My story is important because it is a story of hope, resilience, courage and a drive to pull myself out of a childhood of poverty, welfare, abuse, foster care system to rise to graduating from college and then earning my Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School. I have so many stories within my story that I believe will inspire, encourage and bring hope to those who may feel hopeless and despair.
People face different challenges throughout their lives, many of which are difficult to overcome. Sometimes, these challenges can overlap due to a variety of experiences. Learning how to overcome them, then, is a process. Sharing our stories can be an outlet through which we can release our truth, and a way for others to learn from our experiences find their own truth.
The main challenge of mine has been a sense of shame, embarrassment and humiliation. I've always tried to conceal my identity, which includes my childhood and my Latinidad. However, as I approach 50 years of age, the more I realize how important it is to step into my truth, reclaim my identity and self-worth. I now desire to share it with others so that they may find healing and hope. My spiritual life and resourcefulness to solicit the support and mentorship of others has been a key to overcoming many obstacles and achieving success.
Personally, I would consider myself courageous.
The definition of courage is: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. From living in a camper on a truck, to foster care homes, to being the first to graduate from high school, to stepping on a college campus, to taking the Bar Exam to practicing law and so much more in my life - I have had to be courageous. I have done so much while scared, but have had to persevere in order to succeed. I still do many things, scared, but I don't allow the fear to prevent me from acting.
We may look to certain people for influence in our endeavors, to find a sense of support in our deepest challenges.
My personal relationship with God has been the most important relationship I have ever had. He is the one who has carried me through every storm and brought the right people and the right time.
In the process of experiencing challenge and difficulty, we learn a lot about ourselves. I have learned that my life journey, with all of its ups and downs, good and bad, failures and successes have been an important part of my developing deep empathy, compassion and love for my fellow man. I have an insatiable hunger to use my story for the blessing of others. If a little ghetto girl like me could survive all the trauma, so can others.
