Navigating grad school or a full time job with a newborn

Celeste G.

I was working on first a Masters, and then a Doctorate in mathematics when my first two daughters were born. Then when I got my first full time job, I gave birth to my son shortly afterwards. I only took a week to recover from labor with each of my daughters so that I didn’t get behind on my grad school classes. I also wasn’t willing to sacrifice my ability to breastfeed my little ones, so I either met up with my husband in between classes to feed my babies, or I learned to pump while at work. I understand the exhaustion that comes with having newborns and still working hard every day. Because of sleepless nights getting up to take care of a crying child, I fell asleep in class a few times, but I learned to lean on other people to help support me through this difficult time. I also learned a lot of tricks for working with a baby in my arms or in a seat nearby. My kids are all older now, my youngest is 5 years old, but I have a thriving career.

Managing anxiety and raising kids with ADHD and Autism

Alicia F.

I’m a divorced mother of five, currently raising my children with my partner. I live with anxiety, depression, and a major heart condition, which makes daily life both rewarding and challenging. My family also includes a child diagnosed with ADHD and several others who show signs of ADHD and Autism, making parenting an ongoing learning process. I’ve been through the tough experiences of infertility, pregnancy, and being a NICU mom, and I’ve learned to navigate the complexities of both single and co-parenting. My past includes being married to someone struggling with addiction and alcoholism, which further shaped my understanding of the importance of emotional resilience. Professionally, I work in the Emergency Services for Mental Health, and I’m also going back to school to finish my degree. My partner and I are building a homestead together, and though I consider myself a bit of a hippie at heart, I’m incredibly passionate about being helpful, whether that’s through hobbies like knitting, crocheting, or storytelling. Life is never simple, but I’ve learned that with the right mindset and tools, even the toughest challenges can be faced with grace and growth.

When your career doesn't go your way

Ambika M.

Leaving graduate school early, job loss, poor fits - all traumas I've had to navigate through. Whatever nebulous point represented my dream career now has a circuitous route to get there. Add to that the mental toll that professional, financial, and social shifts take on our well-being, especially when we don't learn "corporate speak" in school! I'd love to share ways that I've handled these setbacks - such as becoming a content creator - as well as practical ideas for job seeking. As important as our careers are, they don't represent our entire identity.

Boundaries, balance, and belonging

Anjelika marin A.

Some days you're handling responsibilities like a pro, and other days you're crying into a burrito wondering if everyone else got the secret handbook for adulthood. (Spoiler: they didn’t.) Whether you're navigating school, work, hormones that forgot how to chill, or trying to set boundaries without sounding like a villain, I’ve been there. I’ve felt the weight of imposter syndrome whispering, “You’re not enough,” even while doing the absolute most. I’ve worked jobs where boundaries were more like suggestions and gone through life transitions that made me question everything including my ability to keep a houseplant alive. Through all of that, I learned something important: healing isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about having a safe space to be real. This a no-judgment, come-as-you-are kind of space where you can talk about the hard stuff, the awkward stuff, the “is it just me?” stuff and realize it’s definitely not just you. Let’s talk for real and probably laugh a little.

Being a student in recovery from marijuana use

Ayanna N.

Hi, I’m Ayanna. I started using marijuana when I was young to cope with stress and anxiety, especially during the pressures of school and my parents' divorce. It quickly became a way for me to escape my emotions, and over time, it took control of my life. I relied on it for years, and it wasn’t until I had a scare that made me realize how much it had consumed me that I made the decision to get sober. I’ve been sober from marijuana since January 2023, and as a grad student, I’ve had to figure out how to manage academic stress without turning to substances. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to lean on therapy, my support system, and healthy coping strategies to stay on track. I want others to know that recovery is possible, and you don’t have to let substances control your life. I’m here to offer support, listen, and share advice on how to stay sober while pursuing your goals.

Being a student in recovery from marijuana use

Ayanna N.

Hi, I’m Ayanna. I started using marijuana when I was young to cope with stress and anxiety, especially during the pressures of school and my parents' divorce. It quickly became a way for me to escape my emotions, and over time, it took control of my life. I relied on it for years, and it wasn’t until I had a scare that made me realize how much it had consumed me that I made the decision to get sober. I’ve been sober from marijuana since January 2023, and as a grad student, I’ve had to figure out how to manage academic stress without turning to substances. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to lean on therapy, my support system, and healthy coping strategies to stay on track. I want others to know that recovery is possible, and you don’t have to let substances control your life. I’m here to offer support, listen, and share advice on how to stay sober while pursuing your goals.

Getting sober after your marriage ended because of addiction

Benjamin H.

