This is my cousin, Makenzi. We have been best friends since we were born. I was recently honored to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. Our friendship is so much more than that, though. She has been with me through all the good times and the bad. She is always there for me, and I am beyond grateful for her.

I am a first-generation college graduate. It was one of the most significant accomplishments I have ever achieved when I graduated undergrad.

I was the first in my family to go to college and successfully graduate!

Growing up, I always felt I needed to fit in. It wasn't until adolescence that I learned I can be myself.

I have always struggled with body image. Growing up, I was almost constantly told that I needed to lose weight. This image caused me to spiral in a negative direction. I thought I looked huge, when in reality, it is a beautiful picture of me.

This was me when I was born. I weighed 1 pound and 12 oz. My birthday is May 29, 1999, and I should have been born in September 1999.

This is me, my half-sister, and my Aunt Danielle. Although the photo is blurry, I had a huge scratch under my left eye. This scratch was caused by a bike falling on me, due to parental neglect.

I used to be terrified of roller coasters. It was a fear of mine that I would fall off. This is progress!

This is my mom, Kimberly!

Growing up, we had little to no money. My mom worked hard to keep up afloat, but there were many nights when I went to bed without dinner.

This was my 21st birthday party! Although it was fun, I relied heavily on alcohol to make the party feel like "fun." After I turned 21, I felt that alcohol had to be involved in all events in order to have fun.

This is me, my partner, and our dog Zeppelin! We stay active as much as our schedules allow to promote wellness in ourselves and our relationships. This photo was taken in the Great Smokey Mountains.

This is my Aunt Alayna! She was a huge influence in my life, when I wasn't allowed to talk to my mom.

Me and my Aunt Kisty.

Kisty unfortunately passed away in 2013 due to an overdose. When I was younger, I spent much of my time with her. Her death was tough on me.

I have always battled my anxiety. This directly affected my behavior when I was younger. I chose not to hang out with friends outside of school and kept to myself mostly.

Brandi is one of the most influential, supportive people in my life. I have learned so much through her guidance and am so thankful for her. She has taught me what it means to be a counselor and stand up for myself.

My dad and I's relationship has always been strange. Although we love each other, we can go weeks without talking. I talk to my sister maybe four times a year.

I want to be a licensed professional counselor! I have always felt it was my calling to help others.