For most of my life, I kept myself small, trapped by self-doubt and the belief that opportunity was meant for someone else. It wasn’t until I began my journey of sobriety that I truly started seeking my higher self. Through recovery, I learned I was more capable than I ever imagined. That spark of self-confidence transformed my life, pushing me to try things I once thought were out of reach, like pursuing my education.
When I enrolled at Cypress College 3.5 years ago, I was terrified. I didn’t know if I could handle college-level work, or if I even belonged there. But each class I completed proved to me that I could do whatever I put my mind to. As I got closer to transferring, I set my sights on earning a bachelor’s degree in Marketing at CSUF. I knew I needed extra support to make that leap, but my old doubts resurfaced. I questioned whether I was worthy or good enough.
Then, I heard about the Pathways program. In that moment, I made a small but profound choice: I raised my hand and asked for help. It might seem simple, but it was a radical act of self-belief for someone who had spent years feeling undeserving. What followed was beautiful. I received guidance, encouragement, and resources that have helped me flourish.
This taught me that finding my higher self is about taking one brave step at a time. Each choice to believe in myself builds a life far greater than the one fear offered me.
-TB
