Surviving, Thriving, and Dreaming Again: The Next Chapter
Paige Cardin
2024 Future Alumni Essay Contest Winner
Ever since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of working with animals, constantly going back and forth about pursuing a career in the veterinary field. Everyone thought I would grow out of it, as it had been my dream since third grade. Growing up in Nashua, New Hampshire, I always knew I wanted to do something meaningful. But life, as it does for everyone, hit me hard, and I found myself in an abusive relationship. Being sexually and physically abused isn’t something one can simply cope with and walk away from. For two years, this abuse continued, and life no longer seemed to have much meaning. During those two years, I often contemplated taking my own life to escape the pain and save the little girl inside me who was dying with each second the abuse continued.
I lost everything and everyone close to me during that time, which led me to make a final decision. In a last effort to hold onto hope and escape, I decided to leave home and move to Charleston, South Carolina, in hopes of starting fresh.
However, a month before my planned move, I was involved in a brutal accident that tore open my leg, requiring over 30 stitches. I spent my first few weeks in Charleston on crutches, seeing new doctors in a new place every week. I thought this was a sign to give up, especially since my family has never been financially stable, and attending college seemed like an impossible goal. But I was determined to build a better life for myself. I took out over $70,000 in loans to attend the College of Charleston, hoping it would be my chance to turn things around.
Eventually, my leg began to heal, but financially, I was running out of loan money. During my junior year, I was faced with the difficult decision of returning home to Nashua, a place filled with painful memories, because I couldn’t afford to finish my degree.
That’s when I found Trident Technical College, and it changed everything. It gave me a second chance to complete my education without drowning in debt. Throughout my time in Charleston, I grew and thrived in ways I never thought possible. My mindset shifted, and my determination and perseverance became stronger than ever. Many doubted me, but with each step forward, my aspirations and dreams came closer to becoming reality. I am now continuing my studies in Business Administration with a minor in Biology, pursuing my dream of working with animals in veterinary pharmaceuticals, and finally making a difference.
One of the greatest challenges I faced during my time at Trident was balancing my mental health with my academic responsibilities. The trauma I endured made it difficult to focus, but the support of my professors and classmates kept me going. I remember opening up to one of my professors about my struggles, and they encouraged me to push forward, reminding me that my future was worth fighting for. That belief in myself, combined with their support, helped me overcome the toughest days. I learned that I was stronger than I ever imagined, and that determination has carried me through.
Today, I am interning at a veterinary clinic, which has brought me one step closer to my dream. Instead of my story ending when I thought all hope was lost, I am now writing the next chapter of my life. Thanks to Trident Technical College, I have the opportunity to complete my education, build a future in veterinary pharmaceutical sales, and create the life I’ve always envisioned.
To me, success isn’t just about a degree or a job title—it’s about resilience, growth, and the ability to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. Trident has helped me not only achieve my academic goals but also regain the confidence to believe in my future. Remember, the stories in your past don’t define you, but they encourage you to turn the next page and move forward.