My name is DaMonica Jackson and I’m the mother of an eight-year-old son. I’ve just completed my first year of college. This is my second time attending college. When I went to college in 2008 I didn’t complete my degree. I become involved with someone that was physically and mentally abusive. My breaking point came when I tried to take my own life. Once I was released from the hospital I moved back home. I left everything that I owned at the time. Nothing was more important to me than my physical and mental health. Once I moved back home I decided to start therapy. I worked hard to get myself mentally healthy. I vowed to always know my worth and to never let anyone make me feel beneath them. Fast forward to August 23, 2014. That was the day my son was born. I now had a new determination to be better. I always tell him that he is my best blessing. It has taken me a while to get back in school. I was afraid to make the sacrifice. Being a single mom you have to provide. I’ve always worked full time and I do not depend on anyone for help or support. I just always do everything on my own.I’m still learning that it’s ok to ask for help. Now that I’m back in school, I couldn’t be happier. I work as a substitute during the school year. The job allows me to be able to work, attend school, and still have time for my son. In no means am I saying it’s easy but I’m managing. I’m studying to be a special education teacher. I love kids and love working with kids. Being apart of a child’s development is my greatest joy. This scholarship would help me in so many ways. I want to move my son and I into a safer environment. Our living arrangement aren’t the worst but it isn’t ideal. I’m looking to move as soon as possible. My car is also on its last leg. I think I have patched on it enough. Lately I have been driving on hopes and prayers. So winning this scholarship will allow me to put me and my son in a better living situation and get better transportation, so I can continue to go to work and attend school. I just want to set a great example for my son and continue to be my best self.

The phrase “what goes on in this house, stays in this house” damaged me. I hate hearing that to this day. I didn’t realize how much it affected me until one day it was all too much. I was sexually abused from the age eleven until fourteen. I hated being home. Home was never a safe place for me. It was dark and housed a lot of secrets. I hid my pain well. I learned to smile and act as if everything was fine but I was dying on the inside, praying someone seen through the facade and helped me. I was so glad when I turned 18 and went to college. When I went to college I finally thought I was free and that I was safe, but that’s when I realized I had so many triggers. I was jumpy and didn’t like to be approached by anyone. I was in a shell and felt as if I was drowning. I begin to have panic attacks and then one day I couldn’t take it anymore. I tried to take my own life. At nineteen I felt as if I had nothing to live for. Thank God I didn’t succeed. I dropped out of school and focused on my mental health. That was in 2009 now in 2023 I’m the mother to an eight-year-old son and I’m back in school. My son and I are both in therapy. I want him to know that it’s ok to talk about your emotions, and that it’s normal to seek help if you’re not feeling like yourself. In the black community we are taught to just pray and everything will be fine! I believe in prayer but I also believe in therapy and medication if it’s needed. I’m not ashamed to ask for help for myself or others. After my attempted suicide my outlook on life changed. I realized you never no what someone is hiding behind a smile, and to always be kind and spread positivity. I personally believe everyone should try therapy. With therapy I realized I had a lot to live for. This life is a gift and I plan on living it to its fullest.