“I am my own hero!”
My name is Bahijah Abrahams, and I am 19 years old. At just four days old, I entered foster care, leaving behind a biological family mired in chaos, their lives overshadowed by the harsh realities of drugs and violence. My mother, entrenched in a life of crime, even contemplated selling me. Yet, against all odds, I was spared that fate and welcomed into a loving foster family that cared for me deeply.
As I grew, I faced horrors no child should endure. From ages eight to sixteen, I suffered abuse at the hands of a cousin. Those memories felt like buried secrets – locked away yet echoing within me. I often reflect on what Marlene, my counsellor at Life Choices, says: “You may not remember what happened to you, but your cells do.” And it’s true. Despite the love from my foster family, the scars from my past were constant reminders of where I came from.
My teenage years were marked by turmoil, filled with extreme emotional highs and lows. I battled self-destructive thoughts and reached a breaking point that led to hospitalisation, leaving me shaken. In the psychiatric ward, I witnessed the heartbreaking realities of mental health care – other kids stripped of their dignity, chained to beds, their cries reverberating in sterile halls. It was terrifying, but it ignited a fierce determination within me. I vowed to never return to that dark place – I was going to take control of my life.
“I’m my own hero,” I declared one day, and I meant it. I channelled my pain into purpose. By grade nine, though still a child, I began to grasp the power of resilience. I focus on my younger siblings, especially my 17-year-old sister. I refuse to let her fall into the same cycle of dysfunction that entangled our family. “You have so much potential,” I tell her. “You can break free from this!”
In my final year of high school, I discovered Life Choices. Initially, I thought it was just a place for pads and supplies, but I soon realised it was a community dedicated to helping people. That’s where I learned about Salesforce, and my world expanded. “I thought it was just call centre vibes,” I joked with friends, but I quickly became captivated by the world of business and data handling.
As I immersed myself in the Salesforce program, I began to flourish. The atmosphere buzzed with diverse personalities and ambitions, and for the first time, I felt like I truly belonged. “I love being myself here,” I told my new friends, and it was true. This space encourages me to express my authentic self, free from judgement. The business lessons I learned and the data handling skills I am learning are invaluable tools that I did not know would help turn my dreams into reality.
Determined to gain financial independence, I took on the challenge of working as a barista while studying. “Why wouldn’t I want to succeed?” I would laugh when explaining it to my mother. Each hour I worked brought me one step closer to a brighter future, proving that I could balance work and learning, and that my past doesn’t define my potential.
Through every challenge, I’ve grown stronger. My journey isn’t just about overcoming personal demons; it’s about breaking the cycle for my family. With every laugh I share and every word of encouragement I offer, I plant seeds of hope, nurturing those around me with my unwavering spirit.
Looking ahead, I’m filled with gratitude for where I am. I dream of opening my own café one day – a warm, welcoming space for people to gather and feel at home. The business acumen and data skills I’ve gained from Salesforce will be crucial in making that dream a reality. I’m manifesting my goals step by step, fueled by the belief that anything is possible.
My story is a testament to resilience and the power of hope. I refuse to be defined by my past. I stand tall and ready to embrace whatever comes next, fully aware that I am the architect of my own destiny. If I can rise above, so can you. Your story isn’t over; it’s just beginning. Hold on to your dreams and never stop believing in yourself. You have the strength to overcome anything.