I will be 49 this year, and after a lifetime of overcoming adversity, I am returning to university to complete my Bachelor of Social Work. Although I never finished my undergraduate degree due to life circumstances, I have always strived to turn my challenges into strengths. My family put the fun in dysfunctional, and I carried those patterns into adulthood, facing many obstacles that impacted me both academically and professionally. Despite these setbacks, I have leveraged my intelligence, metacognitive skills, and lived experiences into a meaningful vocation. Over the past 16 years, I have volunteered and worked in human services, supporting individuals living with mental health and substance use challenges in a variety of roles. Since 2015, I have been certified as a peer supporter, and I have had the privilege to serve diverse groups and communities.

In 2024, I suffered a major setback after losing close family and friends, which led to a personal crisis, job loss as a Director at a nonprofit, and eventually becoming unhoused. Even through these hardships, I have remained committed to advocacy, engaging with the local Continuum of Care as a Lived Experience Expert. I work to promote intersectional equity, transparency, and accountability in systems that impact vulnerable individuals. I am a systems-level thinker, and I believe that with the right education, my voice and ideas can have an even greater impact. My goal is to complete my BSW and eventually pursue a combined MSW and law degree, so I can continue to drive positive change in my community.

The funds raised will help cover tuition, books, housing, transportation, and basic needs such as food and clothing as I return to school. I am deeply grateful for any support you can offer as I work to rebuild my life, complete my education, and continue making a difference for others.