My name is Sade Burrell. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. As a child I was in and out of different homes. My family was big and after being born they were able to take me in while my mother was on the streets. During this time it was only me and my other sister. Years later my mother had 7 kids and by this time we all had to stay with my Aunt. Growing up we all had anger issues due to abandonment, we felt lost and lonely.
By the time I was in first grade we found out that my brothers sister was murdered by her step mother. My birth mother thought that it would be a good idea to send my brother and his twin to live with their father, but only one returned home. This was the first part of anger I had experienced.
After years of going back and forth from my mother to my aunt we finally became stable and lived with my aunt. My anger wouldn’t allow stability at that time, I felt as if people I loved and cared for forgot about me. Anger soon turned into actions which led to three places I would never wish on anyone: A group home, Juvenile Hall and a mental hospital.
When I was 12 years of age I was put in Juvenile Hall and to this day, no one can tell me why I was placed there. I didn’t commit a crime, but I was a little girl locked away with people who taught me things I should have never learned. After going home, it was only a few days before I was put into a Mental Hospital and it was there that I realized that I didn’t really have issues. The second trip home only lasted 2 months before I went to a group home.
Although my life seems as there was no hope, I proved everyone wrong. Yes, it was difficult, but because of the support and help that I received after leaving the system, I was able to make it. Anything from a Transitional Living Program to an Independent Skills Living Program is the reason I am successful, without these program I would be another negative statistics instead of a positive one.
March 27th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Sade, you are wonderful! Keep possitive. You were an awesome speaker today
You brought excitement and enthusiasm to the room. Keep up the good work. I’m so proud of you and the work you do advocating for youth! You Rock Girl!
February 4th, 2010 at 12:23 am
I’m so amazed at how you overcame your problems, and you are so right. Your attitude is everything and determines what you want to do in life. Thank you for your story!