet strength that sustains growth amid challenges and uncertainty. Resilience allows me to transform pain into purpose and to view recovery as a continuous evolution rather than a fixed destination. Ultimately, recovery represents a holistic framework of accountability, community, and resilience — a dynamic process of reclaiming agency, nurturing connection, and building a meaningful life grounded in hope and purpose.

The walls were breathing. Shadows twisted into shapes that whispered my name, and I couldn’t tell what was real anymore. I remember staring at the ceiling, convinced that something unseen was watching me, judging me, waiting for me to collapse completely. I hadn’t slept in days, and my mind had become a terrifying place I couldn’t escape. The line between reality and delusion blurred until all that was left was fear. I was lost inside my own mind, drowning in alcohol and hallucinations, desperate for relief that never came. That night ended with me on the cold floor, surrounded by empty bottles and silence. It was the third time in two months that I had tried to take my own life. Yet somehow, I was still breathing. For reasons I couldn’t explain, I picked up the phone and called for help. That call marked the beginning of my recovery—the first step toward choosing life, even when I didn’t yet believe I deserved it. That was eleven years ago. The road since has been long, uneven, and miraculous. In the beginning, sobriety felt like an impossible mountain. Each day was a battle against cravings, self-loathing, and the intrusive memories of trauma I had spent years numbing. But over time, I learned that recovery isn’t just about giving up substances—it’s about learning how to live with yourself, to sit in your own skin without trying to escape it. When I entered therapy, I was diagnosed with PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. At first, the labels were overwhelming. I felt broken, defined by diagnoses rather than by hope. But gradually, I began to see that naming what I was experiencing gave me power. Through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mindfulness, I learned how to regulate emotions and tolerate distress without self-destruction. I discovered that my mind—once my greatest tormentor—could also become my greatest teacher. Healing didn’t happen overnight, but it happened through consistency, honesty, and self-compassion. As I grew in recovery, I became determined to help others find the same freedom I had found. I began working in the human services field as a domestic violence shelter manager, and later, as part of a hospital emergency department team. Each role deepened my understanding of the intersections between trauma, addiction, and mental illness. I witnessed people at their lowest points, just as others had once witnessed me. I learned that recovery isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection, empathy, and the courage to keep trying. Those experiences inspired me to pursue my education in social work. My goal is to become a trauma-informed clinician and advocate, focusing on youth affected by domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST). I am especially drawn to working with children and adolescents who have been silenced or overlooked by systems not built to understand trauma. My long-term vision is to create a holistic healing center that integrates expressive arts, shelter, and peer-led support to have a space where survivors can rediscover their sense of safety and belonging. My academic journey has been shaped by the same resilience that drives my recovery. Living with bipolar disorder and ADHD means I must be intentional about structure, time management, and self-care. But these challenges have also been gifts. They have taught me empathy, adaptability, and patience with the learning process. Education has become part of my healing, a way to transform lived experience into knowledge and advocacy. Maintaining my recovery today is an active commitment. I attend 12-step meetings, maintain contact with my sponsor and sober supports, and prioritize therapy. Mindfulness and nature are vital to my well-being; gardening, hiking, and creating art allow me to stay grounded in the present. I’ve learned to listen to my body and emotions, to recognize when I need rest, and to honor the boundaries that keep me healthy. Most importantly, I continue to share my story to remind others, and myself, that recovery is possible. The hallucinations that once terrified me are long gone, but I carry their memory as a reminder of how far I’ve come. My life today is full of purpose, connection, and hope—things I once thought were impossible. Recovery has given me more than sobriety; it has given me a calling. Through my work and education in social work, I intend to use my story not as a source of shame, but as a source of strength—to stand beside others as they fight their way back to life, just as I once did.

