The beautiful memories of 3 years at Mary’s Guest House are what shaped me into the independent woman I am today. I used to feel broken and angry at myself for not being strong enough to stop what was happening to me. I lived in guilt for quite a long time but with the tremendous amount of support from the sisters and the volunteers, I was able to love myself again and tell myself that it was not my fault. Healing is a long journey, but I was never afraid because surrounding me is love from Sr. Judy, Sr. Christina, Sr. Mary Jane, Sr. Trish, and Sr. Lucie. They gave me the strength to let go of the past and to believe in myself that I can achieve whatever I want in life despite the trauma I have been through.

L and Sr. Mary Jane during Mary's Guest House 2020 summer trip to Idyllwild.

I discovered my passion for drawing and gardening and learned more about myself during therapy sessions with Vanessa. The sisters helped me go back to college to fulfill my education. I graduated in June 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology Science from the University of California San Diego and planning to become a physician assistant in the near future. I’m proud of myself and know for sure that I’m not very far from where I want to be in life. My heart is full of gratitude for Mary’s Guest House for continuously being there for me every step of the way and I hope to continue their legacy in helping more victims of human trafficking.
Here is one of my favorite inspiring quotes of all time:
                        “The longest journey starts with a single step, when you have an ambition that seems so high up, just look at it as just one step at a time, one day you’re going to look up from your feet and you will be at your destination” - Catriona Gray.