Describe the world you come from—for example, your family, community or school—and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
My life began in a place few people have heard of –Ridgecrest, California—a small town next to a naval base in the Mojave Desert. I live in Bakersfield now, but Ridgecrest will forever be my home and it gave me the foundation of the person I am today. With my mother working on the naval base and my father working in the police force, I was constantly around a military and law enforcement environment. Growing up in a culture that serves others, it became a part of me and close to my heart. This became a bigger impact on me when my brother left for the military when I was only eight years old. Even though I grew up in that culture, my brother leaving became personal and affected me more than I ever thought it would. It is through this sense of community and service, and the events that would unfold, that I know my future involves counseling military personnel.
Just months after my brother left, my father was transferred to Bakersfield and I had to leave my friends and family. I had gotten over those losses and adjusted well to the “big city.” The summer between my freshman and sophomore year in high school my mother and I went on vacation with friends to their cabin. When we returned, my father had gathered his belongings and was gone. He said nothing of this to anyone and allowed us to come home and find out on our own. It was hard trying to wrap my head around being abandoned and also trying to focus on my volleyball season and school. After a couple months after this mess, I started seeing a counselor to help get through the difficult times. At first I was forced by my mom, but after a while I actually enjoyed going. My counselor helped me so much and I always felt better afterwards. She helped me see