Your Dreams Still Matter

After trauma, it can feel like our dreams are lost, our self esteem is broken, and our mental health is beyond repair. But sometimes, these difficult moments help us discover new goals, careers, and dreams we never imagined. I remember as a teenager, I promised myself that once the abuse ended, I would “set myself free” or “find my true happiness.” In reality, even while the abuse was happening, the trauma was shaping me into the person I would become, guiding me toward the career I wanted. Being a student at BYU Pathways has taught me a lot about my mental health, my abilities, and the dreams and opportunities I never thought were possible when I was younger.

Sometimes we set our dreams aside because we don’t feel good enough, but it’s our imperfections that can change our lives. They help us see our true strengths and what we can really achieve. Only you can choose to move forward. According to a 2026 article by the Guard, 42% of women who are sexually assaulted experience depression and anxiety. For men, the number is 39%. This shows how our minds can turn against us, and the fears we carry become the challenges we must face.

I realized that setting small goals every day helped me. Eventually, I started making goals about my dreams and taking small steps to reach them. One of those dreams was to go back to school so I could help other victims. When I added this to my vision board, I immediately felt more confident and noticed my fears starting to fade, unlike the darkness of my childhood. We often think being a victim means we are broken, but in truth, it can become our purpose, and our journey is just beginning.