I am currently enrolled in a Pipe Fitters apprenticeship, NFPT certification course and correspondence classes but I am waiting for FAFSA to process through for those. I am on the waiting list for all other classes available to me but since my outdate is farther out I usually do not get picked.
I have completed my forklift certification, drive safe course and fire extinguisher training course. I have completed 14 ace classes and Money Smart.
I grew up in a household with a single mom. She worked hard and did her best but there was a lack of nurturing environment. I excelled in school and sports activities until high school when I moved to another area. At that time I met different people and started making poor choices. My mom was always at work and partying so there was no one there to tell me no.
I still was a motivated individual but I was lacking discipline, self-love and a good self-esteem. At 18 I ended up getting pregnant with my first son and graduating cosmetology school. At 25 I had my second son. I was with my sons’ dad on and off in an abusive relationship from 18-28. I always wanted to go back to school and do more with my life but never got around to it.
In 2017 I lost my sons’ due to domestic violence. By 2018 their dad and I finally parted ways. I had completed everything to get my sons back besides my UAs, which I was actively doing. Eventually I ended up using drugs to cope with my loss and became addicted. I lost everything I had worked for in 6 months. Grappling with the despair of my situation drugs became my outlet, for the first time in my life I became homeless and hopeless.
Being homeless, an addict and me not wanting to sell my body led me to making the choice to sell drugs. I became so obsessed with selling drugs to try to keep my mind off my failings as a mother and the hurt I was going through. By 2020 I was incarcerated and I was indicted in 2021.
Prison saved my life, if I wasn’t here I would be dead. Being here I have learned self-love which has been a pivot point to my success, I will leave prison a better person. My outlook on life has improved tremendously. I am currently in an apprenticeship for Pipe Fitting/Welding which I am passionate about. Being able to take this time to work on myself is readying me for the day my sons are back in my life. I am working on my patience, confidence, discipline, coping skills and my relationship with God.
Once I am released I plan on going to work for the Pipe Fitters Union. After 5 years of working for the Union, getting all my welding certificates and becoming a journeyman I would like to start my own business. I am currenting trying to pay for business correspondence classes through Upper Iowa University.
I want to advocate for woman going through domestic violence or dealing with DCFS, that have no support. Giving woman more outlets and making sure they know they are not alone. I also want to advocate for woman in the trades, making women more aware of that option when it comes to a career choice. Women are builders too!
Any tool, tactics or resources to help me reach my goals would be much appreciated. Thank you.
