Alyssa- 2015 Graduate

I was raised to be a perfectionist. I always looked like I had it all together, but inside I was breaking. I never felt like I was good enough, pretty enough, or smart enough. As a cheerleader I struggled with comparing myself to my teammates. When my coaches talked about my weight I attempted to purge, thinking that it would solve all of my problems. Instead it only led me down a path of destruction and completely took over my life.

I found out about Mercy when I was in a very bad place in my life. My eating disorder controlled me, I felt deeply depressed, and I was filled with anxiety every moment. I fell deeper into my depression when I found out my brother had been killed in a drinking and driving accident.

A major turning point for me while at Mercy was forgiving the person who was responsible for taking my brother’s life. God has shown me how to have peace over my brother’s death. He has promised that He is with me all the time and that He is my comforter. He’s the only thing I need to survive in this world. He has shown me that He loves me more than I ever thought was possible.

After graduating from Mercy I’m going back to school and plan on getting a degree in counseling. I want to help people through the grieving process. I also plan on sharing my story and my brother’s story to save lives.

To all the Mercy supporters, I want to say thank you for fighting for me when I didn’t have the strength to fight for myself. You will always hold a special place in my heart.