Final Reflection

Final Reflection

Composition one has helped me grow tremendously as a writer. Throughout my projects I have also gained knowledge among many other topics. In project one, I had to write about a situation that negatively affected my education. I decided to write about my journey through foster care, how it put me behind educationally, and how I overcame that obstacle. In project two, we were assigned to analyze an advertisement. I decided to analyze an advertisement, advertising to end discrimination. Project three was treated like a research paper. I had to pick one specific thing, that was new, to write about. It could have been a hairstyle, tattoos, a place, or many other things. I chose to write about the history of rap and how it affects people, both positively and negatively. Project four, being my favorite project, was a persuasive research paper. I was able to pick my own topic, something I was passionate about. I was told to persuade a specific audience and get a specific message across. I chose to write about drug addiction and why it does not qualify as a disease. In Composition review, we mostly worked on reflections of each project. However, we were also assigned to do a “Patter of Error” presentation. For my presentation, I taught the class about citations.

In project one, we worked on a cluster diagram in class to plan out the essay. Afterwards, instead of creating a rough draft and then proof reading to create a polished draft, I tried to proof read as I wrote. This was an essay completely about me, so peer review wasn’t extremely helpful. However, my classmates helped me reword a few things to make my essay more organized.  In project two, it was extremely hard to even create a rough draft. I felt like I was trying to take a few sentences and stretch them because I was simply analyzing an ad. I didn’t have much, so, proofreading and editing were a breeze. I turned in the project with it being below word count. That’s why this project was the lowest grade a received in the class. Project three was an enjoyable project. I felt freedom in having so many options to write about. The research process was easy as well, mostly because I knew exactly what I was looking for. This was a shorter essay, that made the editing process run smoothly. During peer review, I can remember a classmate telling me that the contrast within my essay really caught her attention. Along with that, a few other classmates corrected minor grammatical errors and gave me ideas on how to rearrange paragraphs. Project four was also an enjoyable project. I really appreciated getting to choose what to write about. I wrote about something I was passionate about; drug addiction not being a disease. Research was tricky, and it was stressful trying to find credible sources. I found comfort in using the UAPTC database, however, they didn’t have much for me. Proofreading wasn’t bad at all. I only had to make a few corrections. During peer review, a classmate gave me some very important information that I had completely left out. I felt good about adding that information, and I felt great about turning in this essay.

I can now identify minor and major grammatical errors. I learned to do so by proof reading all my major projects. In project one I wasn’t as good at doing this as I was in project four. In project four I noticed I wrote, “I know many people would agree with my mother, that addiction is truly a disease, I do acknowledge and understand, there is a serious change made to one's brain chemistry after just one use.” I noticed that this was an incorrect sentence. I corrected the following sentence to, “I know many people would agree with my mother, that addiction truly is a disease. I do acknowledge, and understand, there is serious change made to one’s brain chemistry after just one use.”

Through composition, I can demonstrate critical thinking skills. I showed critical thinking skills in project 3, more than any other project. I wanted to give a certain impression to my readers. To do so, I had to have a specific layout. To argue why rap is so important, I also wanted to talk about why some people do not see that importance. I did so in my second paragraph, stating, “Rap is often described as inappropriate or derogative. It surely can be; however, any genre could be.” The paragraphs after this enforced a positive outlook on rap.

I demonstrated great analytical skills in project 4. I chose to write about drug addiction not being a disease. Through research and much time spent reading on the subject, I developed a great understanding of the purpose. To connect to my audience and try to provide them with the best information, I added a lot of extra information. Such as, “I believe those with mental disorders experience drug addiction completely differently.” This first sentence, and the rest of the paragraph, showed my audience that I am aware of how drug addiction is different for every single person. I used my information in a very organized structure and style. I started with personal experience, then the opposing view point, next my argument, and research to back up my argument.

