Ida
Ida, mother of four, is a survivor of domestic violence. She begins her story here after her marriage in the late 1980s. In May 2010, Ida graduated from college with a degree in sociology. Congratulations, Ida!
Just as I thought my life could not get any better, my world became a nightmare. My husband became very abusive; emotionally at first, but then it began to escalate to physical abuse. And finally after months of abuse and denial...I found the strength within me to seek counseling and tell my neighbors. Seeing the love and support from my family and friends, I found the courage to end my marriage and began to re-focus and improve to be the best person that I could be.
While married, I was placed on disability due to surgery for a herniated disc. I was out of work for several years and by God’s grace, in 2001 was able to return to work full-time. During this period I was accepted by Habitat for Humanity and was able to build a home for youngest daughter and myself. Four years later I was once again placed on medical leave as a result of numerous health issues. Battling depression among other illnesses, I decided once again to re-focus on me and returned to school in the spring of 2008. It has been a wonderful yet, challenging experience. For some days I can not stand or walk without the support on my cane. Yet, I have managed to complete four years of college in two and a half (when life hands you lemons, make lemonade!). I have been inducted into Alpha Chi, The National Honor Society and I have also made the "Dean’s List" and am in the top ten percent of my class. I was elected President of our Student Government Association and I was inducted in to Alpha Kappa Delta - the International Honor Society of Sociology!
I have faced many obstacles in my life, yet I refuse to allow them to hinder me. One young mother of four said, "Look at Ms. Ida, the graduate, I want to be like you when I grow-up!" I just smiled and agreed, "me too."