Recovery saved my life. Nine years ago, I was at rock bottom—my addiction had taken everything from me. Today, through recovery, I have built a life I can be proud of. Recovery is the only reason I can balance working full-time, attending nursing school, raising three children (two of whom are toddlers), and maintaining a strong marriage. It allows me to show up for my family and give back as a sponsor in my 12-step program. Recovery taught me not only how to survive but how to rebuild my life with integrity and purpose. For seven years, I worked as a substance abuse counselor, helping others face battles I know well. But I knew I needed to grow, so I pursued nursing—a career that will let me support my family and help others on their journeys. Financial challenges weigh heavily on me—I owe $10,000 for school, have had my car repossessed, and make less than I did before. Yet, giving up is not an option. Recovery has given me resilience, hope, and the tools to rise above my circumstances. Receiving the Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship would ease my financial burdens and allow me to focus on becoming the best nurse, mother, and person I can be. To me, recovery is hope in action. It’s proof that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rise again.