I’ve always been the funny one—to get attention, to get approval, trying to fit in. So even though I was an excellent student, I also smoked marijuana and drank throughout high school. What that meant was that I got a scholarship to Hofstra a year early—at 17—but also ended up getting kicked out a year later. From there it went from bad to worse—serious drug addiction, illegal activities, a seemingly endless cycle of homelessness, jail, homelessness, jail. Eventually I became overwhelmed with living the horrendous lifestyle I had chosen and attempted suicide. My family came to the hospital to show their love and support even though we'd been completely estranged for years. My mother sat by me for the three days I was in a coma—the doctors had told her that if I lived, I'd be a vegetable.
When I awoke, I cursed my higher power for making me face life again. As soon as I grew stronger I left the hospital, not giving my family any idea of where I had gone.
One year later, I was homeless again. I returned back to the shelter system, where I stayed for another 3 years in and out. It was at this time, that I met Ms. Barbara Hughes, Executive Chef Instructor and Director of a pilot culinary arts program. At the time, I thought I wanted to be a chef. I completed the classroom and went on to do my internship at Fordham University cafeteria. What I learned from Barbara Hughes and Project Renewal was to learn to love myself no matter what I had done in the past. Barbara Hughes was the first person who I felt truly believed and cared about me without conditions. She gave me the chance that I had stopped giving myself. She fueled my desire to stand up and make something out of my life. Barbara encouraged me by telling me that I could change my future if I truly believed in myself and didn't stay bound by my past. Her encouragement and guidance is what spurred me to begin to get my life together. April 28, 1995 was the last time I used any mind or mood altering substance.
Instead of becoming a chef, I decided to train to become a counselor. Today I am the Senior Case Manager of Project Renewal's Culinary Arts Training Program. I help those that are in the position that I once was in. It is always an honor and a privilege to be an intricate part of someone's choice to start their lives anew. We make a living by what we get, however, we make a life by what we give!! I always encourage my clients with positive encouragement just like I received from Barbara Hughes and Project Renewal. I also coach a softball team of women in recovery and sit on the board of another recovery agency.
I have just graduated with HONORS (GPA 3.88), with my BA in psychology from the College of New Rochelle; I had been on the Dean's list eight times; yes, an ex-offending, crackhead like me.
I intend to apply for the master’s program with Hunter College to pursue a double major in Social Work and Public Administration.
I owe a lot of my success to the encouragement that I received from Barbara Hughes and Project Renewal. Without it, I would not have taken the time to realize the good inside of me. |
