‘Never Forget How Powerful You Are’ - Alysha’s Story
This story originally appeared in our 2021 Annual Report.
Project Legacy is about helping young people build a legacy by partnering alongside them as they take courageous and bold steps to change the trajectory of their life. This year was no different. We saw countless young people change the course of their lives through dedication, commitment and courage to do the hard work of change.
One young woman has been with Project Legacy for many years, moving from being a participant to a staff member all the way through her recent college graduation. We sat down with alumna and former Project Legacy Social Work Assistant, Alysha Carlisle, to learn more about her time with Project Legacy and the impact it made on her life.
How did you first get connected to Project Legacy? Can you share what was going on in your life that led you to reaching out for support?
“I learned about Project Legacy through a Facebook post about 7 years ago. I had just been discharged from Generose after a suicide attempt and was at my lowest point. I was scrolling on Facebook and saw a post from a participant in Project Legacy who posted an update encouraging people to reach out to Karen if they needed a positive support system. I decided I had nothing to lose at that point, so I reached out to Karen. My daughter was just one year old and I didn't have the familial support that I needed to get on the right track.”
When you first came to Project Legacy, what kind of support did you receive? What made your experience with PL different?
“I received a lot of support when I came to Project Legacy. I was experiencing homelessness, struggling with depression, and struggling to raise my daughter on my own. I've received housing assistance, food support, daycare assistance and more. But the thing that made the biggest impact was the power of community and feeling like I belonged somewhere. I've made so many lifelong friends that I love like family.”
What was it like transitioning to become a staff member? In what ways have you been able to work with younger youth?
“I appreciate the professional development opportunities that Project Legacy has extended to me. If it wasn't for my position working with the teen girls and college students, I would not be the confident individual that I am today. I was there to help them along their journey but they helped me in ways that I will never be able to thank them enough for. My journey through Project Legacy has taught me a lot about growth, perseverance, and sacrifices (giving up old friends, putting in the hard work for long term goals, etc). Now, being able to talk to Project Legacy participants about my journey (the positives, negatives, how I messed up, how I got back on my feet) shows them that progress is not linear. You'll get where you want to be if you stay committed.”
You recently completed your BSW from Winona State University. How does it feel to have accomplished this and what does it mean to you?
“I am the first in my family to get a college degree. This is monumental. I've always loved the quote "it ran in my family until it ran into me"- Struggle has been a common theme in my family, getting my degree has ended that cycle in its tracks. My daughter will know a better life and will have doors open for her when she's ready. The best part about graduating was seeing my daughter in the stands watching me. That was the best moment of my life.”
What do you hope to do in your career now that you’ve completed your social work degree?
“I plan to get my Master’s degree. I’m not sure what I want to do or where I’ll end up, I just know that I want to continue helping people. Growing up, I didn’t have many people that looked like me to help guide me down the right path. I have a deep understanding of how important this is and I am committed to continuing to show up for my community.”
What’s next for you? Any exciting plans post graduation?
”I bought a house this year and graduated from college and recently began working as a social worker at Mayo Clinic. Beyond that, this next year, I just want to take some time to enjoy the life that I worked so hard to build. I have had a bad habit of rushing towards the next goal without taking the time to appreciate everything I’ve accomplished.”
What encouragement would you share to someone who is in a similar position to you when you first reached out for support?
“Look down at your chest and a little to the left - you have heart and no one can take that from you even when you feel like you have nothing. Everything that you've ever needed is deeply rooted inside of you, sometimes all you need is an organization like Project Legacy to provide the tools, support, and environment to help you grow. Never forget how powerful you are.”