I have always been an avid reader, which is probably a prerequisite for a teacher. I am one of those people that can read ten books per month on average, sometimes even more. My favorites are non-fiction, especially in the realm of "overcomers". I'm deeply drawn to people who face adversity and pain, but what I admire most is when they find the strength to turn it around and choose a new path. Stories of radical life transformations inspire me, and messages of hope are, in my opinion, the most powerful of all.

As time went on, I found myself caught up in a lifestyle that included alcohol and mind-altering substances. It began for me as a tool to self-medicate my pain. Many teens and young adults face the prospect of encountering these trends, though not all choose to participate.