In Composition One, I demonstrated academic integrity. I did so in all my projects. However, project four was the most challenging. I had to use a lot of outside sources, making it hard to cite them all. It was also hard to use information without using the exact words of someone else. I continued to show academic integrity throughout this project, although, it was challenging. I used several parenthetical citations, such as, “(The Centers of Addiction)”. This gave me the ability to use an outside sources exact wording, without it being plagiarism. In cases where I wanted to use what someone else had said, I used their thoughts, and created my own.

In project one, I felt very successful in my drafting process. This project was about myself, making it very easy to have unorganized thoughts and a hard time shortening lengthy parts of my story. Using the cluster diagram in class really helped me bring these thoughts to an organized list. I had the people listed, their characteristics, and their purpose. I also wrote out a few individual stories. I picked the ones that were most important, as far as my topic. That also helped me shorten things and overall organize this essay.

Project two was a very hard project for me. My writing process slowed down majorly. I had a very hard time saying much about the advertisement that I was analyzing. Looking back now, I wish that I had picked a different ad. The one I picked was very straight forward and to the point. There was not much design, color, style, or really anything to this ad. This made it hard for me to say much about it, other than its direct purpose. I turned the assignment in, below the word count that was assigned. I was very upset with my grade, but I knew it was the grade I deserved for the work I had done. From now on, I will look towards advertisements that aren't exactly plain. I will look for things that make me think, things that make me question, and things that make me curious.

Going into Composition one, I thought I would just be writing simple papers and doing a few PowerPoints. I had never used works cited pages or parenthetical citations, I am so happy that I learned about these things. I learned about a lot of new things, and how to create them myself. Overall, I believe I was very successful in this class. I do feel prepared for composition two, and I also find comfort in having the same professor. I am already familiar with my professors teaching styles, making me feel like I have a good idea of how the class will go; very organized.

Drug Addiction is Not a Disease. Period. Full Stop

I made changes in this essay. Research for the project was tricky, and it was stressful trying to find credible sources. I found comfort in using the UAPTC database, however, they didn’t have much for me. Proofreading wasn’t bad at all. I only had to make a few corrections. During peer review, a classmate gave me some very important information that I had completely left out. I felt good about adding that information, and I felt great about turning in this essay. I hope you enjoy it.

Drug Addiction: Addiction Not Disease

As a young girl I couldn’t understand why my mother would leave for hours and come back with glassy eyes. Her appearance would be different, her smell, and her personality all changed. I remember finding pipes and often actual drugs around the house. When I became old enough to understand, she made it seem completely normal. The first lie she told me was that, she used drugs just for fun. Once it came out that she was an addict, she began using the excuse that, drug addiction is a disease, she just couldn’t help it.

I know many people would agree with my mother, that addiction truly is a disease. I do acknowledge and understand, there is a serious change made to one's brain chemistry after just one use. I am aware that there is scientific evidence showing those changes made to not only brain chemistry, but to other parts of the brain, that worsen that addiction. The natural levels of dopamine begin to die off and the body relies on drugs for that dopamine. When not received a person will feel tired, depressed, and often off balanced. I do understand how this would make it incredibly hard not to continue drug use or even worse, relapse.

 Many businesses, organizations, healthcare facilities, and healthcare providers label drug addiction as a disease. The Center on addiction states that, “Addiction involves changes in the functioning of the brain and body. These changes may be brought on by risky substance use or may pre-exist.” ( The Center on Addiction) The fact that they say those changes may be due to the substance abuse, but could be pre-existing, is exactly what many people need to see. Addiction is not a black and white topic for anyone, anywhere. There are multiple things, including genetics, that can tie into those abnormalities or changes in brain chemistry. If an individual was not previously tested for differences and abnormalities, we cannot say with one hundred percent certainty that drugs were to blame. Maybe in some cases drugs or substances do cause that change, but not always. Does that give us hope for some users? Yes, it may be possible that they will not suffer nearly as much as those with changes made to their brain chemistry.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, “drug addiction and drug abuse are often confused or viewed as the same thing.” (The Department of Health and Human Services) There truly is a difference between the two but, people are often using drugs in either situation, for similar reasons. Abusing drugs is wrongfully taking medication for a reason other than what it was prescribed for. However, a drug addiction is when you become very dependent on a drug (possibly multiple substances.) In this case, the drug is used like a daily medication because the individual can no longer function without it. Just like the effects of stopping an anti-depressant or blood pressure medication, there are side effects. Along with these side effects, such as nausea, sever agitation, and cold sweats, the individual will begin going through withdrawals. 

