I grew up in Connecticut and moved to the Boston area in 1994 to go to school at Tufts University. I left Tufts during my junior year in 1996 due to experiencing emotional distress and extreme states. I returned and graduated in 2004 with a degree in philosophy. Due to a lot of work on my recovery that continues on a daily basis, I have a full and satisfying life today. I continue to experience emotional distress and extreme states at times but they are less frequent, less intense and last for less time. I also continue to experience personal growth through my recovery, as well.I enjoy many pursuits including skateboarding, snowboarding, hiking, reading, writing, connecting with friends and family and watching basketball. I have been working as a peer specialist for about ten years and feel grateful to have a challenging and fulfilling job. I am also pursuing a recovery coach certification.Life can still be difficult and painful at times. I seek to overcome the challenges of life as I reach out for support, use coping skills, engage in prayer, meditation, spiritual reading and practicing spiritual principles. Maybe most importantly, I try to put one foot in front of the other, doing the next right thing regardless of how I feel. As I continue to try to do my best each day, I see life working out and becoming more beautiful.