I appreciate the sacrifices my mother and my grandmother made in their lives that I was able to benefit from.

I know God is with me. I have been a volunteer with NAMI for almost ten years. I just appreciate all of the staff members there. I got so much help from peers and also over the years I enjoyed added perks of being a member of the organization. The people at NAMI are so helpful and nice too. I have been trying to think more about my parents. I know they made certain sacrifices for me that made it possible for me to enjoy the life I enjoy. I want to try to do things for my mother, my grandmother and also my stepfather that helped my mother raise me. I never thought of myself as a role model but I know I have influence and I care enough about my peers with a mental illness to think of them as well. I want to be a helpful person who tries to help someone else out. I think the best way to try to get your foot in the door of employment is volunteer work. I’ve enjoyed so many great perks since I became a member of NAMI and a NAMI Mercer NJ volunteer.