At 18, I was involved in a horrific hit-and-run car accident. I woke up three months later, with a traumatic brain injury, and I learned what it felt like to be different. No one saw me the same or treated me the same way.
It was a completely disastrous experience, but because of that experience, I really got interested in the field of psychology. During my healing process, I began taking college courses and attending school to better understand what I was going through.
Having a brother who has severe autism and dealing with my own disability, I felt like I could really relate to a special audience. I opened a non-profit organization for children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities and at-risk backgrounds. I really enjoyed it, but I wanted to take it further, and I realized I needed more education to continue helping others. So, my partner and I moved to California, so I could be closer to my children and take classes at Shasta College.
All my instructors, professors, and people on campus…everyone has been amazing, supportive, and encouraging! When I have questions, there’s no hesitation in getting a response to help me get back on track. The PACE department has been excellent! Runi has been helping me a lot because I still have some short-term memory problems. Professor Larry Grandy is an amazing spirit and Professor Wade Stewart is another really charismatic gentleman.
I plan to graduate from Shasta College and to a university to earn my master’s degree. My goal is to become a licensed marriage and family therapist, as well as drug and alcohol addiction specialist. Looking back, I have zero regrets—other than not starting sooner at Shasta College! My advice is to keep moving forward; it takes time, a lot of energy and dedication. But the key is never giving up.