It’s important to find good mentors even while in school. Brittiny Gunty is graduating next year from Antioch University with a degree in Human Services. Growing up in a chaotic environment, the Lompoc, CA native learned early on the importance of personal drive and persistence. As a winner of our #MentorMe Challenge, she is excited about $250 in funding (which she’ll use for textbooks) and connecting with a professional mentor to get her on the road to her dreams.

What is your dream?

My professional dream is to become a social worker. Because of my personal experiences, I am very knowledgeable of our current foster care system. I believe I can be a good resource and advocate for not only foster children but also their families (adoptive and birth).

How will you use the money you won from our challenge?

I will use it to help fund my text books — they are so expensive! It is even more empowering that the grant is from a female organization. I’m over the moon happy about that!

​What advice do you have for other young women looking to go for their dreams?

Growing up, I was in a chaotic environment. It was very difficult for me to just survive through the day; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Even after I was removed from much of the chaos and into a calm and stable household and school, it was still difficult for me to focus on my dreams. I finally learned to meditate and it’s been very helpful to keep me centered, goal-oriented, and at peace. I think that if a young woman is looking to go after her dreams, do not give up in the face of obstacles. Stay focused, at peace, and remember — it’s YOUR path. Your path may have some road bumps and obstacles. Just peacefully plow past them and keep working.

​Any setbacks?

I’ve had many, many setbacks; most of them due to anxiety and short bouts of depression. I also had some financial setbacks during this time. In both cases, when I felt like giving up, I made sure I did two things: I asked for help from others and I tried to stay focused and positive. This is easy to say, but it is difficult to put to practice. But it is possible! Always, ask for help if you need it. There are many good and kind people in the world that are waiting to help you!

Don’t be your own worst enemy, which will sabotage your own efforts. That is very on par for many children that grew up in chaos. We don’t believe we deserve happiness and success — so when we start to obtain it, it scares us and we sabotage ourselves. Don’t do that! You are WORTH the effort!

What’s next for you?

My next goal is to just finish my degree, and then work towards any certifications or credentials I might need to become a social worker.