I opened my eyes to a terrifying hallucination: shadowy figures swaying like dancers in dim light, wild hair whipping around sharp, gaunt faces twisted in silent menace. They moved slowly toward me as my bed began to rise unnaturally, lifting me toward the ceiling. Panic flooded me as these figures crossed the threshold and filled my room, closing in from all sides. This surreal vision greeted me as I came off life support after my third suicide attempt. At the time, it felt horrifyingly real. Now, I understand it as the fractured reality of a mind in crisis. For years, I relied on alcohol as a maladaptive coping mechanism, mistakenly believing it provided relief from emotional pain. In truth, it exacerbated my suffering and deepened my isolation—from others and from my own sense of self. Underlying trauma, compounded by untreated depression and shame, culminated in psychological despair so profound that I felt unable to continue living. Following my third attempt, I made a deliberate and transformative decision: to sever ties with familiar environments and relationships that perpetuated my dysfunction. With the support of my family, I relocated to a remote lake house, removed from the chaos and triggers of my prior life. This geographical and emotional distancing created a crucible for detoxification and introspection. What began as physical survival gradually evolved into emotional and spiritual renewal. This period marked a fundamental shift in my approach to mental health; prioritizing not merely sobriety but holistic well-being encompassing mind, body, and spirit. I engaged rigorously in evidence-based modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which equipped me with skills to regulate affective instability, manage triggers, and assert healthy boundaries. Mindfulness practices fostered awareness and self-compassion, enabling me to observe distressing thoughts nonjudgmentally and cultivate resilience. Through this journey, I internalized critical lessons about vulnerability and strength, recognizing that seeking support is courageous and necessary. I learned to acknowledge personal limitations without shame and to honor incremental progress, collectively redefining my identity—from one constrained by survival and despair to one oriented toward authenticity and hope. This transformation reframed my vocational aspirations. Recognizing the potential for lived experience to inform empathetic care, I engaged in peer mentorship, facilitated support groups, and contributed to harm reduction initiatives. These experiences reinforced the centrality of community in healing and the imperative to address stigma and systemic barriers. Motivated by this purpose, I am pursuing a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in trauma-informed practice and addiction recovery. My professional background—spanning substance use counseling and crisis intervention in emergency healthcare—complements my personal narrative, positioning me to advocate for individuals confronting trauma, substance use disorders, and suicidality. I aspire to serve survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST), whose multifaceted trauma and systemic marginalization demand nuanced, survivor-centered approaches. While my experience differs, it has cultivated profound empathy for the pervasive feelings of entrapment and hopelessness that characterize such experiences. This empathy drives my commitment to trauma-responsive care models and systemic reforms to disrupt exploitation cycles. Beyond academics and career, prioritizing well-being shapes my daily life. I integrate mindfulness, creative expression, and nature-based activities into a sustainable self-care regimen that reinforces resilience and grounding. I recognize recovery as lifelong, necessitating ongoing attention and adaptation. In retrospect, prioritizing my mental, emotional, and physical health represents an ongoing trajectory of healing and growth rather than a singular event. Surviving profound crises has endowed me with renewed purpose and fortified hope, exemplifying the transformative potential inherent in adversity. As I progress, I am committed to translating these insights into compassionate, informed practice—empowering individuals and communities toward healing and justice.

My decision to pursue a Master’s in Social Work at Ohio State University is profoundly shaped by my lived experiences with addiction and mental health challenges. Having journeyed through recovery from alcohol addiction, I have firsthand knowledge of the complexities of trauma, stigma, and resilience. These personal struggles have not only informed my understanding of human suffering but also ignited a deep passion for social justice and healing. They have inspired me to dedicate my life and career to supporting others who face similar challenges, and more broadly, to addressing systemic inequalities that perpetuate cycles of harm. Although I am currently a graduate student and have not yet had the opportunity to work directly with survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST), this population is the driving force behind my professional aspirations. DMST survivors endure unimaginable trauma and exploitation, often compounded by systemic failures such as poverty, discrimination, lack of access to education and healthcare, and criminalization rather than support. My goal is to become a social worker equipped to meet their complex needs with trauma-informed care, advocacy, and empowerment, contributing to their recovery and the prevention of trafficking. This commitment is deeply rooted in social justice—the core principle that guides social work practice. Social justice demands that we not only address the immediate needs of vulnerable individuals but also challenge the societal structures and policies that allow injustices like human trafficking to persist. By choosing