Growing up in a complex family dynamic, my life was filled with challenges and barriers that many could not see from the outside. What was once a little girl who rarely spoke has become a woman who now advocates for others—specifically children and families—as a DCBS worker. All that little girl ever wanted was someone to advocate for her and her family.

For the first time, I felt completely out of control. I struggled to express my emotions. I lost my love for softball. College felt meaningless. Life was blurry—my mind protecting me from the full weight of grief.