I believe that those with mental issues and disorders, experience drug addiction in a completely different way. In such cases, I agree that addiction is like a disease. Americans should not hold those who are mentally ill to such high standards. High standards as in, expecting someone who is mentally ill to think logically and clearly, and make good decisions. 

In the case of mental illness, I can see where drug addiction may be seen as a disease. For these sick people, seeking so desperately for relief, drugs may seem like the best option for them. For someone contemplating taking their own life, using drugs as a medication or a quick fix, probably seems like the best way to stay alive and deal with daily life. Substance abuse may seem like the only way to feel okay and keep living, and before you know it, the individual has developed an addiction.

Nowhere in my mind or heart is it fair to compare an addict to a cancer patient, for example. There are innocent people who are dying from diseases every single day. There are also addicts claiming that their addiction is a disease, and no matter how similar addiction is to a disease, they brought it onto themselves when they decided to use that first time. It is degrading, cruel, and flat out disrespectful to compare the two, no matter what the situation may be.

I believe many of us fail to remember the babies born with addictions. In such heartbreaking cases, I believe that addiction does act as a disease. These innocent babies cannot bring it upon themselves. They encounter very much pain and suffering due to someone else's negligent mistakes. These children not only suffer from addiction themselves, but other complications related to using drugs while pregnant. Being born prematurely, low birth weight, weak bones, spinal deformation, breathing problems, and many other possible effects. (US Department of Health and Human Services)

It is clear as day that addicts are not the victims. They create victims. Families are torn apart, children are left behind, personal belongings are stolen, morals are thrown out, and the futures of these people become just dreams of what could have been. What could have been if they didn’t use that first time? The first time is what started this cycle and the last time will be right before a breakthrough or right before death. Addiction makes itself very clear, you either leave it, or die with it.

When I think about finding ways to further treat, and ultimately end addiction, my mind goes many places. Is it a lost cause? Wont addicts and users still be able to buy these drugs illegally no matter what we do? Well, hopefully we can at least save a few people. According to The Addiction Treatment Center, addiction and substance abuse should be treated by professional healthcare providers only.(US Department of Health and Human Services)  Although we may all want to help and think we have ways to help, there are specialist trained specifically to provide that help. It is very likely that we may have the best intentions on helping an addict, but often cannot provide the needed support. Many loved ones begin enabling addicts without even knowing.

If you know someone battling with addiction, please seek help for them. Be a good friend and go to NA classes with them, go see a doctor with them, encourage them to go to rehab, and keep in touch if they do decide to go to rehab. Drug addiction has killed many people, don’t let your loved ones be next, act now.

Works Cited

Center on Addiction. 14 April 2017. https://www.centeronaddiction.org/what-addiction/addiction-disease. 7 Nov. 2018.

Kuhar, Michael. The Addicted Brain: Why We Use Drugs, Alcohol, and Nicotine. Edition 1. 8 Aug. 2015. PP. 19-26, 97-113. 5 Nov. 2018.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 19 April 2018. “Find Help” https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline. 6 Nov. 2018

Drug Addiction: Addiction Not Disease, Rough Draft

Drug Addiction: Addiction Not Disease

As a young girl I couldn’t understand why my mother would leave for hours and come back with glassy eyes. Her appearance would be different, her smell, and her personality all changed. I remember finding pipes and often actual drugs around the house. When I became old enough to understand, she made it seem completely normal. The first lie she told me was that, she used drugs just for fun. Once it came out that she was an addict, she began using the excuse that, drug addiction is a disease, she just couldn’t help it.

