Pasan Nanayakkara
Ginny Burton’s life story is one of resilience, determination, and hope. Despite a troubled childhood and a life plagued by addiction and crime, Ginny never gave up on her dreams of a better life. Her journey from being a meth addict and having 17 felony convictions to graduating from university is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up.
#
Ginny’s difficult childhood included being born to a mother who was a drug addict and dealer and a father who was sent to prison when she was just four years old. By the age of six, she was smoking marijuana, and by 12, her mother had introduced her to meth. By 14, she was smoking crack, and after being raped at 16 and attempting suicide for the first time at 17, Ginny became addicted to heroin at the age of 23.
Ginny’s life on the streets was characterized by drug addiction and crime, and she eventually landed in prison in 2008 for 33 months. Despite trying to get clean and stay straight, Ginny relapsed and was arrested for the final time in 2012. But this was not the end of her journey.
#
Ginny begged to be put on the Drug Diversion Court program and went through rehabilitation and treatment, finally managing to get and stay clean. She then took up social service work for the Post Prison Education Program for seven years, which inspired her to go to school. Ginny studied political science at the University of Washington and was awarded a Martin Honor Scholarship in 2019.
At 47 years old, Ginny graduated from university with a degree in political science, and her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of never giving up and the power of overcoming adversity. In her own words, Ginny said, “It made me recognize how much time I had wasted in my life. And I also recognized that I was actually good at learning, something I enjoyed.”
#
Ginny’s journey from meth addict and criminal to university graduate is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope. Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to turn things around and to never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
In conclusion, Ginny Burton’s story is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that no matter how difficult our circumstances, there is always hope, and that it’s never too late to turn our lives around and pursue our dreams. Let us all take inspiration from Ginny’s journey and strive to make the most of the opportunities life presents us with.
