Unbroken

Name: Mark Anthony Sebarrotin

Year: 4th Year

Major: Political Science

As a young child, around the age of seven years, I had everything a typical suburban American family would enjoy: a warm home, a loving family, and a plethora of childhood friends. The splendor of it all, however, eventually turned into nothing more than fond memories as I faced a new reality: we had become homeless. I lost my father at age two, and my mother had raised me and my siblings as best she could until she could no longer endure the façade she had been forcing herself to live with. She needed support, comfort, and security, but the figure providing for her had been long gone.

One day, after recalling the experience of her loss, her wounds reopened and her life—along with the life of me and my siblings—began to crumble. My mother soon lost her job, and she began looking for sustainable employment. Emotionally shattered, we wandered looking for more affordable places to live. I had to navigate those years of my life with the harsh reality that I was now indigent and homeless. It did not take me too long to process this fact. I was young, and initially wished for toys and exciting adventure. But I eventually found myself looking to a higher authority praying for my family’s health, for full stomachs, and financial stability.

These were the brutal facts I needed to face until I received my acceptance to the University of California, Riverside on the date of my 18th birthday. I have been a diligent student, and my hope is to continue on the path to law school and serve in local politics. I want to give back to the community that helped foster the person I am today. And I will continue on this journey for the love of my family, my community, and my country.

#whotellsyourstory #homelessness #perserverance #unbroken