I’m 16 years old. I’m pretty outgoing and creative, with a strong personality. I’m not afraid to speak up, and I try to stay kind and positive most of the time. I don’t like negativity. I’m smart, independent, and strong, especially mentally.
I’ve been sober for two years now, and I’m really proud of that. My support system, my family, and especially Jen helped me get here. Changing my surroundings made a big difference. So did finding outlets—like art, writing, and music. I used to play guitar, but now I mostly draw animals and scenery. I do a lot of crafts, like clay, and I write poems—usually about my emotions. Writing is an outlet for me. Music is a huge part of my life too—it grounds me. My favorite artist is Lil Uzi Vert.
I also love being outside—sunsets, sunrises, mountains, the beach. I like thinking about the person I want to become. I use a lot of coping mechanisms now, like listening to music, saying positive affirmations, and taking time to reflect. I try to envision the version of myself I’m working toward and make sure I’m actually taking the steps to get there.
When I was 11, I started using—there wasn’t one specific thing, it was just whatever I came into contact with. Addiction runs deep in my family, and I definitely struggled with that. I went to rehab for the first time when I was 12, but my time there got cut short because of insurance. I didn’t get the full help I needed, and when I came out, I didn’t stay sober.
My mom was determined to help me find the right support, and that’s when I met Jen. At first, I kept my distance. I didn’t want to let her in. I had walls built up, and I didn’t want help from anyone. But somewhere between that first rehab and my second, Jen and I grew really close. I’m not good with therapy—I don’t like talking to people I don’t know because it feels fake. But Jen has been different. She’s like a therapist and a friend all in one. She listens. She cares. And even when I feel like I don’t need an answer, she’s just there.
Four years ago, I didn’t like the person I was. I had so much anger, and I was mean. People didn’t want to be around me. But all that anger has been replaced with love, compassion, and grace. I feel like believing in yourself and knowing you can get through anything is a huge part of healing. I didn’t want to believe that at first. I didn’t want to change. But healing really starts when you decide you want to get better—and then you take the steps to make it happen.
Now, I feel heard, when a lot of people probably feel like no one understands them. That’s what Jen is here for.
Today, I have my learner’s permit. It’s kind of terrifying, but exciting too. I live with my boyfriend and my parents right now, but I want to finish high school, go to college, get a real job, move out with him, get a house and a dog. He wants a Frenchie, but I want a lab.
I plan on going into psychiatry and being a therapist or something like that. My journey and the feeling of wanting to help people made me interested in psychiatry. I just feel like it’d be a good position for me because I’ve been through it. But if I could do anything, I would work at NASA. It’s been my dream since I was little.
I’m still figuring things out, but I feel like I’ve come a long way.
—Izzy
