Strength Built at Home

By the time she was in eighth grade, Kristiana and her brother Paul were stepping up to help manage their home—paying bills, caring for siblings, and making sure the family stayed afloat. Life wasn't easy, but they kept going. “We had to make a way out of no way,” she said, reflecting on what it took to grow up fast in a high-pressure environment.

At school, Kristiana often struggled to control her emotions and reactions as she processed everything she was carrying inside. She’s open about how hard it was to manage all the stress and hurt during those years, but she’s proud of how far she’s come.

A Shift in Perspective

Her turning point came when she was introduced to the school psychologist. At first, she was hesitant. “‘I’m not crazy. I don’t need to go to a psych ward.’ That was my perception of psychologists,” Kristiana said. But that changed over time. “He made me feel so comfortable, he never pried,” she added.

With support from the psychologist and an anger management coach, Kristiana began to see things differently. The experience sparked something in her—a desire to give others the same kind of support she received. “This is why I want to be a psychologist. He opened up my life. He played a part in saving me,” she said.

Pursuing Her Purpose

Now 22 years old, Kristiana lives in Arlington, Texas, with her nine-month-old son, Karter. She’s currently working toward her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification through Dreambound’s CNA training program. Her goal is to build a future rooted in care, support, and healing—whether as a CNA, psychologist, or another role in the medical field.

Her journey hasn’t been easy, but she’s proud of where she is today and hopeful for what’s ahead. She wants others to know that even when the road is rough, it’s still possible to rise.