Struggling Through Trauma: Jessica Rosler’s Journey

Welcome to the Mindshift Power podcast, where we have raw and honest conversations with teenagers and the adults who work with them. I'm your host, Fatima Bey, the mind shifter. Today, we have Jessica Rosler from Schenectady, New York, who will share her story of struggling through trauma as a teen and becoming an accomplished adult.

Growing Up in Dysfunction

Jessica grew up in a very dysfunctional family. Her parents constantly fought, and her siblings each had their issues. Living in a lower middle-class family, they struggled with finances, often having to choose between paying bills and eating. Jessica felt unnoticed and unsupported, leading her to act out like her siblings.

School Challenges

From elementary school through high school, Jessica was labeled with a learning disability and placed in special education classes. This label made her feel like a failure and intensified her sense of not being heard. Despite her struggles, Jessica found solace in friends who understood her challenges.

The Turning Point

High school was especially tough for Jessica. She felt defeated and frustrated, particularly when a guidance counselor doubted her ability to succeed in math and science. But Jessica proved her wrong by obtaining an associate’s degree and now working on a master's degree in biodiversity conservation and policy. Her journey from feeling like a failure to achieving her goals is a testament to her resilience.

Finding Support

Jessica's daughter has been a significant source of support and motivation. Working at a local community college, Jessica credits her daughter for helping her become the person she is today. Therapy also played a crucial role in her transformation, allowing her to process her past and build a better future.

Advice for Teens

Jessica encourages teenagers to find their voice and not give up hope. She emphasizes the importance of being heard and not letting labels define them. Her message is clear: resilience and perseverance can lead to a brighter future, no matter the challenges one faces.

Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode of the MindShift Power Podcast with Fatima Bey The MindShifter here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217223/episodes/13706074