A Second Chance: A Survivor Story

“When I was denied financial aid because of my grades from over a decade ago, I was devastated. My GPA was not where it needed to be, and because of that, my financial aid was taken away. I met with my academic advisor, who asked if there was anything specific that had happened during that time that contributed to my grades.

There was. I was grieving the loss of a loved one, my ex-boyfriend who I had still cared for and loved.

I had to write out what happened during that time and explain the circumstances that led me there. My therapists had to provide information about the work we have been doing together, and I had to create a plan for what would be different this time around. More than anything, I wanted them to understand that this was my personal story and that there was a reason behind those grades.

Although I loved him very much, I eventually broke up with him because he was an addict and physically abusive. Later, he began attending AA meetings and got sober. He called me and told me he was clean and asked me to give him another chance. I finally agreed. The next day, I received a phone call from his dad telling me that he had overdosed. He had met his dealer at a gas station and overdosed.

That was the beginning of me becoming an alcoholic.

I would go to school, but that did not mean I was really there. I drank until I blacked out. There were times I ended up having my stomach pumped. I knew I was disappointing him, but alcohol numbed the pain, and at the time, that was what I knew how to do.

Writing all of this down for my financial aid appeal meant reliving a lot of that trauma. My therapists documented the coping skills we have worked on, and I had to explain what has changed and what I would do differently this time. I am a year and eight months sober now. I go to Wellspring and Celebrate Recovery, and I have a plan to use the resources available to me, including tutoring. Most importantly, I am passionate about what I am doing.

After I submitted everything, the anticipation was agonizing. My case manager and I eventually opened the decision at the same time. We saw one word: ACCEPTED.

I was so thankful and excited. I honestly do not feel like things like this ever happen to me. But this did.

I am in contact with my student advisor, and I am taking a class that is teaching me how to take better notes, prepare for tests, use my resources, and navigate the student database. I think it will help prepare me for the classes ahead. I know I have to be intentional with my time. I am tired, but this is what I wanted. I have done it before, and I can do it again.

I am majoring in Biology, and throughout this process, I prayed to God often. I have a cross from the Holy Land that I hold when I pray. I have prayed for God's will through all of this. I knew that if this was not what He wanted for me, then He had something better.

I feel like I have the worst luck in the world sometimes, but God has shown me that He is the best thing that could ever happen to me.

I am so thankful for this place. I was meant to be here. I called 30 shelters, and this was the only one that called me back.

That was not luck.

That was God.” - Hope Center Indy Resident