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.