to focus on DMST survivors, I am aligning my work with the mission to dismantle systemic oppression, confront intersectional inequalities, and create pathways to equity and human dignity. My lived experience with addiction recovery and mental health also provides a unique perspective that enriches my future work with trafficking survivors. It cultivates empathy, reduces stigma, and fosters authentic connection—qualities that are vital in building trust and providing meaningful support. I understand the importance of resilience, peer support, and culturally sensitive interventions, all of which are essential in trauma recovery and empowerment. Moreover, my academic journey is equipping me with critical knowledge about trauma-informed practice, policy analysis, community resources, and advocacy strategies. I am learning to navigate complex systems and to engage in ethical, culturally competent practice that centers the voices and rights of marginalized populations. This foundation will enable me to contribute not only as a direct service provider but also as a systemic advocate working to influence policies and programs that impact trafficking survivors. In essence, my path to social work is a fusion of personal transformation and professional dedication. It reflects a commitment to turning lived adversity into compassionate action and social change. Although I am at the beginning of my career, my vision is clear: to serve as a powerful advocate and healer for survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking, to fight against the root causes of exploitation, and to promote a society where justice, dignity, and opportunity are accessible to all. Through this work, I aim to embody the fundamental values of social work—service, social justice, the dignity and worth of every person, the importance of human relationships, and integrity—by dedicating myself to those who have been most harmed and marginalized. This reflection is not only a statement of my goals but a reaffirmation of my commitment to contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

I opened my eyes to a terrifying hallucination: shadowy figures swaying like dancers in dim light, wild hair whipping around sharp, gaunt faces twisted in silent menace. They moved slowly toward me as my bed began to rise unnaturally, lifting me toward the ceiling. Panic flooded me as these figures crossed the threshold and filled my room, closing in from all sides. This surreal vision greeted me as I came off life support after my third suicide attempt. At the time, it felt horrifyingly real. Now, I understand it as the fractured reality of a mind in crisis. For years, I had self-medicated with alcohol, believing it shielded me from pain. In reality, it deepened my despair and isolated me, from others and from myself. Trauma, shame, and untreated depression festered beneath the surface until I could no longer bear to exist in my own life. After my third overdose, I made a life-altering decision: I left behind relationships, routines, even my city. In a final act of love and desperation, my family relocated me to a remote lake house, far from the noise of my old life. There, I began to detox in solitude, surrounded by stillness and silence. What began as physical survival slowly became emotional and spiritual transformation. Sobriety became my foundation; not just freedom from alcohol, but from self-destruction, secrecy, and shame. I immersed myself in recovery, confronting my trauma and facing the raw truth of my addiction. Intensive therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy taught me how to regulate emotions, recognize triggers, communicate boundaries, and navigate distress without imploding. Through mindfulness, I learned to observe my thoughts with compassion instead of judgment. As I healed, my personal values evolved. I stopped chasing perfection and started pursuing authenticity. I learned resilience isn’t about being unbreakable, but about rising again and again. I let go of old survival mechanisms and embraced connection, vulnerability, and radical honesty. These values guide me today. The more I reclaimed my life, the more I felt called to help others do the same. My lived experience ignited a powerful sense of purpose, shaping my career goals. I chose to pursue a Master’s in Social Work to support individuals facing despair—those battling addiction, trauma, and suicidal thoughts. I want to be someone who listens without judgment, offers practical tools, and holds hope when others cannot see it. I am drawn to crisis intervention, addiction recovery, and trauma-informed care. I’ve mentored others in recovery, led peer support groups, and advocated for mental health. I’ve trained in suicide prevention, harm reduction, and trauma-informed approaches. My goal is to help dismantle stigma and expand access to compassionate care. Long-term, I aim to support survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST), who endure complex trauma, addiction, and disconnection. While my story differs, I carry a deep understanding of feeling trapped in cycles of pain and self-destruction. This shared experience enables me to connect with survivors from empathy rather than clinical distance. I hope to contribute to survivor-centered programs and advocate for systemic change addressing trafficking’s root causes. Alongside my academic goals, I’m committed to community service. Recovery taught me healing is communal. I’ve spoken publicly about my suicide attempts and addiction to reduce stigma and help others feel less alone. I volunteer with harm reduction initiatives and outreach to people experiencing homelessness and substance use. Today, I celebrate over a decade of sobriety. I no longer carry my past as a burden; I hold it as proof of my strength and humanity. Surviving suicide didn’t just change my life; it gave me a reason to live fully.