Columbia, SC
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, I learned how to cope with conflict and abuse. At the age of fifteen I was in an abusive relationship which I hid from my family for several years. At age 21, I became pregnant with twins. I lost one baby, but gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Becoming a single mother after my daughter’s father was arrested and sentenced to fourteen years in prison, left me destitute and hopeless.
Albert Einstein once said, "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” In the midst of my dilemma, I learned about Project HOPE . I was excited because my goal is to become a Patient Care Technician. Being accepted into Project HOPE gave me an opportunity to pursue my dream.
The second week of classes my car stopped running. I wanted to give up, but I kept going. My classmates elected me to deliver the graduation speech. The night before graduation, my grandmother passed away. I was emotionally drained and again ready to give up. My Project HOPE mentor encouraged me to press on. I attended graduation and delivered the speech.
Since graduation, I have become an ambassador for Project HOPE. I have earned CPR, Phlebotomy and CNA Certifications and I am currently enrolled in EKG, the final course needed to receive my Patient Care Technician Certification. Project HOPE has given me the support and confidence I needed to begin creating a brighter future for my daughter and me.