I know many people would agree with my mother that, addiction truly is a disease. I do acknowledge and understand, there is a serious change made to one's brain chemistry after just one use. I am aware that there is scientific evidence showing those changes made to not only brain chemistry, but to other parts of the brain, that worsen that addiction. The natural levels of dopamine begin to die off and the body relies on drugs for that dopamine. When not received a person will feel tired, depressed, and often off balanced. I do understand how this would make it incredibly hard not to continue drug use or even worse, relapse.

Many businesses, organizations, healthcare facilities, and healthcare providers label drug addiction as a disease. The Center on addiction states that, “Addiction involves changes in the functioning of the brain and body. These changes may be brought on by risky substance use or may pre-exist.” ( TheCenteronAddiction) The fact that they say those changes may be due to the substance abuse, but could be pre-existing, is exactly what many people need to see. Addiction is not a black and white topic for anyone, anywhere. There are multiple things, including genetics, that can tie into those abnormalities or changes in brain chemistry. If an individual was not previously tested for differences and abnormalities, we cannot say with one hundred percent certainty that drugs were to blame. Maybe in some cases drugs or substances do cause that change, but not always. Does that give us hope for some users? Yes, it may be possible that they will not suffer nearly as much as those with changes made to their brain chemistry.

I believe that quite often, addicts have mental issues and disorders. For someone struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, it would seem okay to use drugs. In such cases, with individuals that have mental issues, I agree that addiction is almost identical to a disease. You cannot hold someone who is mentally ill to such a high standard in which, they should be aware of the dangers of substances such as drugs. They are not at a place where they can think clearly and make good decisions. In this one case, I can agree that drug addiction is just like a disease. For these sick people, seeking so desperately for relief, drugs may seem like the best option for them. For someone contemplating taking their own life, using drugs as a medication or quick fix, probably seems like the best way to stay alive. Substance abuse may seem like the only way to keep living, and before you know it, the individual has developed an addiction.

Nowhere in my mind or heart is it fair to compare an addict to a cancer patient, for example. There are innocent people who are dying from diseases every single day. There are also addicts claiming that their addiction is a disease, and no matter how similar addiction is to a disease, they brought it onto themselves when they decided to use that first time. It is degrading, cruel, and flat out disrespectful to compare the two, no matter what the situation may be.

When I think about finding ways to further treat, and ultimately end addiction, my mind goes many places. Is it a lost cause? Wont addicts and users still be able to buy these drugs illegally no matter what we do? Well, hopefully we can at least save a few people. According to The Addiction Treatment Center, addiction and substance abuse should be treated by professional healthcare providers only.(TheCenteronAddiction)  Although we may all want to help and think we have ways to help, there are specialist trained specifically to provide that help. It is very likely that we may have the best intentions on helping an addict, but often cannot provide the needed support. Many loved ones begin enabling addicts without even knowing.

If you know someone battling with addiction, please seek help for them. Be a good friend and go to NA classes with them, go see a doctor with them, encourage them to go to rehab, and keep in touch if they do decide to go to rehab. Drug addiction has killed many people, don’t let your loved ones be next, act now.

Rap Truth, Improved with More Truth

Rap Truth

Music often fills the ears of many people. Just like we all have different styles, we all have a different preference when it comes to music. The question is, do you like the sound of the beat or piano playing? Or do you like the lyrics, the story behind the song?

Rap is often defined is derogative or inappropriate. It surely can be; however, any genre could be. Maybe this negative outlook is created due to lack of knowledge, or even pure discrimination. In the beginning, rap was most popular among African Americans. Due to racism and societal issues, this genre became frowned upon. Today however, there are rappers of all colors of skin, and high differentiation among culture.

One of the first rappers and DJ’s, DJ Kool Herc, made quite a mark on rap culture. DJ was a Jamaican Immigrant with an obvious talent.(Cole Mize)   It seems that the greatest rappers all had a unique story. Maybe these stories are what helped them create such soulful music. The first rap record was created by Sugarhill Gang.(Cole Mize) Their hit, Rappers Delight, was the first rap single to become a top 40 hit.(Cole Mize)  Little did these musicians know, they had created a masterpiece. Music would never be the same, and rap would soon touch many people.

