I am uncertain what makes a traditional student, but surely, I do not fit the bill. My name is Callie Taylor, I am a 30-year-old returning college student in a home far from where I grew up. My life began in East Tennesse, both of my parents were young professionals who pursued higher education however neither of them are here to support me in my higher education endeavors today. My mom suffered from mental illness which made her bedridden and unable to cope with the outside world. My dad was an alcoholic, who died of colon cancer in 2009 when I was only 15. I graduated high school early in 2012, believing I had a whole, giant world in front of me. My world became very small as I allowed addiction to drive my livelihood for the next decade. I lost my best friend at 19, and with that all hope and direction. I spent weeks that turned into months searching for his essence, chasing his carefree spirit. I did not realize the physical holes I was digging, and internal darkness I was leading myself into. This path led me to overdose, several arrests, and awareness to know that if I stayed in my hometown, I would surely end up dead or spending the rest of my life in jail. I had little contact with my mother over the years. She died at the age of 62 from ALS after living a frustrating adult life. Her loss sent me into the final tailspin of addiction. I was using heavily, looking for reasons to die and opportunities to place myself in risky situations. I had no hope for my life and didn't see myself living long enough to grow old, and surely not enough time to make anything of myself. I received the gift of desperation on 10/10/2022. I had had enough of destroying my life, I found a home in a 12-step fellowship that told me they would love me until I could love myself. Going back to school is an act of self-love for me. I finally believe I have something to offer myself and the world around me. I am a great student when I apply myself and believing in myself today is affording me the opportunity to turn my life around. Going back to school at age 30 was never part of the plan, but I am certain nothing will stop me from achieving my dreams; but scholarships could surely help immensely.

My name is Callie Taylor. I am a 30 year old returning college student. I originally began my college journey right after graduating high school in 2012 in east Tennessee where I grew up. By the time I graduated high school my father had passed away and I had no contact with my mother. Being an outstanding high school student, I believed the world was mine and nothing could stop me. I only made it through 3 semesters before choosing another path in life. At the age of 19 my childhood best friend died and I lost all determination and most direction. I spent years in a mind state that I thought was honoring my friend's memory, but in reality was taking me further and further away from my authentic self. I became a heavy drug user and pusher; I got arrested for several bad decisions and knew that if I didn't leave Knoxville, there was no chance for me. Without family support or financial planning, I picked up and moved to Chicago. Shortly there after I would realize it didn't matter where I went, because there I was. My habits and addictive tendencies did not stop in a new city. I continued to find the same people and activities as before. My life became a series of geographical changes as I was running from myself and hoping for better in the next town. I found a home in Denver, drifted once to Philadelphia to join my sister but returned quickly during the Covid 19 lockdown. Post Covid, my addiction reached a level of unbearable nature. I received my gift of desperation 18 months ago on 10/10/2022. Since this awakening began, I have decided that Denver is my home. With my recovery family here, I have no reason to leave even though now I am sure the support of the fellowship is available in most cities. I have started to take a look at my self-destructive patterns since coming into recovery. Lost dreams have awakened and finishing school is a part of that. I want to make something of my future. I have dreams today, when I couldn't see myself reaching 30 two years ago. My life has taken on new meaning and my desire to connect and do the best I can for my future self has been awakened with ferocity. Not all of us get a second chance, most of my friends wont get to outlive their past as they are no longer here. I hope to outlive my old reputation and become somebody my sister and her kids can look up to, and that my mother and father can look down on with praise. I have dreams to not only change my world but to carry the message of recovery to anybody I meet who might need to hear it.