I came out of an abusive relationship by the grace of my son.
When I found out I was pregnant, I knew that I had to get out of the unhealthy relationship because I did not want my son to grow up thinking that it was acceptable to treat women how I was treated.
Pregnancy was the most miserable 9 months of my life; I was alone, sad, angry, and completely hopeless. I thought that my emotional and mental state would negatively affect my baby, which made me feel worse and worse. After having him I suffered from extreme post partum depression for a few months. It was during this time I realized that I needed to go back to school to get my Bachelor’s Degree.
Ironically, I am a domestic violence advocate and have been since I first began my own abusive relationship. Though my life paralleled so many of my clients’ lives, I was somehow able to have the strength to help others. I signed up for school and when my son was just 3 weeks old, began classes.
Now, I have a 2-year-old and am 4 classes away from graduating with a Bachelor’s in Human Services with a focus in clinical counseling.
I have managed to maintain being a single mom, full time employee/advocate, and a full time student throughout the emotional ride of court and custody issues with my son.
We are happy and most importantly, we are healthier now.
This year I was able to tell a client about the Live Your Dream Awards, assist her in applying and gave her a recommendation. She was chosen as the winner for the whole scholarship with the Farmington division of Soroptimist.
Not only did the Live Your Dream Awards help me financially, but it made me proud to know that I could help someone else start their path to freedom and happiness.
I am happy that you actually decided and break the strings of unhealthy relationship. I appreciate your courage.