The spring 1986, I walked out the doors of the University of the Pittsburgh School of Law swearing never to return. That may be a familiar sentiment of law students at many schools, but for me, I carried more than a degree. There was the baggage of alcoholism, two eating disorders, and major depressive episodes.
Since that day, I have found recovery, going on fifteen years. I began one of the few alumni funded law school wellness programs in the country. I’ve written two books with my first novel coming out soon. These are all the promises of recovery. I was awash in gratitude and reflection when asked to keynote the school’s 2021 graduation as the distinguished alumni speaker. I didn’t even bother going to my graduation. I was too ashamed. Full circle. Recovery rocks!
