My Story 
  I would like to share my story to the world to inspire others and make a positive impact on the world around me. Where shall I begin,I was six years old when I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I experienced intense setbacks throughout my health journey from the age of six to sixteen years old from my daily epileptic episodes, extreme migraines and monthly hospitalizations. After recovering from my illness at the age of 16, I was also introduced to my abuser. He was a Greek-Italian individual. He would abuse me sexually, physically and emotionally. My abuser would bring to this drug lord's apartment in New Bedford, Massachusetts and force me to have sexual intercourse with him, raping my body at the age of 16. My abuser would lure me into his life with his financial success, and luxurious gift pieces. He was a monster individual, I had some days where I was filled with bruises and bleeding from the abusive and sexual behavior. My abuser kept me captive away from my family, friends and my community. I dealt with my abuser for eight years. I would always try to escape my abuser to keep myself alive and safe and through it all I discovered my passions. My creativity, modeling, and photography kept me going and made me become a stronger, resilient young woman.When my abuser discovered my passions and hobbies he did not allow me to follow my dreams and destroyed my device with my portfolio on it. I felt like my whole life was entirely taken from me,however I was able to recover my work that took me ten years to create through my long rigorous journey. I hope my story can inspire others to keep ourselves safe, healthy and happy anyway we possibly can. I am so thankful I found my passions to support me throughout my long journey of life.  My story has inspired me to become a passionate advocate on domestic violence, mental health and giving back to my community.