As a child, I remember having the desire to help. I didn't know who or what I wanted to help with this desire, but I knew I had to do something. Growing older, I became interested in building a career in veterinary services. I wondered if this was what I was meant to do—helping animals who had become more than pets to people. Around my senior year in high school, I was exposed to the world of mental health and the work professionals do in the psychology arena. It was then that I knew I had found my niche in life. This was the path I had sought out since I was a young girl. During my senior year in college, I took a class on human trafficking and knew that I wanted to build a community centered around helping survivors reintegrate into society again. I am driven by a deep desire to build a future where I can contribute to the well-being and empowerment of survivors of human trafficking. My goal is to complete my master's degree in social work and specialize in trauma-informed care. By equipping myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the multifaceted challenges faced by survivors, I hope to make a meaningful impact on individuals who have endured profound exploitation. Earning a graduate degree in social work is a personal milestone that will serve as a foundation for my career in advocacy and support services. I envision creating programs that not only provide immediate relief—such as shelter, counseling, and medical assistance—but also foster long-term recovery. These programs would focus on education, job training, and community reintegration, empowering survivors to reintegrate into their lives unbound by exploitation. Not only will these programs foster financial and career empowerment, but they will also give survivors the opportunity to enjoy their lives through hobbies, community activities, and family-centered services.

Recovery has meant many things to me throughout my time being sober. Recovery started off being something that seemed unreachable, it felt like I would never get to recover. After a few years going to AA and NA meetings, I started to feel more confident. At this point in time, recovery meant that I could live a successful life not chained down by substance use. Today, recovery to me means putting your best foot forward. It means doing the next best thing. It means helping others in need. I strive to live a free life even throughout the hard times in my life. Recovery is something you constantly have to work for. Today, I am proud to say that I am 5 years sober from my drug of choice.