On my journey through life, nothing could have prepared me for some of the challenges I would face. My younger years were spent with such an innocent view of the world. I wanted to grow up so fast and enjoy everything I could; there was so much to see and do! My mother’s words still ring in my ear: “One day you will understand when it happens to you. » I can't say that I woke up one morning feeling wise. My wisdom has been gained through a combination of many different experiences, achievements and failures. The thing that stands out the most in my childhood memories is that I never wanted material things. My parents divorced when I was ten. Mom remarried soon after to a prominent doctor in the community and life changed forever from that point on. I was often told that I was spoiled because I had things that my friends didn't have. The ironic thing is that looking back on the situation, I didn't feel spoiled. In fact, I felt quite the opposite. I wanted what my friends seemed to have; time with their parents. I may not have wanted material things, but I craved the family interaction that everyone else seemed to have. It wasn't unusual for my mother to hand me a few hundred dollars while she went on vacation with my stepfather. My friends all thought it was great. All I could think about was how much I would have given anything to just have a family vacation. It was from there that I realized my first realization: “money cannot buy love”. Entering my teenage years was a very difficult time in my life. Mom was busy with her life and trying to please her husband while I sat in silence, feeling empty and lost. Shortly after my 11th birthday, I was a victim of childhood sexual abuse. Looking back on this period of my life, I realize what an easy target I was. I had such a deep need to please others and feel wanted. The only happy part of this trauma is that it didn't last long.