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I think its funny when people look at you and immediately judge you without knowing anything about you or anything about your past.
I came from an abusive, broken home with a single mother who was physically and mentally abusive, on drugs and an alcoholic.
Grew up in the ghettos of Tacoma WA and Portland OR, surrounded by gang members, drug dealers, and lowlifes. (Not an easy task when you are the only white family in those areas)
At the age of 14 was kicked out on the streets for calling the cops on my mom because she was beating my younger brother with a baseball bat, and I thought she was going to kill him.
Was homeless for a while and yea, I made my mistakes as a teenager, sold drugs for money as that is what I knew how to do from my mom. Although deep down, I wanted more out of life, and not to repeat the same mistakes as my mom did.
Moved to another part of Oregon to live with my ex step dad and his family, and at the age of 16 became emancipated and re-enrolled myself in High School.
Worked a variety of jobs, from fast food to manufacturing over the years, until I finally decided what I wanted to do for a living.
Was homeless a few times as well, living in my car or sleeping on friends couches until I was able to find a new place.
Never had assistance/handouts from anyone or from the government. I accomplished it all myself. Something not everyone can say, and something I am extremely proud of.
I am the first in my family to graduate High School, go to college, and earn a degree.
I worked full time while I was in college. Even bought my first house during that time. All on my own and at $13 an hour!!
I hardly got the sleep I needed daily, sacrificed going out with friends, and sacrificed having free time.
All because I wanted to have a better life than what I grew up with.
Now have a great career in IT, and make enough to provide for my family so they don't have the same struggles I did as a child.
The reason for this story is that it's our choices, not our circumstances that make us who we are in life!
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