Hello, my name is Terri and I hope this finds you in God’s grace.
Let me tell you a little about myself so you can get to know me a little first. I am 50, turning 51 on Sept. 17th. I grew up in Orange County, California with 7 brothers and sisters, and loving parents. Unfortunately, tragedy struck out family, several times. Despite my parents amazing efforts at providing the epitomy of a rounded childhood, 7 of us got into drugs and such. Even worse, I started burying my siblings at the age of 15. I now have 1 sister left.
Mind you, I had a 3.8 gpa at a prestigious and private Catholic high school, Mater Dei, as well as kept a part time job at a flower shop. All while partaking in elicit drugs in my free time. I was supposed to attend Cal Poly Pomona as I can do math in my sleep, but got scared at the last minute and choked, basically. I have great potential, just lacked faith in myself until just recently.
At the age of 19 I became a single mom, then fell into criminal activity with less than honorable people at the age of 25, earning myself a trip to prison. Followed by 6 more trips to state prison, and one trip to federal prison, all behind drugs. Drugs and my lack of hope. It wasn’t long before I got used to my chaotic and destructive lifestyle, believing that was my reality, forever. I put emphasis on destructive. I took so many risks, I couldn’t begin to tell you how far I went with testing the waters.
During my federal bid I completed 9 months of in-house, trauma based treatment where I addressed positive behavior skills, communication skills, and problem solving. It was a tough but very impactful program where I was eventually given responsibility of managing other members participation in daily meetings, and facilitated different sober events. I also became Servsafe certified, and ACT workkeys platinum certified while there. I am very proud of my participation and acheivements in this time. I was released just last November.
I have been working since release at local restaurant as a server, acquired a studio apt. and a used vehicle. Unfortunately my vehicle needs a new transmission, and my intentions are to do more than just serve food for the rest of my life. I should mention that financial stability is one of my biggest stressors that can lead my to backslide.
I am capable of so much more in this life, I really am. If I had financial cushion to not have to work 40-50 hrs a week I would explore more long term options available to me, which would undoubtedly require schooling/certifications of some sort. I want to explore my options,as I am very smart and diligent when my mind is set, as well as versatile. I have absolute confidence in my excellent work ethic as well. At this moment, my thoughts are on becoming a drug/alcohol counselor, and/or mentor, which require certification as well as peer support classes. A step further would be to own and operate a sober living home for women, which would require business/management classes.
Most of all, I just want to have a chance to meet my full potential in life. I want to see how far I was meant to go!
Either way, I do appreciate the time you took to read this, and your consideration. Below is my PayPal link, should you see fit to contribute to my aspirations.
https://www.paypal.me/Terrialli17