I’ve been through some tough times throughout my life. Haven’t we all? However there’s been times where I’ve felt so lost in this crazy, hectic world that I didn’t know where to turn.

I didn’t have a very positive high school experience and decided early on I was not going to be able to afford going away to a four year college nor was I mature enough at eighteen to do so.

My goal was to go to Dutchess Community College and transfer to a four year school after two years. My experience at Dutchess was awful. I never felt a part of the community and didn’t enjoy my courses much as a liberal arts major.

I had to take a semester off when my best friend’s mom tragically passed. There were days when I wasn’t sure I would go back. However after a semester off I cleared my head and re enrolled. I finished my associates (while working three jobs may I add) in May 2015.

I had no money and little motivation left to transfer and complete my undergrad at that point. It just wasn’t the right time.

I remember going to Vanderbilt one evening with Seymour. I sat by the river contemplating my life and my goals and everything in between for hours. I left with a sense of peace. It’ll all work out. I’m strong, I’m resilient, I’m intelligent, I’m young.

I saved my money for two years. I got my own apartment. I got a management position at a place I loved working. I re enrolled in school at Marist in January 2018.

I made it.