Being raised with the support of my older sisters had a significant impact on my upbringing and the person I have become. I am the youngest child in my family, and because of the challenges my parents faced, my older sisters often helped care for and raise me. My father struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism, while my mother struggled with a gambling addiction. There were several times when my mother gambled away our rent money, which resulted in my family becoming homeless and living in motels. Growing up with this instability was difficult, but it shaped my perspective on life and influenced the goals I have for my future. Having my older sisters help raise me had both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, they provided me with support, guidance, and stability during difficult times. Their involvement taught me the importance of responsibility, resilience, and caring for others. At the same time, experiencing homelessness and uncertainty at a young age was challenging. I often saw the effects that addiction, financial instability, and difficult circumstances could have on a family. These experiences made me realize that I wanted something different and better for my own life and for my future children. I am proud to be the first and only person in my immediate family to attend college. Being the youngest child and the first in my family to pursue higher education has been a significant accomplishment for me. My upbringing motivated me to pursue college because I wanted to create greater opportunities for myself and build a more stable future. I also want to show my children that their circumstances do not have to determine their future and that education can open doors to opportunities they may not otherwise have. Another major experience that has shaped my goals was overcoming cancer. I completed both chemotherapy and radiation, which was one of the most difficult challenges I have faced. Going through cancer treatment taught me strength, perseverance, and the importance of having support during difficult times. My experience also helped me understand how important it is to have people who listen, provide encouragement, and support others when they are facing overwhelming circumstances. Because of my personal experiences, I want to become a social worker. My childhood, my journey through cancer, and my educational experiences have all helped me develop empathy and a desire to help others. I understand what it feels like to face difficult situations and uncertainty, and I want to support individuals and families who may be experiencing their own challenges. Ultimately, my upbringing motivated me to pursue higher education, create a better life for myself and my children, and use my experiences to help others. Although I have faced significant challenges, I have overcome them and continue to work toward a future that is defined by resilience, education, and helping others.

In November 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to undergo surgery in December of 2024 and had chemo from January 2025 through June 2025. This was followed by radiation until August 2025. This journey has really been hard on me mentally and physically. I was first so angry and questioned my cancer diagnosis so much. Now it has been exactly one year this month, and I'm not so angry anymore, but I do still get emotional at times, going through it. I turned all that anger I built up inside me over this diagnosis into inspiration. When I received my diagnosis, I started working with an Oncology Medical Social Worker, she was my Counselor throughout this difficult time. She has been helping me every step of the way. She can’t necessarily speak to me from personal experience in terms of what I may be experiencing, or truly understand what I am experiencing; however, she can offer insight or a listening ear, which has been extremely helpful. This is what made me realize that I want to go into the Mental Health field and pursue my Master's in Social Work (MSW). My social worker inspired me, as I honestly don't know how I would have gotten through my journey without her. I want to become an Oncology Social Worker so that I can help others who have received a cancer diagnosis and can personally speak from experience, as I know what it is like to be in their shoes. I want to speak at support groups and share current tips and tools to help those affected by this diagnosis. I want to help guide others as they navigate a very difficult time in their lives. I want to help others see the light at the end of the tunnel and be there to guide them. I want this time that I have on this earth to be impactful and meaningful. I want to know that what I am doing in my life can really touch others in as many ways as possible. My life experiences of being exposed to a family of poverty with drug addictions, alcohol addictions, gambling addiction, and abuse, as well as my own health diagnosis of breast cancer, have influenced me personally and professionally to become a Medical Oncology Social Worker, and what better time than the present to help be that guide to others.