The Trauma that lives in me by Romelah

The Trauma that lives in me by Romelah - May 2022 Scholarship Essay

The trauma that lives in me has had a profound effect on my way of thinking as well as my personal goals in life. Growing up, I was the black sheep of the family and this role in a suburban area put a toll on me. I was born with Kawasaki disease so not only was I known for being the only black kid in town but also seen as the only black, physically disabled kid in town. I struggle with a disease as well as the effects it has on my body. While others had the opportunity to play out in the sun and have fun, I was home having layers of my skin and scalp being taken off my body. I was judged, teased, and misunderstood for the most part. While struggling to find someone to listen and understand me, I came across the truth of what it means when people say, “don't just let anybody watch your kids.” Little did I know; I, myself, just like many others, suffered silent abuse. Children and adults are struggling with abuse and are struggling to find their way out of the cycle and out of the corrupt system. I went from being the happy little baby to losing my lost self. I grew up struggling to find my way; accepting silent physical, mental, and emotional abuse and it made me be in a defensive survival mode. While enduring all of this, I learned and recognized the importance of human relationships and their impact on people's quality of life. I was unaware at the time how much it would help strengthen me and shape who and where I am today. Therapists provide support and resources without passing judgment. It is through these collective experiences that I developed a deeper insight into the role of a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as the transformative support one provides. That is why I would love this scholarship. It will provide me the necessary needs to fulfill my dream into become a marriage and family therapist for couples that have/has struggled with sexual assault and domestic violence. I believe my past experiences of being abused will help me guide others to take back their identities and truly be able to love someone else unconditionally.