Video and interviews by UNR Student Carrie Farley
Jesse F. is a survivor of domestic abuse, drugs, alcohol addiction, the foster care system and occasional homelessness. A proud single mother, she is now back on her feet, working, at school, and giving back to the Reno/Sparks community.
Jesse F. gets emotional when she thinks about her past, and considers herself blessed to be where she is today.
On Her Present and Future: "I'm going to be a social worker. Realistically with the things that I've been through, the things I've done in my life, I should not be where I am today. I have a car, I have a home, I have a job, I'm in school. I'm a single mother to a beautiful two-year-old and I shouldn't have any of it.
Breaking the cycle: Jesse is a great mother, who is creating a safe space for her child, breaking the cycle of domestic abuse which was prevalent in her family growing up.
Why She Wants To Help Others: "Now, I want to help people just like me because it was very, very dark and very hard for me to be where I'm at now. Unfortunately, not a lot of people can say the same thing that I can, and now with what I am doing, I can help."
Watch Jesse's video profile below.
Video by Carrie Farley for the Reynolds School of Journalism at UNR.
A Special Place: Jesse F. has a favorite rock along the Truckee river, where she used to sleep sometimes, and likes to think about her life.
Her Favorite Place: "This rock is really special to me. Not only have I slept here quite a few times, I have made some of the most life-changing decisions right here. I decided to stop drinking here. I decided that I should focus on school. I decided I should finally call the police on my parents. And it all took place right here."