Vandy's Story

Struggle, hardship, and failure. Is there a thread weaving through each that connects the pain to something greater? I believe there is. Given to those fortunate enough to overcome such friction and doubt, perspective. I was fifteen years old, the first and not the last time the court intervened. I had nearly lost my life rolling a car through the woods in the middle of the night.

Decisions were made for me as mine had fallen short. Selfishness, combined with a nearsighted
vision, led me to the courtroom. The community service, mandatory meetings, and restrictions
on my freedom were all attempts at restructuring a pattern. Did I see the light? No, certainly not,
and would not for another few tough years.

Hospital beds and holding cells; all too often, I found myself in these places. When I was just a child, substance abuse spoke for me. The hallmark of my addiction was self-doubt and frustration. Where would I get my next fix? How far would I go to get it, and when would this ever end? The fear I felt was unruly. The helplessness I experienced as an adolescent going through puberty and addiction was unlike anything easily described. I was confused, lost, and had no faith in myself. I recall times in juvenile detention when I would finally sober up and reflect with other young men lost on their journey. Somehow, I always found myself encouraging them. I would create games to play with our socks and remind them everything would be alright; this was just a stumble. Who knows if I even believed that myself?

On June 1st, 2014, I had
enough. I wanted more out of life.

The change I made at eighteen was due in no small part to the help of others. Wilderness therapy and peer-based treatment were at the heart of my intervention. It must be noted, these institutions alone are the framework; it is the people that make them what they are. Through the help of others I began believing in myself. Inside me was a wellspring of dignity and grit. This newfound freedom and autonomy granted by sobriety brought a deep curiosity, leading to college. As a freshman, I simultaneously worked at an adult treatment center and halfway house. Though I was young, my experience awarded me the job as a mentor at this facility. I coached men (often my senior) on decisions in their lives. Since then, I have worked with fathers in the court system, at-risk youth, anger-inclined, and developmentally challenged, to name just a few.

Regardless of circumstance, I remind people that things will get better one honest decision at a time. The crux of my efficacy in client relations has come from a place of lived experience, one good decision after the next. So too can others arrive at a similar point of self-reliance.

My checkered history has become a source of pride and deep perspective. I genuinely believe my past to be a strength. My focus on empowerment alongside a fascination with morality and ethics philosophy, inspired me to study law, where the fields are seamlessly fused.

Today I am excelling in law school. What’s more, this summer I will be interning with a federal judge, where I will have the opportunity to thoughtfully review complex, novel issues as they develop in our common law society. What are the odds? Slim. These odds would likely have slimmed down to near zero if not for the people and programs that I can say with confidence saved my life.

Today, I am excited for tomorrow.