Hello! My name is Bethany Pruitt. I was born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Washington, D.C. I spent most of my childhood away from my family. After my father passed away when I was four years old, my life spiraled downhill. My mother and father sold drugs for a living and eventually their crimes caught up with them. My father lost his life and my mother ended up in prison. Me and my three older brothers suffered the consequences and were placed in foster care. I was placed separately from my brothers. I spent the next two years of my life jumping between 14 different foster homes. When I eventually returned home, I struggled to reintegrate back into my family and school. A doctor eventually ordered me to be placed in a treatment facility. For the next three and a half years, I was away from my family once again! I went through extensive treatment while my mother fought to get me back. Eventually, I returned home at the age of 11 to live with my family in Washington, DC.
My struggles didn't end when I returned home. I still had a long road ahead of me to get to where I wanted to be. For middle school, I was placed in a special education facility. I also attended an after-school facility for children with special needs. In addition, I also took several medications to help with my disabilities. I struggled with anxiety, depression and severe mood swings.
