I am proof of the power of the resilience and strength that lies within each of us.
Ever since I was young school was my getaway. I loved interacting with my peers and classmates in fun activities. I loved being away from home for a certain number of hours. I loved participating in sports such as cheerleading, dance, and school plays, and I loved helping my teachers and classmates with class work, or really anything they needed a hand with!
It was during middle school that COVID hit, and I lost motivation due to having to do class work virtually. I became very distant with all of my friends and classmates. I stopped associating with everyone I was close with, and I started falling off in most aspects of my life, including my education. All I wanted to do was be outside and do things I wasn’t supposed to be doing. I was staying out late, not listening to my mom, following others, and doing anything just to fit in with the wrong crowd. Everyone was telling me I needed to slow down and get back on track, but I didn’t care about anything.
One day, I was in a bike accident which caused me to have surgery on my tibia and to be on bedrest for months. When this happened, everything went left. I was no longer able to be with my friends or even dance, which was my passion. I started to get sad and angry and miss the life I had before. I then thought to myself “maybe this wouldn’t have happened if I just stayed in school.”
During January of 2021, I was enrolled into Pace Broward’s Reach Program for family strengthening therapeutic services and that is where my journey at Pace began. As I got to know my therapist, I started to open up to her about the things I loved doing in school and how I loved being at school so much! That’s where I heard about the Day program. I was given an opportunity to come back to school and finish what I started.
Eventually I became more comfortable, more trusting, and opened up with the teachers and staff. I found motivation in the relationships I created and fostered at Pace and all of the staff in both the Day and Reach Programs. I started participating in activities and events, which helped me find direction towards my future. I joined the Girls Leadership Council, Step-team, Journalism, and I was selected to go to Pace Day at the Capitol, to be a part of staff interviews, host events, and give speeches about my journey through life and pace.
Following my graduation from Pace, I will be attending Broward College pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing. Following receiving my degree I would like to transfer to a 4-year university to continue my academic endeavors.
Pace is a place that has taught me that it’s ok to put myself first and it’s ok to set boundaries with the people you love. They taught me to always choose myself first. Focus on myself, embrace myself, appreciate myself, and always try to make the best of every situation. They encouraged me to learn and grow. I learned to accept things for what they are, while always embracing good change. I now surround myself with those who want the same things as me. I learned that it’s ok to ask for help and it’s ok to be vulnerable when needed. I learned that my feelings are validated and reaching out for help is always an option. Finally, Pace helped me focus on my future. I won’t let anything, or anyone hold me back. I’ll keep moving forward, no matter how tough life gets. I’m here today because they believed in me, but most importantly, I BELIEVE IN ME.
