I learned the most from my life experiences, not from my going to school. I consider my highest achievement to having recovered from homelessness and not choosing to be a prostitute although at the time I could have been one since I ran out of money. I was a stripper at a bar for a while until some other person stole my tips that I left in my purse. Stupid me, I did not know that others could be so vile and mean. I learned a lot from this experience though. I met some pimps and drug dealers and quickly learned that kind of life is not for me. So, I got help and called my family then went back home. I was non-compliant at the time. I never forgot the experience of sleeping on benches in front of a church at night because I could not pay for a motel and the shelter was full. I learned quickly the streets are cold and mean. But, I survived to tell my tale of woe and desperation. I am mentally ill and realized if I don't change, then my life will always be in the gutter. Nobody really bothered me except strange men who kept trying to sleep with me. I don't know how I managed to stay clean and away from getting involved with men although I was a stripper for a short while. I took showers at the shelter and got fed once a day by the Rescue Mission. I met some unsavory people and a lot of other mentally ill people. It made me sad. But, I got away from it since my family took me back. I was lucky since my mother wanted me back, not my father. So, life is harsh at times. I will continue this later since I have to teach again.