“You don’t know what you don’t know.” I used to hear people say that, but I never truly knew what that meant until I faced my own worst nightmare. Trying to survive in a emotionally and mentally abusive relationship for 6 years. We had a child together—I thought if we had a child together it would change him. Having a baby made him worse. I stopped living for what I loved, and lived for how he wanted me to be. I was distant from my friends and family, because he drove a wedge with the things he would do and say to them. He kept me so isolated. I was only moving forward because of my children. I had no more passion, or motivation to be more. He wanted me that way. He wanted me to be dependent on him. I was. I didn’t have anyone else. As time went on, the day to day became harder, I became more and more empty. It was a struggle to keep going while keeping a smile on my face for my kids. I was hiding behind a mask. I knew that I had to change this situation for the better or I would never accomplish what I knew I wanted out of life. This was not it. I could no longer allow this man to have complete power and control over me. I started seeing a therapist for months, to build back my confidence and self-esteem. I made an exit plan. 8 months later my children and I were gone. And I never looked back. It was the most courageous day of my life. It took me along time to heal, in fact there are still moments that I catch myself playing old tapes in my head about what he told me. That I would never amount to anything. That nobody liked me. And that I would be nothing without him. Fast forward to today, I have forgiven myself and overcame that nightmare, not only for myself, but for my kids. If I had stayed in that unhealthy relationship I would not be where I am today. Resilient, strong, passionate, driven, and motivated to be a better version of myself. I love life again. Winning this scholarship would mean that I am finally able to go after what I want and need for me. To accomplish something that I never thought I would have the chance to do, pursue a Masters of Social Work degree. This scholarship would allow me to take care of my kids by making sure we have all our basic necessities each month. I will be going down to part-time hours and losing my benefits to sacrifice getting this degree. I have never wanted something so much as I do now. It’s not about the money, or the degree. It’s about showing my kids that no matter your decisions, good, bad or indifferent. They do not define you. That your circumstances don’t keep you stuck. You can overcome and be successful so long as you never give up, and never let anyone tell you, you can’t.