“When I came into this group, I was carrying a lot of doubt with me. I didn't say much about it, but I questioned myself constantly—whether I belonged here, whether I was capable, and whether I could actually grow in the way I wanted to. I wasn't in the strongest place, and I was scared of being seen where I was instead of where I thought I should be. I wasn't just tired—I was worn down.

I had spent so long just trying to survive that I stopped believing that I could actually move forward. I carried a lot of shame, a lot of fear, and a quiet voice in my head telling me over and over that l had already failed too many times to really change. I had a deeper fear that I’d already missed my chance to do better.  I didn't talk much about how tired I really was. I smiled, I showed up, I kept going, but inside, I had already learned how to expect less from life.

Walking into this space was scary, but Circles didn't rush me. It didn't try to fix me. It simply stayed. In conversations that felt safe, in moments that felt honest, something inside me slowly began to loosen its grip.

There was no judgement, just patience, honesty, and a belief in me when I didn’t have it for myself. Over the course of the year, I started to see myself differently—not as someone who was always behind in life, but as someone still becoming. I began to believe that my dreams weren't unrealistic... they were just waiting for me to feel worthy of them.

And now, when I think about what Circles has given me in such a short time, it's this: for the first time in a long while, I don't just wake up and survive the day—I wake up believing my life is still unfolding.

I’ve learned more than just skills or lessons. I've learned how to trust myself again, how to speak up, and how to keep going even when I feel unsure. I've learned that growth doesn't come from being perfect—it comes from being supported.

Because of you all, I've grown in courage, in hope, in the quiet belief that I am capable of more than I ever imagined. You've taught me that sometimes, all it takes is one person’s faith in you to change the course of your life.

This experience has meant more to me than you probably realize, with each of you playing a role. I'm leaving this with more confidence, more clarity, and a deep sense of gratitude. Thank you for seeing me, for guiding me, and for helping me find hope again. This hasn’t just been a program for me—it’s been a turning point. Circles didn't just give me resources or tools to survive—it gave me my footing back. And for that I am eternally grateful.”

 

~Melissa Shannon