Hobbies and interests
Acting And Theater
Advocacy And Activism
Beach
Child Development
Camping
Singing
Guitar
Music
Surfing
Yoga
Journaling
Spirituality
Astrology
Animals
Reading
Science Fiction
Historical
Romance
Fantasy
Self-Help
Spirituality
I read books daily
Alexa Zastrow
675
Bold Points2x
FinalistAlexa Zastrow
675
Bold Points2x
FinalistBio
I am a single mother to two small children. About three years ago, I escaped a very abusive marriage and brought my children to safety in California. We live with my parents as I pursue my education and start my life over. I am proud to say that I worked diligently and received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science. I am currently working on my bachelor's in psychology at California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to get my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to work with victims of domestic violence and create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims to bring light to the misconceptions of abuse that are perpetuated in our society and enable abuse. I am also currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can ultimately help my future clients heal through various forms of therapy. I am a vocalist, and I have been learning guitar, piano, and drums to incorporate music therapy into my practice one day.
Education
California State University-Channel Islands
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Psychology, General
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Mental Health Care
Dream career goals:
Music Technician (Teach music to elementary students)
Moorpark School district2023 – Present1 yearAssistant Manager
Natural Cafe2010 – 20122 yearsTeller
Ventura County Credit Union2012 – 20131 year
Sports
Jogging
Present
Surfing
Present
Weightlifting
Present
Arts
- TheatrePresent
- MusicPresent
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Growing with Gabby Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
@normandiealise #GenWealth Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse.
My children have been my motivation for each step of this journey. Before I escaped the abuse I did not love myself enough to want better, because I did not believe I deserved it. It was the deep love for my children and knowing that they deserve better that motivated me to push through every excruciatingly difficult step forward. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Divers Women Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse.
My children have been my motivation for each step of this journey. Before I escaped the abuse I did not love myself enough to want better, because I did not believe I deserved it. It was the deep love for my children and knowing that they deserve better that motivated me to push through every excruciatingly difficult step forward. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Jerrye Chesnes Memorial Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse.
My children have been my motivation for each step of this journey. Before I escaped the abuse I did not love myself enough to want better, because I did not believe I deserved it. It was the deep love for my children and knowing that they deserve better that motivated me to push through every excruciatingly difficult step forward. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse.
In conclusion, the most challenging thing about being a student and single parent has been balancing the amount of work necessary to achieve my goals while also making sure I am the constant in my children's lives. There has been so much uncertainty for them due to the upheaval of our lives and I try to make sure that I am only doing my schoolwork when they are also in school so my time and attention are solely focused on them while they are home with me. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Supermom Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse.
My children have been my motivation for each step of this journey. Before I escaped the abuse I did not love myself enough to want better, because I did not believe I deserved it. It was the deep love for my children and knowing that they deserve better that motivated me to push through every excruciatingly difficult step forward. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Tim Watabe Doing Hard Things Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Larry Darnell Green Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Audra Dominguez "Be Brave" Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles and adversity within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Promising Pathways-Single Parent Scholarship
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.
Yvela Michele Memorial Scholarship for Resilient Single Parents
I am incredibly proud to say that I have overcome an astronomical amount of obstacles within the last three years. I escaped a severely abusive marriage and brought my two small children and three-legged cat with me to safety. We now live with my parents as I start my life over, receive my education, and build a stable foundation for my children and myself. Each step of my journey has been burdened by my abuser continually fighting me through the legal system, and each time the legal system has protected and enabled his abuse. Unfortunately for him, I have found my voice and I will not stop using it to protect myself, my children, and ultimately other victims of domestic violence.
Although my abuser continues to threaten me through the legal system, I am fully focused on my future and on building a legacy for my children to benefit from. I have received my associate's in Sociology and Behavioral Science and I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands while simultaneously being a full-time mother to my children. My goal is to receive my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to help victims of domestic violence see their worth and empower them to use their voices. I am currently working on my yoga instructor training so I can use various forms of healing with my future clients. As a vocalist, I find music to be powerfully cathartic and have started learning guitar, piano, and drums to utilize music therapy within my future practice.
I am beyond grateful to have the support of my family, providing my children and me with a place to live as I create this beautiful new life. This is not the case for a majority of domestic violence victims, as they are stuck in the abuser's cycle of power and control which leaves them financially controlled and unable to get out of this dynamic unless they go to a shelter and potentially lose their children to their abuser. I want to use my privilege of having familial support by pursuing a degree and a life path that I could then use to help create change for victims. I would ultimately like to create a non-profit to advocate for domestic violence victims and use my voice to bring light to the misconceptions our society has regarding domestic violence and how these misconceptions perpetuate and protect the enabling of abuse. My ultimate goal is that my ceiling will be my children's floor so that they can see all the beauty and empowerment that I have created for our family and know that they are unstoppable in manifesting all of their dreams.