Introduction – Why I Keep Going
I've learned that pain can either destroy you or turn you into someone unstoppable. Everything I've lived through—hurt from my parents, abuse, homelessness, being alone—has taught me that my purpose is to build a better life, not just for me but for everyone I love. I want to make real money one day, not for show, but so my siblings never have to worry. I want to tip servers a hundred dollars or more just to see their relief, because I know exactly what it feels like to struggle and wish that someone cared.
Childhood – Growing Up Too Fast
My childhood was nothing close to easy. When I was around two to six years old, my mom's addiction ruled our lives. There were times when she drugged me so much that I started losing myself. By age eleven, things got so bad that I had to be hospitalized and cared for. I was scared, confused, and too young to understand why my mother, the person who was supposed to love me most, was the one hurting me.
My dad wasn't around much during those years. He smoked, drank, and mostly disappeared. When my mom cheated on him and got pregnant, everything in our family broke apart. By the time I was thirteen, my parents divorced. My mom left and wanted nothing to do with us kids. That was when I made one of the biggest choices of my life—I decided to live with my dad, hoping things would finally be better.
Living with him was a new kind of hard. He was strict and never happy with anything I did. I was an A student, but that didn't matter. He didn't let me drive, do cheerleading, or dance, even though those things made me happy. When he was angry or stressed, he took it out on me. I stayed quiet because I didn't want my siblings to get hurt. I thought if I took the pain, they could just be kids.
Even though those years were dark, I can admit now that some things my dad taught me helped me later. He taught me to stand up for myself and to understand the world around me. He talked about government and politics a lot—things most people, especially young women, don't learn about early. Because of him, I know how important it is to stay informed. I'm proud to call myself a Republican and to understand both sides of the world I live in.
Finding Faith
When my mom left during the divorce, I felt completely alone. That's when I found God. I started going to church and reading my Bible every day. My Bible became something I can't leave the house without—it's a reminder that no matter what people do to me, God never leaves. My faith helped me survive moments when I didn't think I could keep going.
Through my faith, I learned to see the small good things in life: a new blanket, a quiet morning, or just a smile from a stranger. Even when I shut down emotionally, I try to remember that God places light in tiny things. My goal now is to be that light for others—to stay joyful so people can see that healing is possible, even when life has been cruel.
The Accident and What Came After
When I turned eighteen, my life changed in one night. I was in a serious car accident that left me with a cracked skull and a brain bleed. I don't remember everything that happened; parts of that night are still blank. The doctors told me how lucky I was to be alive. Even then, the person I was with didn't believe me. He yelled, told me awful things, and kept changing the story of what really happened. The hospital staff said there was a high chance that I had been hurt on purpose. That broke something in me—I realized how easily people could lie about pain they caused.
Recovering was slow and confusing. I lost my sense of taste and smell for a while. I'd look at food and know I should eat but couldn't taste anything. Still, I kept going. I started healing, both physically and mentally. That accident made me realize that no one was coming to save me—I had to save myself.
College – Learning to Survive on My Own
After the accident, I still pushed myself to go to college. I went two hours away from home with no family helping me. The state paid for my housing and I had scholarships, but I still had to find ways to feed myself and keep up with classes. It was harder than I expected. I had ADHD and anxiety, and sometimes it felt like the whole world was spinning too fast for me to catch up.
I was careful about what medication I took because of my past. What my mom did made me afraid of losing control, so even pain medicine scared me. But slowly, I started to accept help again and learned that using medication responsibly could actually help me feel more like myself.
College taught me what true independence looks like. It's not just about having freedom—it's about learning how to stay alive and keep moving even when no one else is looking out for you. There were nights I cried alone, missing a real home, but I knew quitting wasn't an option. I stayed because I had nowhere else to go, and because deep down I knew I was made for more.
Finding Strength in Small Things
Even when life feels heavy, I try to find joy in small things. Drawing, dancing, reading, or buying something cute can make a whole day feel lighter. Going to the gym became one of my favorite outlets; it gives me peace and confidence. On hard days, I remind myself that I've survived worse. My story isn't about giving up—it's about finding strength in the smallest moments.
Building My Future
When I imagine my future, I see a life full of peace and love. I picture a beautiful house with a garden, healthy food growing in the yard, and a space filled with laughter. I want a partner who loves me deeply, listens when I'm down, and stands beside me through everything. Most of all, I want to give my kids what I never had—stability, comfort, and the freedom to chase their dreams without fear.
I never want my children to feel like asking for help is wrong. I want them to know that I'll always be there, not just to provide money or things, but to give them emotional safety. That's why I'm working so hard now—to build a life where we don't have to worry about bills, where generosity comes naturally, and where giving back is part of every day.
Why I Give Back
I've seen what struggle looks like. I know the pain of counting change just to buy shampoo or wondering how to eat another meal. That's why when I have the chance, I want to give big tips—to leave someone $100 or $500 just because I can. To me, generosity isn't about showing off; it's about healing the world one small act at a time.
My dream is to reach a place where money isn't stress, but a tool to create joy. I want my siblings to see that our past doesn't define us. We can build something better, something that breaks the cycle.
Reflections – Turning Pain Into Purpose
Every piece of my story—my mom's addiction, my dad's strictness, the accident, college, faith, and growing into independence—has shaped who I am. I've been hurt, doubted, and left behind, but I've also learned compassion, strength, and faith.
The biggest thing I've learned is that no one's past can control their future unless they let it. Pain can either chain you down or fuel your rise. I choose to let it fuel me. I'm not ashamed of where I came from. Those experiences built a heart that understands others' suffering and wants to make things better.
I know life will keep testing me, but I'm ready. I'll keep my faith, work hard, and never forget where I came from. I'm proud of the girl who survived and the woman I'm becoming. My story isn't just about pain—it's about power, purpose, and the unbreakable belief that brighter days are coming.