My goal this year is to learn and grow—not only as a student in my studies but also in understanding myself, my emotions, and my past experiences. While this is a common experience for college students, during my first few years, I was actively abused by relatives. Throughout my life, I have experienced more major loss than most, and I have endured a significant amount of trauma and neglect that I have yet to fully accept. I have been working with a care team to navigate getting and managing diagnoses, as well as unlearning survival responses I was previously unaware I had. PTSD from chronic stress can have life-hindering effects, often overlooked. This year, I found out I have this form of PTSD, as well as the major event form. I have been focusing on allowing myself to exist and to feel worthy of taking up space. I am learning who I am when I am not in survival mode, how to feel safe, and how to enjoy my own company.

• from entry to shift leader

  Food & Beverages · various

  Jan 2016 – Jan 2024

• Advocacy
• Volunteering