WHO AM I...A New Introduction

I am a daughter, a sister, an auntie; and a student.

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, I ordained you a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). This is my favorite scripture, because God knows everyone and everything before it happens.

In the past, I had a little setback, however, I do not let it define me. I am persistent, passionate, and excited about my work. I enjoy going to the movies, running, and painting pottery. I am more expressive, open-minded, and my moods are more stable. I welcome constructive criticism and I am very optimistic. I enjoy being around family and people in general, and I excel at challenges. I like the thrill of accomplishing my new dreams and goals.

I am explaining who I am because there are a lot of stereotypes about people with schizophrenia...They are lazy, they are not motivated, and they do not show emotion. However, I show a lot of emotion- I laugh, I cry, and get I upset at the appropriate times. They are violent, have split personality, and are manipulative. I am not an aggressive individual and never have been, I am not moody, and I am straightforward; not manipulative at all. I am just like everyone else, I make mistakes and have goals. In fact, I have a lot of goals, I plan on graduating from college, and working a full time job in public relations and marketing after school.

Additional stereotypes have the inaccurate belief that there is no hope for recovery, and that people with schizophrenia will always be in the hospital, this not true. I am living proof that recovery is possible. Now I am in the recovery stage; I take medication, get involved in group therapy, and work on a marketing internship.