Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XV, Issue I SPRING 2021 | Page 29

a graduate student , I provided therapeutic services to inmates seeking mental and emotional support . My job required me to interact with murderers and psychopaths , giving me an insider ’ s view into the minds of pathological individuals as they recounted their darkest hours . There were many challenges that I faced during my training at the prison . I encountered my first stalker , was trapped in a room alone with male inmates , and had an inmate threaten to kill me . These threats on my life caused me to delve deeper into the thought processes and motivations of killers and ultimately influenced my research regarding what makes someone take another ’ s life .
For part of my healing , I decided to rewrite my story , which inspired the first book of my series , Over the Borderline , an international , multi-awardwinning novel . I am currently writing the sequel , which is expected to be released late 2021 . Writing has given me a voice in situations where I had no control , and it helped me to process the pain associated with these traumatic life events .
My experiences at PHSC set me up for success , equipping me with the knowledge , skills and abilities that were required to achieve my dreams . The staff and professors at PHSC provided a firm foundation , allowing me to excel academically and professionally . This foundation was paramount in helping me navigate through the hardships along the way , ultimately acting as a compass guiding me down the road to success .
My advice for students at PHSC would be to never give up on themselves or their dreams . I would encourage them to keep working towards their goals , and when obstacles or adversity comes their way , to keep fighting the fight . I would encourage them to never let rejection or criticism rob them of their identities or their futures . I would tell students that they matter , and that they were made for greatness .
During the course of my studies , my cousin was tragically murdered . Sitting through her trial was torture , and there were so many overwhelming emotions that I fought back in order to be strong for my family . At this point in my life , I had a choice to make — to let these traumatic events deter me from achieving my dreams or to use them as stepping stones , making me stronger and more determined to pursue justice for the voiceless .
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