I’ve struggled with substances most of my life. It started with a prescription for Adderall when I was a kid, then escalated through high school and college—marijuana, cocaine, opiates. I got married and tried to pull things together, but the truth is, I developed an addiction to opiates during that time. Toward the end of our 11-year marriage, my wife confronted me about it. I wasn’t willing to stop, and that choice ultimately ended the relationship. That loss forced me to take a hard look at my life. I checked myself into detox and rehab, and something finally shifted. After a brutal first month of withdrawal, I felt clear for the first time in years. I started using therapy seriously, leaned on the people who believed in me, and began rebuilding. Now I’m back in school, working toward a counseling license so I can support others who are walking a similar path. If you’re sitting with the grief and guilt of losing someone because of your addiction, I’ve been there—and I’d be glad to talk with you.

Starting over after finding freedom from addiction

Bridgette D.

In 2007, I walked into a year-long drug and alcohol treatment center, not knowing what my future would hold. I had spent years lost in addiction, with methamphetamine pulling me into some of the darkest moments of my life. My path to that treatment center wasn’t easy—I had started using drugs and alcohol at just 13, growing up in a home where addiction was a part of daily life. By my twenties and thirties, addiction had taken full control, leading to legal troubles and, ultimately, jail. That year in treatment was a turning point. It gave me not just sobriety, but clarity. I learned that addiction wasn’t my identity, and my past didn’t have to define me. I found strength in recovery and, for the first time, truly believed that a different life was possible. That belief pushed me forward. I went to college at 43, became a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, and have spent the past eight years helping others find their own path to healing. I know what it feels like to believe there’s no way out. I know the fear of starting over. And I also know that recovery is real. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or struggling with staying on track, I’d love to walk alongside you and remind you that there’s hope, healing, and a future beyond addiction.

The good and the bad of homeschooling.

Christine E.

I began the journey of a homeschool Mom in 2006 when my son started Kindergarten. Then the journey became a little more challenging when my daughter started Kindergarten in 2009. This journey would take us to 2019 when my son graduated and then later in 2022 when my daughter graduated. Homeschooling was rewarding because I got to be part of my children's education but it was also difficult when it came to the high school years. By the time my daughter graduated, I was burnt out. I was also sad because a big part of my life came to an end.

Single parenting while raising a child with special needs

Diahanne L.

When my son was young, I noticed his speech was delayed, which led me into the overwhelming world of speech therapy, evaluations, and eventually an ADHD diagnosis. Navigating the IEP process for the first time was intimidating—I didn’t know what to expect, and those meetings often left me feeling like I was fighting for my child to be seen for his strengths instead of just his struggles. At the same time, I was managing a divorce, becoming a single parent of two, and trying to balance work, home life, and caregiving responsibilities. There were days I felt stretched thinner than I thought possible. Over time, I found support through therapy, parenting groups, and leaning on my close circle of family and friends. I learned how to advocate fiercely for my kids while also giving myself grace when things felt hard. I know how lonely and exhausting it can feel, and I’m here to listen, encourage, and share what helped me move forward.

Navigating family dynamics and finding your voice

Dion P.

I grew up in a world where I had to figure out my place early. My mom had me at 15, and my grandmother raised me with love and resilience. As I got older, I realized that building healthy relationships with my parents and extended family meant learning how to set boundaries and communicate my needs — even when it was uncomfortable. Being the first in my family to go to college, I carried the weight of expectations and sometimes the sting of judgment. Through studying psychology, working with my own therapist, and stepping into leadership roles, I learned how to build a support system and honor my own growth. As a Black man in America, I know the importance of finding your voice and believing you belong in every room you step into. Today, as a life coach, I help others navigate tough family conversations, set boundaries, and build a life they can be proud of — because everyone deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported.

First-gen college success: navigating your path with confidence

Gabe V.

As a first-generation college student who completed both undergrad and master’s programs, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate higher education without a roadmap. I’m here to help you build the skills and mindset to stay organized, make smart decisions, and overcome challenges unique to your journey. Together, we’ll focus on strategies that support your academic success and personal growth, helping you feel confident every step of the way.

Rebuilding your career and reskilling after getting sober

Holley B.

Sobriety truly gave me a second chance at life — but it also meant starting over in ways I never expected. After years of fight or flight, freeze, survival mode, and trauma my confidence was shattered. My work history was full of gaps, or roles I had outgrown. I wasn’t sure where I fit anymore — or if anyone would give me a chance. But I decided I was worth investing in. I explored new paths, took classes, asked questions, and learned how to talk about my past with strength instead of shame. I focused on reskilling — not just professionally, but emotionally and mentally, too. Every step I took helped rebuild the belief that I could contribute, succeed, and even thrive. Whether you’re restarting a career, going back to school, or dreaming about something totally new — I get it. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. I’d love to help you explore what’s next and show you that sobriety is not the end of your potential — it’s the beginning.

