Natasha grew up in Jamaica without knowing her mother, who lived in the United States. Her father was often absent as well, leaving Natasha and her younger brother for days or months at a time to take care of themselves.  They often stayed with neighbors or extended family members not knowing where their father was or when they would see him again.  Growing up in impoverished conditions without parents to support her, Natasha experienced starvation and neglect.

When her father did return, he was a destructive figure in Natasha’s life.  When Natasha was 9, her father raped her with her younger brother sleeping in the same bed.  After the authorities found out, she was taken to a center for girls, not knowing if she would ever return home.  Eventually, her neighbor took in Natasha and her brother, but instead of entering a supportive environment, Natasha had to endure ridicule from her neighbor, other adults, and friends for being raped.  Her neighbor also constantly made her feel guilty for being an additional burden on her family.  Conditions at her neighbor’s house worsened when the neighbor’s husband began to suggest sexual fantasies he had about Natasha.  Finally, Natasha’s mother brought her and her brother to the United States.

Natasha looked to the U.S. with hope and optimism that she had finally escaped the brutal conditions of poverty and abuse.  While Natasha’s situation did improve economically, she discovered that her mother was in an abusive, long-term relationship that negatively affected all the members of the family.  Finally Child Protective Services intervened after a violent incident between her brother and a cousin, and Natasha was given the choice to go live with her grandmother.

Natasha has used the memories of her childhood to inspire her activities and her future.  She currently volunteers at the Lorton Community Action Center packing food for needy families and is involved in various environmental clean-up activities to counteract the destructive effect environmental pollution has on poor populations.  With a 3.8 GPA, she wants to use her education to go back to Jamaica to empower young girls to escape  conditions similar to the ones she had to endure.

When telling her story, she quickly adds that she has forgiven her father and has no regrets.  She says that without her painful memories, she would not have learned the valuable lessons that have taught her how to become forgiving, strong and loving, and have the courage to go after her dreams.

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