“As a young girl, I always struggled in school and did not get along well with my siblings. I was quite defiant and wanted to do whatever I wanted when I wanted. Through out my teen years, I began drinking, smoking weed, and partying which ultimately led to bigger issues. I then turned to Methamphetamine every so often, then started to use it daily. I was addicted to the all the energy and motivation that it gave me. From there, I started selling drugs and making money. I ended sobering up when I was arrested, but once released, I turned right back to using.

I started a relationship with someone who I felt that I loved, and that loved me back. Together we continued using and selling drugs. During this relationship, I ended up getting 3 more felony charges, one of which was federal, along with a $250,000 warrant out for my arrest. With the news of the warrant my boyfriend and I went on the run. It was exhausting, mentally and physically. We decided that we had enough running and came home. Two days later, we were both picked up and sent to jail.

At this point in my life, I was so relieved to go to jail. I ended up with a 5 year sentence for state and a 4 year sentence for federal. In total, I spent 4 and a half years of my life incarcerated. During that time I was able to get my GED, and become one of the highest paid employees. I obtained my ServSafe certificate and taught the class.

Although it took me going to prison to finally get things figured out, I'm thankful that I went. I hated being away from my family and not being there for my grandpa, but I know he would be proud of the person I am today. I missed out on a lot of things but it was for the best. I've learned to be less impulsive and more humble and open minded. I will never take what I have for granted. I've done terrible things to my family and yet, they have always remained by my side. So if not for myself but for my family, I will work every day to stay clean and sober and be a good person. I have a second chance and I'm going to take advantage. It's been a long and crazy journey but I'm ready to start my new life.”

Why even try. Why bother when the whole world is against you. It's not like you'll ever get ahead. It's not like you're smart enough to get a good job.

Coming out of high school so many of us felt this way. I watched as everyone around me lost hope, and most of them turned to drugs. Though I was right there with them. All of us making pennies just to get a fix. It wasn't until I lost "everything" that I started seeing clearly. I knew continuing down that route was only going to lead to a life full of regrets or a shortened one.

Slowly but surely I got my act together and sobered up. I found an amazing woman who lead me to God. She gave me a son and soon to be another. Having a son brought me closer to God, and ever more fueled my determination to grow and take care of my family. With this new found and ever growing hope; we as a family have been growing spiritually and are starting to get ahead. All it took was surrendering myself to God and trusting in him.

So to any of you out there currently going through hard times. I urge you to pick up a bible and read it. That's where my journey began and for once I'm excited for the future.

I know if you find him you'll find peace too.