From Healing to Graduation: My Journey of Faith, Growth, and Becoming
There are stories we tell the world… and then there are the untold chapters. This is one of mine.
Hello my fellow readers,
It’s been a minute. And when I say a minute, I mean a real minute.
Life has been moving fast, and sometimes when you have so much inside your heart, it becomes hard to sit down and write it all out. But today I decided to pour my heart out and give you the real tea about what’s been going on in my life.
Because honestly… it’s getting down to the wire.
In May, I will graduate from Southern New Hampshire University with my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on mental health. My graduation date is May 23rd, and I’m still trying to process the fact that this moment is finally here.
I’m 36 years old, and yes, I still look young — but more importantly, I am proud.
Not because I’m better than anyone.
But because of how far I’ve come.
My Emotional Healing Journey Through Education
For those who don’t know, my emotional healing journey didn’t start in college. It started long before that.
Back in 2019, I went back to school to earn my high school diploma. That alone was a huge step for me. For years I carried the weight of feeling like I was behind in life.
But once I graduated, something inside me woke up.
I enrolled at Oakland Community College and originally started studying computer engineering. I thought that was the path for me, but I quickly realized something important.
That path wasn’t my calling.
The work was difficult, but more than that, my heart wasn’t in it.
Around that time, something beautiful started happening in my life. I had built a Facebook page where I wrote quotes, poems, and motivational messages, and over time it grew to more than 6,000 followers.
Writing became my therapy.
My release.
My way of breathing again.
That’s when I created my blog, The Pathway to Healing, where I began sharing my life experiences, struggles, and personal growth. Writing helped me process my own emotional healing journey, and I realized something powerful.
Maybe my purpose wasn’t engineering.
Maybe my purpose was helping people heal.
So I spoke with my advisor, and he told me something that changed everything.
He said,
“You would be great in social work or counseling.”
That moment shifted my entire direction.
Choosing Psychology and Mental Health
When I changed my major, I made a decision that came straight from my heart.
I chose psychology and mental health.
Why?
Because behind the scenes I had been dealing with a lot myself.
Anxiety.
Depression.
PTSD.
Moments of emotional breakdowns that nobody saw.
And I realized something.
If I was going to learn about mental health, maybe I could also heal while learning.
And that’s exactly what happened.
I transferred to Southern New Hampshire University, and for the past two years, I have been working hard toward my degree.
There were no breaks.
No shortcuts.
Just persistence.
Marriage, Gardening, and Finding Peace
Life didn’t stop while I was in school.
In fact, life kept moving forward in beautiful ways.
In July 2025, I got married to my husband Avery.
And guess where we got married?
In our garden.
The same garden we built together became the place where we started our marriage. That moment meant everything to me because the garden represented growth, healing, and new beginnings.
I truly believe God helped build that garden — and Avery helped bring the vision to life.
Now this year, I’m taking my garden to the next level.
Last year it was small.
This year?
I’m aiming for perfection.
I’ve separated my fruit plants, flowers, and vegetables. I’ve been experimenting with growing things, learning patience, and appreciating nature.
Gardening reminds me a lot of the emotional healing journey.
Growth takes time.
Natural Healing and New Beginnings
Something else started happening during the winter.
At 2 AM one night, I felt inspired to start experimenting with natural drinks.
I stopped drinking soda and began creating my own drinks using:
- Ginger
- Lemon
- Orange
- Turmeric
I started experimenting with different combinations and realized something important.
Nature already provides healing.
You just have to listen.
That moment inspired me to keep creating and exploring natural health in my own way.
I Am a Walking Testimony
When people hear my story, some of them can’t believe everything I’ve been through.
But I always say this:
I am a walking testimony.
Doctors said things about my health that could have broken my spirit.
But I chose faith.
God gave me strength.
God gave me wisdom.
God gave me discipline to keep going.
And even when life gets hard — because it does — I remind myself to take it one step at a time.
Because life will always bring challenges.
Marriage has challenges.
Parenting has challenges.
Healing has challenges.
But growth also comes with joy.
Graduation Is Around the Corner
Now here I am.
A woman who once doubted herself.
A woman who went back to school in 2019.
A woman who refused to quit.
And on May 23rd, 2026, I will graduate with my bachelor’s degree.
I will also be the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree.
That means everything to me.
This graduation is not just a degree.
It represents years of faith, healing, perseverance, and growth.
What I Learned From This Chapter
Here is what this season of life has taught me:
• Your journey does not have to look like everyone else’s.
• Healing and education can happen at the same time.
• It is never too late to start over.
• Faith will carry you through moments when strength runs out.
• Growth happens when you refuse to quit.
Most importantly:
Your story matters.
Looking Ahead
I’m planning a small graduation gathering to celebrate this milestone. I didn’t celebrate my high school graduation the way I wanted to, so this moment means a lot to me.
And this is only the beginning.
I’m also working on a book about healing and life experiences, and I can’t wait to share more with you all.
So stay tuned.
Because the best chapters are still ahead.
My story isn’t perfect, but it’s real—and I’m still standing, still growing, and still becoming.
💬 I’d love to hear from you.
If this spoke to your heart, leave a comment and share your thoughts. Don’t forget to like, share, and repost so someone else who needs encouragement can find it too.
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Thank you for reading and being part of this journey with me.
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