People say I inspire them, but I’m not sure why; I am a young girl from the hood who made it out. I don’t consider myself to have all the answers. My childhood life was hell from as far back as I can remember. I had been exposed to homelessness, child abuse and neglect, exposed to child protection agencies, missing my father who was in prison, and dealing with my mother who was in and out of jail as well as addicted to crack cocaine and men who were no good for her. As far as I can remember, this was my life before kindergarten. Life is not an even playing field; the cards you’re dealt may not be the ones you desire, but if you keep playing your hand you could still win the game. It is what you do with your situation that counts. Don’t throw in your hand and quit the game. Play it to the best of your ability. I have witnessed what inspiration and motivation can do for children who have lost all hope or never once believed. This is my story: The Cards of Life. When all hope is gone, trust then believe.”