As a child growing up in a broken home, I witnessed many struggles my mother of three girls endured. As an adult I now realize how challenging it is being alone and wanting the best for life for your child. When my son was born in 2014, I promised myself to do everything in my power to keep him happy and healthy. It was a very rocky road with his father and I. I didn't want my son to witness the cruel acts his mother was receiving. I now am a domestic violence survivor of four years. Although working full-time, Im still considered low income. My son and I live in a one bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania. I received no government assistance or child support so I struggle financially and live check to check. Although I try my best, I feel I am selling him short. I don't want him to remember his mother as someone who just got by in life. I always wanted to be in healthcare. Two years ago I attended a local community college and received my Phlebotomy certification. When I completed I did an unpaid internship at an outpatient lab while working full-time. I finally landed at my local hospital. Phlebotomy does not pay much, but it's the quickest way into the medical field. I am enrolled in an LPN night program beginning April of 2023. The classes are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6pm to 10pm and clinical every other weekend. I want to be a hospice nurse, I am compassionate and enjoy taking care of people. My goal going into hospice is giving exceptional care and possibly brighten theirs last days here on Earth. I want to give my son a better life, something he can be proud of when he grows up. It's important to me in setting a positive example for him, in hopes he will continue onto college after graduating. He is seven now, I want to continue making him proud. Thank you for taking the time and reading my story. Michelle Sweazy