In a way people are correct. Rap has truly changed over time. Rappers like Tupac, who once told life stories through their music, are now gone. Sure, there are still rappers who tell stories and help get us through hard times with their music. There are also rappers who buy lyrics from songwriters, have a manager tell them everything to do, and lack real talent. We see that a lot today and we cherish the rappers we still have that are real.

Most popular rappers come from Louisiana, California, New York, Memphis, and some of the greatest are from less popular states. Today, Boosie is still one of the most respected rappers. He is from Louisiana, as well as many other popular rappers. In a few of his songs he pays direct respect to Tupac (boosie) . Boosie claims Tupac influenced him and he looks up to him. (boosie)

It almost seems like there are a few different groups of rap inside itself. The tune, flow, and message differ among different artist. J Cole is labeled a rapper, songwriter, singer, and music producer. (A&E TV Networks) He is a great artist, but if you compare him to Boosie, the difference is dramatic. Even when these two-artist rap, they still have a different vibe, a different message. They may both have the same message, but one of them may reach a certain group the other didn’t. These two rappers are extremely talented and have always stayed true to themselves. That is what makes them so good at what they do.

Sadly, there are always people who desire to have a talent, they just do not have. Some of those people are known as, Lil Uzi Vert, Nicki Minaj, Lil Pump, 21 savage, Chris Brown, and so many others. These people often try to keep up with an image that is not truly who they are. Their music seems fake and very staged. These artists try to keep their fame by following trends and having nice things. Unfortunately, rap has almost turned into that completely. People tend to care more about how cute the person is or what they have, instead of the depth of their music.

Rap was created to be like poetry. The words should be truthful and flow into the beat/music behind it. When people hear it, not only does it sound good, but they may be able to relate. When you are going through a hard time and turn on some music, it's so nice to hear something factual and relatable.

Works Cited

Mize, Cole. “Was the First Rap Song Really Rappers Delight?” Colemizestudios.com, 30 September 2014, http://colemizestudios.com/first-rap-song/. Accessed 18 October 2018.

Howard, Torrence. “Boosie facts”. Officialboosie.com. http://www.officialboosie.com/. Accessed 22 October 2018.

A&E Television Networks. “J Cole Biography”. Biography.com, 1 May 2018. https://www.biography.com/people/j-cole-5152017. Accessed 22 October 2018.

Rap Truth, a First Draft

Rap Truth

Music often fills the ears of many people. Just like we all have different styles, we all have a different preference when it comes to music. The question is, do you like the sound of the beat or piano playing? Or do you like the lyrics, the story behind the song?

Rap is often defined is derogative or inappropriate. It surely can be; however, any genre could be.  Maybe this negative outlook is created due to lack of knowledge, or even pure discrimination. In the beginning, rap was most popular among African Americans. Due to racism and societal issues, this genre became frowned upon. Today however, there are rappers of all colors of skin, and high differentiation among culture.

One of the first rappers and DJ’s, DJ Kool Herc, made quite a mark on rap culture. DJ was a Jamaican Immigrant with an obvious talent. It seems that the greatest rappers all had a unique story. Maybe these stories are what helped them create such soulful music. The first rap record was created by Sugarhill Gang. Their hit, Rappers Delight, was the first rap single to become a top 40 hit. Little did these musicians know, they had created a masterpiece. Music would never be the same, and rap would soon touch many people.

In a way people are correct. Rap has truly changed over time. Rappers like Tupac, who once told life stories through their music, are now gone. Sure, there are still rappers who tell stories and help get us through hard times with their music. There are also rappers who buy lyrics from songwriters, have a manager tell them everything to do, and lack real talent. We see that a lot today and we cherish the rappers we still have that are real.

Most popular rappers come from Louisiana, California, New York, Memphis, and some of the greatest are from less popular states. Today, Boosie is still one of the most respected rappers. He is from Louisiana, as well as many other popular rappers. In a few of his songs he pays direct respect to Tupac. Boosie claims Tupac influenced him and he looks up to him.

