I can’t seem to believe where I am right now. I'm up on a bunk bed, looking down at a sea of other bunk beds, people talking, arguing, microwaves beeping, and the occasional roar of a toilet flushing. It's like a sad, endless hum. I pop in my earbuds, hoping to drown it all out.

A judge has just sentenced me to five years in federal prison for growing marijuana in my bedroom.

Five years.

I'm the mom of a beautiful toddler. I'm also a professional artist.

But now, I share a 12’ x 12’ space with three other women. I never thought in a million years that this would be my life. But here I am, counting down from 1,145 days, stuck with this mandatory minimum sentence.

That number feels like it could crush me. But I can't let it. I have a beautiful son waiting for me, and he needs me to come back as a whole human being.

I remember the moment I knew I could make it through.

I found this old National Geographic in the common area. There was an article about marijuana prohibition, and it got me thinking. I started cutting out pieces from the magazine, making a collage.

Collaging was something I learned in college, and now it became my lifeline. It was a way to connect with the world and myself again.

This art project turned into my safe space, a way to express myself and put my broken pieces back together. Creating art for my son gave me a purpose. It reminded me of the power of choice, the importance of being resourceful, and keeping a clear vision. It became my way to heal, a meditation where I could dream and reflect.

Now, I'm free. And every day, I make art.

The series of art pieces I'm sharing with you was born from those tough times, showing the complex layers of life. I call it the “Assembled Resilience Collection.”

Each piece is about survival, intention, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Through these creations, I want to share more than just art. I want to share my hard-earned message: Embrace your passions, find light in the darkness, and don't get lost in the mundane.