Overcoming abuse and high controlled religion to make the world a better place by Maya

Overcoming abuse and high controlled religion to make the world a better place by Maya - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I was just 16 years old, I made the hardest and most defining decision of my life: I fled a high-control religious group that I had grown up in. It was a world filled with strict rules, abuse, and isolation…a world that didn’t support even my most basic needs. Leaving was terrifying, but it was also the first step toward reclaiming my life. With no roadmap, little support, and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability, I set out to create a new path. It was this journey that shaped my unwavering commitment to fighting for others who are vulnerable, marginalized, or in need.

Shortly after leaving, I started a nonprofit organization while also working full-time. It wasn’t an easy decision or an easy path, but it felt necessary. The nonprofit I started became a way to channel the pain I had experienced into something meaningful. I vowed to always use my voice, my time, and my energy to make a difference for others. Every decision I made from that point forward was rooted in my commitment to service and the belief that no one should ever feel as alone, unsupported, or powerless as I had.

The work has been fulfilling, but it’s also been deeply challenging. Running a nonprofit while holding down a full-time job means long hours, financial sacrifices, and little room for anything else. I don’t make much money because so much of my time and resources go directly toward serving others. But I’ve never regretted this choice. It’s who I am. It’s what drives me.

Still, as much as I’ve poured into my work, I’ve reached a point where I realize that education is the next step I need to take…not just for myself, but for the people I serve. I’ve spent my life dedicated to service, but I know that expanding my knowledge, sharpening my skills, and earning a degree will allow me to have an even greater impact in my community. Education is the foundation that will help me grow both personally and professionally to serve. It’s an investment not only in my future but in the future of the community I’ve worked so hard to uplift.

The thing is, though, that pursuing higher education feels like a daunting goal for someone like me. Without the financial resources to pay for college, it’s hard to imagine stepping away from the work that sustains me to focus fully on my studies. Yet, I know that this sacrifice is necessary. I’ve spent years putting my community first, fighting for the most vulnerable and I believe it’s time to put my education first so that I can continue that fight on an even larger scale.

When I look back at the life I’ve lived so far, I see a clear thread connecting every decision I’ve made. It’s the vow I took as a teenager to always stand up for people in need, no matter the cost. That vow has led me to incredible places and to stories of lives changed, to moments where I’ve been able to help someone when they needed it most. It’s also led me here, to a place where I’m asking for support to continue this work. For so long, I’ve been the one extending a hand to others. Now, I’m asking for that hand in return.

I’ve spent my life dedicated to service, and I have no plans to stop. My dream is to continue advocating for those who are vulnerable and to ensure that no one has to face the kind of isolation and fear I once did. With a college education, I’ll be better equipped to fulfill that dream. I’ve already proven that I can create change with limited resources; now, I’m ready to see what’s possible with the right tools and support. Thank you for helping me take this next step toward a future rooted in service, justice, and hope.