It almost seems like there are a few different groups of rap inside itself. The tune, flow, and message differ among different artist. J Cole is labeled a rapper, songwriter, singer, and music producer. He is a great artist, but if you compare him to Boosie, the difference is dramatic. Even when these two-artist rap, they still have a different vibe, a different message. They may both have the same message, but one of them may reach a certain group the other didn’t. These two rappers are extremely talented and have always stayed true to themselves. That is what makes them so good at what they do.

Sadly, there are always people who desire to have a talent, they just do not have. Some of those people are known as, Lil Uzi Vert, Nicki Minaj, Lil Pump, 21 savage, Chris Brown, and so many others. These people often try to keep up with an image that is not truly who they are. Their music seems fake and very staged. These artists try to keep their fame by following trends and having nice things. Unfortunately, rap has almost turned into that completely. People tend to care more about how cute the person is or what they have, instead of the depth of their music.

Rap was created to be like poetry. The words should be truthful and flow into the beat/music behind it. When people hear it, not only does it sound good, but they may be able to relate. When you are going through a hard time and turn on some music, it's so nice to hear something factual and relatable.

My Forming, a Literacy Narrative

For this project, I had to write about a situation that negatively affected my education. I decided to write about my journey through foster care, how it put me behind educationally, and how I overcame that obstacle. I hope you enjoy it.

The Forming

I never thought I would be allowing a stranger to hug me. Honestly, at that moment, it was almost comforting. I thought to myself, I am a foster kid now. I better get used to strange places and even worse, strange people.

That first night I remember laying in my beat-up twin-size bed. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought my tears were made of lava. They came back to back and felt as if they were sizzling my skin. It was the beginning of September and still hadn't cooled off. There was no air flowing through the vent and the room was still. If you looked closely in the air you could see white dog hair floating. I've always hated animal hair; it makes me itch. I was left all alone with nothing but my thoughts. My worst fear had come true. I was separated from my brother and sister. These thoughts that raced through my mind, were intruded by nothing, but demons themselves. I was certain that I had nothing else to live for.

I woke up to the lightest touch on my ankle. “Candle, honey, would you please get up?”

“Yes ma’am I'm up”, I said in a similar tone.

What a hilarious surprise, no breakfast. They take me into the system for being neglected and I can't even get a nice meal. My foster mom continued to talk to me for a while. She explained the family dynamics and the house rules. While looking at her, I examined each of her features. Her hair is scraggily and dry. If I looked at her teeth too long, it was hard to fight the urge to puke. They were yellow and awkwardly small. This reminded me I needed a toothbrush. I forgot mine at home, and this is not my home.

I spent most of my time with my foster sisters. Angel and Josie helped take my mind off my siblings. With them being younger than me, I felt much pain for them. The raw truth was, we had all been let down by the people who were supposed to be our protectors. I colored with Angel a lot. She often vented to me about our foster mom. She was certainly right, Miss Tasha was very confrontational. I didn’t know that for myself yet, but soon I would. I would have never guessed I would be questioning my freedom over choking her out.

My caseworker had talked to North Little Rock School Board. They agreed to let me go back to public school. I was previously attending Argenta, an alternative school. I'm sure she told them my sad story and they felt awkwardly obligated. The last grade I had completed was the eighth. I was too busy raising my infant brother to go back. My classmates always picked on me because I failed to grasp the material. At that time, I agreed with them, I am stupid. This always got me into trouble. When they said cruel things to me it sparked that insecurity within myself. I had no way of dealing with it other than physical aggression. Knowing I was on probation and going back to public school, worried me. I knew I would soon be sporting a dingy, orange jumpsuit, while sitting behind bars.

My first day at Jacksonville High School was surprisingly okay. Although, it was truly awkward walking past people my mother and I had previously jumped. I knew deep down I would not be successful, yet another time. Attending school and making good grades were a part of my probation. I tried for a while and I was able to make pretty good grades. That wasn’t enough to keep me motivated though. I wanted a change and a new life.

