Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Geneve Merida.
Hi Gabriela Geneve, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In order to understand my story, I must take you back to my past. After all, my experiences make me who I am today. I was born into a dysfunctional family, which was not easy to survive. I experienced multiple hardships, such as being raised by a single mother, having an incarcerated father, and experiencing neglect and substance use. That was normal to me because I didn’t know anything else. I was the definition of at-risk youth. As young as 14 years old, I had zero supervision. I experimented with drugs, stayed out all night, and was in and out of different schools during my high school education. I eventually dropped out completely. At 18 years old, I realized that my life was up to me and nobody else. I began gravitating toward motivational quotes and speakers. They were an inspiration and a light to me that was missing in my life. A day after my 18th birthday, I signed myself up for a continuation school that gave people like me a second chance. I recall meeting my counselor for the first time, and she told me I had zero high school credits. She looked at me with a face of no despair, and when I told her I planned to graduate in about nine months, she laughed. Approximately nine months later, I received a notice stating I had officially completed my credits for HS education. What my counselor didn’t see was that I was driven enough by my hardships that I saw my education as a way out of my current situation. I was committed. I was ready to break the cycle. I spent hours from morning to dawn working on completing my HS credits while still working a full-time job and struggling with my mental health.
Fast forward to 2016, I completed my AA degree at East Los Angeles Community College. I still remember taking the bus from K-town to East LA with my oldest sister, my biggest cheerleader. If you are reading this, Sara, thank you for believing in me. Once I realized I was capable, I picked up momentum that drove me to continue to pursue higher education. Eventually, I applied for my Bachelor’s degree in Pre-law and Philosophy because, at the time, I wanted to be a lawyer. What can I say? I enjoyed watching Law and Order. Can you blame me? I eventually dropped out of traditional school because I did not have the privilege of going to school without having to work. I switched to the weekend college program at Mount Saint Mary’s University. The weekend program was set up for professionals who worked full time. I attended classes from 8 am-8 pm on the weekend while working full-time. What gravitated me towards this school was that they believed in empowering young women like myself to feel they’re unstoppable. The mission sold me, and I wanted to be part of this amazing university because it provided me with the support I’ve yearned for so long. I changed my major to applied psychology. As I continued to educate myself and learn more, I realized that my story alone has the power to transform lives. By being an inspiration to young teen girls who feel like giving up. I have a gift for helping others, and I felt I had leverage due to my past. I knew what the textbooks were teaching me. Such as domestic violence, department of child and family services, substance use, dysfunctional families, and the aftereffect of trauma because I had experienced it first-hand. I believe that everything happens for a reason because I met one of the most influential people in my life at this school. I remember a professor whom I would spend hours after class just talking with her about her experience in the field of social work. This professor changed my life forever by encouraging me to apply to my dream school. As I contemplated submitting my application, she stated, “If you don’t apply, you automatically eliminate yourself.” That stuck with me, and as soon as I got home, I submitted my application.
Today, I am a proud Master’s level graduate from the University of Southern California class of 2020, one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. It is a dream come true. Upon graduation, I worked with youth on probation, giving them what most at-risk teens lack, which is support. I am humbled to say that I changed lives by actively listening and providing support and encouragement. Giving back to someone like myself was like looking in the mirror. It was one of the most gratifying experiences of my career.
As of September 2021, my husband and I moved to Dallas, Texas, which is a long way from home, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Moving to Dallas from Los Angeles has opened multiple doors for me, and it has shown me how strong of a woman I am. I recently landed my dream job at a psychiatric unit, and I love it. I get the opportunity to be there for people at their very lowest points to help them see that there is still hope. I’ve taken my work and extended it to my social media, where I share words of encouragement, reflection, kindness, self-worth, and my journey in the hope of inspiring people. I began microblogging on Instagram back in 2021. I was surprised how many people were reaching out, thanking me, or reflecting on what I had written in my posts. I was grateful to reach a bigger audience because I genuinely want to inspire and help people be their best selves. To honor and value themselves regardless of their past. I always say, “Your past does not determine where you go in life.” My presence on social media is to support people and show them that the sky’s the limit and to aim for the stars. The sole purpose is to create a better world for generations to come.
Mental health is not often discussed, and I want to be able to shake the ground and be part of the movement that is breaking the stigma. As of April 2022, I launched a mental health blog to continue to have conversations that surround mental health. Our mission is to support individuals of all walks of life on their journey to self-improvement to reach their full potential. We aim to contribute to the world one person at a time. We provide resources related to Mental health, Self-improvement, Relationships, and Professional growth. The journey will continue, and I am grateful for all that life has blessed me with on this path I’ve taken. Thank you for allowing me to share my story. I genuinely appreciate it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has never been a smooth road. Aside from struggling with anxiety and depression, Imposter syndrome lingered and continues to linger from time to time when I am in spaces where people like me aren’t usually in. Sometimes our mind can be cruel and becomes our most significant barrier. I manage imposter syndrome by embarrassing my story and acknowledging that I’ve worked hard to have a seat at the table. I continue to work towards healing the parts of myself because I am human at the end of the day, and I’d be lying if I said it, was a smooth road.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Licensed Master Social Worker LMSW, I specialize in the field of mental health. My work surrounds providing therapy services and educating people on the importance of mental health while raising awareness. Professionally, I work in a psychiatric unit where I support patients in crisis and imminent danger to themselves or someone else. I have the privilege of being that drop of hope during their time in need. In addition, I’ve developed a mental health blog to be able to reach a bigger audience. My blog aims to continue to break the stigma and show my readers that they are not alone.
I am most proud of going against all odds and building a career that I am passionate about for myself. If you had told me 15 years ago what I’d be doing today, I would not have believed it. If I am being honest, I was lost in the cycle of self-sabotage and substance use. What sets me apart from others is that I speak and teach from experience. In addition to the education I’ve received, I come with real-life experience, allowing me to understand patients better. It builds trust, which is the most critical foundation in therapeutic services.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Trust yourself enough to know that you are capable. It is never too late.
Pricing:
- Instagram $35
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Contact Info:
- Email: meridagabby722@gmail.com
- Website: https://justownyourlife.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbygeneve/
