There are many trials and tribulations a person may face in life. Sometimes it may seem like your life has hit rock bottom and you have nowhere to turn. I was once at that point in my life 7 years ago. At the time, I would have never thought I would be attending UNI College. I overcame every obstacle that was place before me. I learned to believe in myself because you can succeed in the times of adversity.
Seven years ago, I walked away from an abusive relationship after 13 years. I never thought I would survive nor have the strength to walk away. At the time, I had three small children. I was making less than $400.00 per month. I had eviction notices, my car was repossessed, and I couldn`t afford childcare. Many do not understand the dynamics of domestic abuse and how it can draw a person back in order to survive financially. I decided I would never allow my safety or children`s well-being to be at stack. I lost my apartment, but I was able to find an apartment in safe and quiet neighborhood. At the time, I wanted to go back to school. I started receiving counseling for victims of domestic violence. I was so full of fear and doubt that I felt I would never overcome what happened to me. I ended up graduating from counseling. My counselor helped me to get back in school. She also found scholarships that helped survivors of domestic violence. This was the beginning of my journey to change my family`s life.
I started school at my local community college and completed some courses at Governor`s State University. While I attended GSU, I thought about my dream of going away to school to live on campus. At the time, I was working full time and raising four boys. This dream seemed like it would never happen. I decided after two semesters at GSU to apply to school out of state. I searched many schools and ended up applying at University of Northern Iowa. I would of never thought in a million years my dreams were about to come true. I was a 35 year old woman with four children. I was accepted at UNI in October of 2014. My family and I moved to Cedar Falls IN December of 2014. I moved to Hillside/Jennings which is an on campus apartment for married students. I finally got to experience my dream to go away to school and live on campus.
Domestic violence is not an easy thing to overcome. Many do not survive violence in relationships. I certainly never thought 7 years later I would be a survivor living the dream of my life. I hope one day I can help other women that were victims of domestic violence overcome and succeed.