I was granted visitation with my siblings every Tuesday. Those visits meant the world to me. I still wasn’t sure why we were separated to begin with. I felt as though I had lost a child. Honestly, I was the one who raised him his whole life. I struggled with depression and started smoking marijuana to cope. I also started abusing prescription medication and self-harming. Looking back, I wish I would have asked for help. I gave up on school, my grades surely showed it. I was lost and weak, I decided to run away.

Against my very poorly planned escape, I got caught. I went to jail due to violation of my probation. Jail was a very filthy, cold place. Like most people, I swore up and down I was going to change my life. It’s the malnutrition that makes us delusional. School was the only thing I had to look forward to. My judge went against my probation officer's recommendation and released me. I promised to go to school and do well. The grades I made while incarcerated, would even transfer to my real school. I had so many people on my side, yet, that wasn’t enough. I would be back in that jailhouse soon enough.

I found myself in jail for a third time. This time, I had physically assaulted my foster mom. We got into an argument and she brought up my deceased grandmother. I completely lost it, I choked her. I began to see change and growth within myself. I knew I didn’t want to be anything like my mother. I wanted a career, children, and most of all, a family. My probation officer recommended 9 months. I'll be the first to admit, I was scared as hell. The judge decided, my problems were caused by something deeper. He sent me to a therapeutic group home. I've never been a fan of older bald guys, but this one, I loved.

The facility gave me the structure I so desperately needed. If only we could fix our eyes to see what we need, instead of what we want. I didn’t know it then, but this would be the place that helped me accomplish a great achievement. It was a warm, safe place. In August of 2016, I started school at Joe T. Robinson. This was the school in which I attended, until I could take my GED classes. My probation officer informed me that once I received my GED, I would be taken off probation. I was determined, and I was motivated.

At the beginning of my GED classes, I was an anxious wreck. I had this constant voice in my head, telling me I was too dumb. It seemed like anything that could possibly distract me, did just that. The room appeared to be taken out of an old movie. Dust covered most of the book shelves, in thick coats. I learned many things in that room. I spent countless, late nights, up studying. I can even remember crying out of frustration. After about four months, I had received my GED. I finally felt important and most of all, I felt joy.

I immediately applied for UALR. In January I moved into the dorms. Having no friends was a good thing, it kept me from having distractions. My college life had begun, and I loved it. I felt like an adult, it was so nice not to have DHS on my back. My classes were going well, I maintained good attendance. Spring break rolled around and I planned to stay with my boyfriend. After having dreamed I was pregnant, I decided to take a pregnancy test. I was aware my body was changing, but not making a human. The test showed two bold lines within seconds. The world around me paused and all I could do was cry. Raymond and I decided as a couple, we wanted our baby.

I knew I had to prove I was fit to keep my baby. I got two jobs and quit school. Of course, it saddened me to give up my dream, but I had to. Proving I was financially stable was just a little piece of showing DHS I was fit to be a mother. I moved into a group home for foster children and continued working. Although the people were very nice, I hardly ever saw them. Open Arms shelter was a very clean and colorful place. At around six months pregnant I had to stop working. Work had become too much on my body, luckily, I was happy with my savings. During my free time, I met Miss Angie and Mr. Gary. They became my mentors and would soon become my very own parents.

After spending much time with them and their family, we all fell in love with each other. Just one month before I was due to give birth, they asked me to become a part of their family. Of course, I said yes. I loved them both and had very much respect for them. My parents helped me through my forty-two-hour labor. Miss Angie helped me so much during those first few weeks of Samantha’s life. I decided I wanted to go back to college. Although, my baby was only two months old, I did it. They encouraged me and offered me support in so many ways.

It is now 2018, I am currently enrolled in my second semester. We may not share the same DNA, but we are family. I am inexplicably grateful for everything my parents have done for me. By receiving an education, I am assured that, my daughter will have a stable and happy life.