In the depths of despair, I found the strength to rise from the ashes of addiction and reclaim my life. As far back as I can remember I always felt different, like there was a hole in my soul. I was uncomfortable in my own skin and had this constant feeling of longing. I never felt good enough, I had this voice in my head that fed me messages of self doubt, self deception, and self hatred. I prayed for immediate relief, and one day at twelve years old I found the solution to my own mental prison. My story is no different than anyone else, I am a person that was born with the disease of addiction. Once I tried my first drug, I felt like my life was complete. Drugs did their job for many years, I felt confident, funny, interesting, fearless, and socially accepted. That voice in my head that told me I wasn’t good enough was quited. I wish I could say that’s how my story went, I found a solution and my life was complete. Drugs destroyed every ounce of human in me. I ripped away my sanity and stripped me of my self respect. By the time I was 16 years old I was a full blown iv heroin addict. I had dropped out of school, went to my first treatment facility, and was arrested for the first time. From that moment on life didn’t get any better, the ways and means of using became darker by the years. I was chronically homeless and in and out of treatment facilities. I would have sold my soul for the next fix. I had been in and out of prison for many years. I prayed for god to take my life everyday, I saw no hope at the end of the road. At 21 years old I went to a treatment facility for the 100th time, i left because I wanted to use. When I walked outside I saw someone I knew, she had helped me move to a sober house on Cape Cod. This is where my journey of recovery began. I have been able to maintain my recovery for over eight years. I attend a twelve step fellowship where I have met the most amazing people. I met my husband who is also a person in long term recovery. I have been able to gain self respect and be a productive member of society. I no longer feel hopeless, instead I instill hope in the lives of many people around me, that recovery is possible. Over the last eight years I have accomplished many things, but most importantly I have found myself. I have been able to have a beautiful daughter, get married, build my relationship back with my family, go to school, find my career, and be an inspiration. I don’t feel trapped in my own mental prison anymore. I am free from active addiction. Life is not easy, but it’s a lot easier when you are in recovery. I am not controlled by a substance anymore, I have dreams again. My recovery has given me a life I never could have imagined. I went from being chronically homeless sleeping outside, to being a homeowner. I went from being a convicted felon, to helping those who are involved in the criminal justice system. I went from years of trauma, to being an inspiration to many people and helping save lives from this disease.

Being a non-traditional college student has had a profound impact on my educational journey and has significantly shaped my future goals. Starting college later in life, at the age of 26, has provided me with a unique perspective on learning and has fueled a strong sense of motivation and determination to succeed. This non-traditional path has influenced both my past experiences and my aspirations for the future. One of my primary goals is to become a licensed clinical social worker and obtain my master's degree in social work. Throughout my over 8 years of experience working in behavioral health, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles and challenges faced by individuals who are underserved and underrepresented in our society. This has fueled my passion for social work and my desire to make a positive impact in the lives of those who are often overlooked or neglected. My non-traditional college experience has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy, perseverance, and lifelong learning. I have learned to balance the demands of work, family, and academics, honing my time management and organizational skills along the way. These skills have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of higher education and have allowed me to excel in my coursework and field experiences. Moreover, being a non-traditional college student has instilled in me a sense of resilience and adaptability. I have faced numerous obstacles and challenges on my educational journey, but each setback has only strengthened my resolve to achieve my goals. This resilience has been instrumental in overcoming barriers and pushing through moments of doubt or uncertainty. Looking ahead, my non-traditional college experience will continue to shape my future goals as I pursue a career in social work. I am committed to using the skills and knowledge I have gained through my years of experience in behavioral health to advocate for those in need and promote social justice and equity. My unique perspective as a non-traditional student will inform my approach to counseling, advocacy, and community outreach, allowing me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and provide them with the support and resources they deserve. In conclusion, being a non-traditional college student has transformed my educational experience thus far and has had a profound impact on my future goals. Through perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others, I am confident that my non-traditional path to college has prepared me well for a career in social work. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities in need.