Overcoming traumas and learning to live again

Katrina N.

I am a 38 yr. old, INFJ, single mother of a precocious POC 3 yr. old daughter. My fiancée is a trans man, who is my 1st healthy relationship at 37 yrs old. I specialize in trauma! From being human trafficked to childhood rape, rape by my child's father and even having a BF threaten me with a revolver. You have a choice to let life continue to make a victim of you or keep living and learning. I chose the latter despite becoming disabled with a painful nerve condition at 22. It left me feeling altogether useless and unworthy of even basic respect. These feelings, paired with my conservative upbringing, allowed unscrupulous men to take advantage of me time and again. My condition slowly stole my mobility and health but I still had a mind and I used it! in 2025 I got my LASS degree. It's never too late to go back to school. To discover hobbies and passions, and to even stand up for others. I can be pessimistic, but I never stop trying. That's the key to life.

Returning to the world of academia as an older adult

Katrina N.

After leaving my ex, I quickly realized that creating a good life for my infant daughter depended solely on me. A minimum wage job simply wouldn't suffice, but given my severe disabilities, working outside the home was not an option. This left me exploring remote work opportunities, most of which required degrees or involved cold calling—something I knew I could never manage again for my mental health. That’s when I decided to return to school. A year later, I proudly became the first in my father's family to graduate from college. I’ve even been accepted into the online sociology program at UC Chico. The process of securing funding and completing applications was daunting, but with determination and a bit of support, I made it happen. If I can overcome these obstacles, so can you!

The loss of a sibling

Kristen C.

My sister battled opioids. Prior to this, we were very close. I offered her support and a place to live. Lies upon lies built up. I went to NA meetings with her, tried to hold her hand through it all. It did not work. She was my best friend. She had a magnetic personality and a joyful soul. This all came crashing down when she started using. She lost her life in 2020. I feel she said goodbye to me. At the time right before and during her passing I was reminiscing and looking at photos of her and I together. I have since been able to reconnect with her spiritually.

Advocating for your or your child’s educational needs

Lauren B.

Whether you're a parent or a student yourself, I can be there to support you. I've advocated for students' needs not only in my role as a special educator, but also in helping parents prep for IEP/ARD meetings, students self-advocate as minors and adults, and in my own child's life with a 504 plan. I didn't receive services myself growing up because my learning disability wasn't recognized, and I hate to see that happen to others. I know how to identify student needs and goals and communicate those needs to school staff.

Healing after a long-term toxic relationship

Laurinda V.

I spent 26 years in a physically and emotionally abusive marriage, only to discover near the end that my husband had been having affairs with men. The betrayal was devastating, but the pain had started long before that—years of feeling invisible, unappreciated, and stuck. After the divorce, I found myself starting over as a single mom with CPTSD, anxiety, and financial instability. It was hard. But I slowly began rebuilding, piece by piece. I went back to school as an adult, eventually earning two master’s degrees, and now work as a school counselor supporting kids and families. I’ve also helped others navigate their own divorces, emotional recovery, and co-parenting journeys. Healing wasn’t quick or easy, but I’ve learned that even after decades of feeling broken, it’s still possible to rediscover your worth and create a life full of purpose and peace. You are not too far gone, and it’s never too late to begin again.

Raising a child as a single teen parent

Lyndsie B.

I had my son when I was 17 years old, still a junior in high school, and it changed my life completely. Balancing school, work, and a newborn was overwhelming at times, but I was determined to create a better life for both of us. With help from friends and family, a lot of long nights, and even longer days, I managed to graduate, go to college, and eventually earn a Master’s degree. It wasn't easy. There were moments I felt like I was failing, moments I missed milestones, and moments I didn’t know if I could keep going. But through it all, I built a beautiful relationship with my son, who is now an amazing young man. Being a single teen parent forced me to grow up fast, but it also gave me incredible resilience, compassion, and strength that I carry with me today. I understand the loneliness, the fear, and the pure determination it takes to parent young and alone. I'd love to support others who are navigating this tough, beautiful journey.

Navigating sobriety after a high-energy lifestyle

Maan W.

In my 20s, I was living the fast life in NYC, working in the nightlife industry, partying, and using substances like MDMA to keep up with the pace. The crashes, both physical and emotional, were brutal, and eventually, I realized I couldn’t keep living that way. In my 30s, I made the choice to get sober, which meant walking away from the lifestyle I’d known for years. It wasn’t easy there were moments of loneliness and self-doubt ,but over time, I found strength in creating a new path for myself. Sobriety allowed me to reconnect with who I really am and pursue meaningful goals. Today, I’m in grad school, working toward my counseling degree, and I’m passionate about helping others who’ve struggled like I did. I know firsthand the challenges of breaking free from old habits, and I’d love to help others navigate their own journey to sobriety.