I wish we had the internet like we do now when I was younger. I so wish that there was support like 1N5 provides today. Had I had someone like those involved with 1N5, I most likely wouldn’t have done what I tried to do 18 years ago. A little backstory on myself. I grew up in a fairly privileged household, which meant there was no lack of opportunities. There were no limits on the things I wanted in life. I was never told the word no. I had a childhood dream of. But with that luxurious life came a loveless mother. A mother who never cared. A mother who never hugged me or kissed me. A mother who never tucked me in at night. I was painfully shy as a child. I needed that mother figure. I needed more from my mother than she provided. Eventually, life got too hard for little ol’ me. By the time I was 21, I just did not want to live anymore. The feeling of loneliness was one I could not bear.
I did the unthinkable and tried to end my own life. When I woke up in the hospital, I was furious. I was so angry that my attempt had failed. There were a lot of things that happened in my life to lead me to do what I had tried to do. We’d be here all night if I tried to share. Long story short, I made a promise to myself. I promised that I would live life giving 120%. I was given a second chance at life. Why would I waste it? After I got married in 2023, I decided to compete in my first-ever Mrs. Pageant. When competing in a pageant, you typically have a platform. I knew for the first time what purpose my life has. I currently have an initiative called Shine Your Light. Shine your light provides PowerPoints to students, parents, and faculty at schools to be able to identify the signs of someone suffering from a mental health crisis. I don’t know if any of you have tried to get into schools to provide something similar, but it is dang near impossible.
This is what brings me back to 1N5. I am so intrigued by how they are able to easily get into schools to share their mission and help others. I want to do what they do. I want to help people like they are helping people. This is why I am here. I am here because I want to be a part of this organization. I would love to bring what 1N5 is doing to the state of Indiana. Heck, I think it belongs in all 50 states. Being an inspiration to people who suffer from what I suffer from helps me. Doing what I do every day reminds me that life is worth living. Even in the darkest of days, there is a light. If you can’t find the light, let someone help you find it.