I graduated college during the pandemic, which means right when my life would've gotten started, the entire world was put on hold. I moved back home in March 2020, and I've been here ever since. At first, I was too emotionally immature to take the action steps toward an independent adult life, such as career planning, networking, applying to internships, etc. I had suffered a loss in 2019 and was diagnosed with depression in 2021, so it's safe to say my mind, body, and spirit was not a conducive environment for a breakthrough. Things got dark in the fall of that same year; I hit rock bottom and decided to get my life together. Cold turkey, I kicked the substances, started exercising regularly, and even went to therapy. While I'm still in my hometown and living with my parents, now, I pay rent, work multiple jobs, and save up for the bright future ahead. I let go of the victim story that the pandemic ruined my life and redefined adulthood in a way that works for me.