When I was 14 years old, I traveled alone from my country of origin, Guatemala, to the United States. It was a long and arduous 10-day journey. Due to family discord, I was forced to leave, and my only option was to travel to the United States in hopes of finding a safe space and to continue my education. I knew that it would be a difficult journey, but I wanted a better life for myself. Unfortunately, when I arrived in the U.S. I had to live with an abusive relative with whom I suffered greatly. By the grace of God, the next step in my journey led me into the arms of Cherokee Estate.
I cannot be more grateful to God for putting Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes in my life. They have made a huge impact and helped me to set new goals. I remember being placed in Cherokee Estate five years ago. My first thought was, “If I escape from here, who will find me?” I know it sounds absurd, but at that moment I was very afraid because of everything that had happened. In addition, at that time I didn’t speak any English, so I didn’t understand anything they were saying to me. Now, as years have passed, I have stopped thinking about how to escape.
Now my goal is to attend Dalton State College to study Health Sciences, specifically physiotherapy.
In the future I want to help people live a better quality of life. My dream has always been to make a difference in the world of health sciences as a Physical Therapist. As a PT, I will encourage others to see the possibilities of their futures, even when all they can currently see are the barriers to their dreams.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to thank everyone who has helped Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes in any way. If it weren’t for each of these individuals this dream of graduating high school and planning for college would not come true. I want to thank all of the staff at Cherokee Estate, especially Ms. Nikita Jordan, who from the beginning believed more in me than I did myself. Thank you, sheriffs, donors, members, and all who support Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes. You can be proud, because your dedication makes a difference every day.