I went from having a needle in my arm to pursuing a career as a Civil Engineer. Addiction is not an easy demon to kick, but here I am. I was homeless. I had no clothes, no car, no phone, and no future. I was living day to day to get high and stay high. I was facing multiple life sentences in prison relating to the substances I was abusing. One day, I got into an argument with someone where I had crashed out the night before and took off walking. Not sure what got into to me, but I borrowed a stranger's phone and called for help. My call for help was supernaturally answered. I was welcomed into my mom's home. I was reunited with my children. I found an herbal medication that eliminated my cravings for the drug. I was on the mend and my way of thinking changed. I was being transformed from the inside out. I now had a desire to do the right thing I turned myself in to the authorities and lay myself at the mercy of the courts. I was granted a conditional release and successfully completed my requirements. I worked two jobs for a while to make ends meet for myself and my two children, but I soon understood that I needed a career. I used an interest profiler to help me decide on a major. Now, I'm enrolled at New Mexico State University (4yr) majoring in Civil Engineering. Receiving this scholarship will help ease the financial burden of book, supplies, and tuition. Thank you for taking the time to read this essay. I appreciate your consideration for this generous award. Have a blessed year!

Recovering from a methamphetamine addiction is a long road, but it leads to freedom. This is the freedom I have found and the benefit is that I get to raise two brilliant, compassionate children, guiding them into adulthood. When I was first blessed with children, I was still living in my addiction and codependency. I left school and went on a years long journey to nowhere. Four years ago, I saw the Light. I was rescued out of my deplorable life and given a second chance. I took it and did my best with what I had. I went through treatment and regained custody of my children. I worked two jobs to make ends meet and when the world shut down for the CoVid19 pandemic, I lost them both. I suddenly knew my career was not secure enough to support our family of three. It was time to make a change. I began researching and praying and now am enrolled in a four-year Civil Engineering program. Being a parent helped me recognize the importance, not only to financially provide for my family's physical needs, but to also maintain the certainty of security in our future. My children need stability and higher education will help me provide it. I will use my degree and the knowledge gained throughout my coursework to obtain gainful employment. I will invest in land large enough to sustain my family in uncertain times. My children and I have often discussed a dream of mine, which they support, to collaborate with non-profit organizations to design and build sustainable systems and structures for the most vulnerable members of our society. The goal is net-zero, communities of people, working and living together to grow strong relationships and sustainably thrive. Family is very important to me. I know pursuing a bachelor's degree and gainful employment will help me secure my family and provide the opportunity to reach out and give back. I do so look forward to the day when I can give more and do more to help others strengthen their families while ensuring provision for their health and welfare.