Service Array:
Individual Skill Development and Enhancement
A little bit about me: I am almost done finishing college at UW-Milwaukee and living life to the fullest I can within my circumstances as a happy, healthy transgender person. I’m fortunate to be in a fulfilling relationship with my partner and we live together with our cat. I enjoy biking, cooking, spending time with my favorite people, and making art such as sculptures and jewelry. While I still face challenges like chronic pain, seasonal depression, and the stresses of life in general, I have cultivated goals and a worthwhile life that inspires me to keep moving forward—things that once seemed out of reach during my darkest times.
I often joke that I chose to go to school for art because I’m a transgender felon, the punchline being that no one would hire me for a “normal” job anyway. That honestly hasn’t been proven to be true, and I have been able to do a lot more than I ever expected. I’ve navigated significant hurdles, including mental health problems, a near-fatal suicide attempt, substance abuse, criminal charges, and the complexities of life as a queer and transgender individual. When I was younger I had no hope for my future and did not plan to go to college, but I decided to when I was 20 to improve my life after COVID shut down my serving job. With years of therapy, supportive friendships, and a community of people that encouraged self-determination, I’ve become empowered and motivated to keep moving forward. I’ve built a routine that works for me, and I’m surrounded by friends, active, and doing what I like.
I am glad I got hired to do this job because at C.C. WE ADAPT, we believe in empowering individuals by standing beside them and using our lived experiences to help others rise from difficult circumstances. This mission resonates deeply with me, as I’ve been in super dark times myself and understand the power of connection, support, and resilience.