Gabriella Lauricella is the mother of ten year old Aaron. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Palm Beach State College with a degree in Elementary Education. She is currently a junior at Florida Atlantic University, studying Elementary Education with ESOL and Reading Endorsements.
What is your passion and mission in life?
My passion and mission in life are intricately woven into the fabric of my challenging upbringing and my determination to break free from the cycle of abuse and neglect that defined my early years. Growing up in an extremely abusive household, abandoned by my mother at the tender age of four, and subjected to further maltreatment under a stepmother’s roof, I emerged from these experiences with an unyielding passion for creating a better life for myself and those I care about.
My mission is rooted in the transformative power of education, a force that lifted me from the depths of despair to the heights of hope. I am committed to pursuing a career in Elementary Education, driven by the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children who, like me, have faced adversity. The passion to be an instrument of change stems from my personal journey and the profound influence that teachers had on me during my tumultuous youth.
What is your biggest hardship and how did you overcome it?
The specter of ending up like my absent mother or abusive stepmother loomed large in my mind, especially when I discovered I was pregnant at the age of 20. The fear of perpetuating the cycle of dysfunction and pain haunted me as I welcomed my son into the world at 21. This fear, rooted in the trauma of my past, was a formidable obstacle that could have dictated the course of my life.
The physical and mental abuse endured throughout my formative years was an insurmountable challenge, and as I reached adulthood, the fear of replicating that environment in my own family became my greatest hardship.
Upon holding my son for the first time, a profound realization washed over me—I had the power to break the chains of generational trauma. The love I felt for my child sparked a resilience I didn’t know I possessed. Determined to provide him with a life vastly different from my own, I embarked on a journey of single motherhood, facing financial struggles but never surrendering to despair.
My decision to break the cycle was a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. I pursued higher education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Palm Beach State College with nearly a perfect GPA, and continued my educational journey at Florida Atlantic University to study Elementary Education. The teachers who had served as mentors during my troubled youth became my inspiration, fueling my aspiration to make a difference in the lives of children.
How has this adversity affected raising children?
Though the fear of repeating the cycle was not at the forefront of my mind during pregnancy, the moment I held my son, it became a driving force for positive change. The adversity I had overcome fueled my commitment to instill in him the values of hard work, dedication, and resilience. My journey as a mother, shaped by the hardships of my past, became a testament to the transformative power of education and perseverance. Through my example, I sought to teach my son that despite challenges and adversity, one can persevere through hard work and dedication. My educational achievements became a source of pride, demonstrating that through resilience, one can rise above circumstances and build a purposeful life.
In embracing my passion for education and turning adversity into aspiration, I have not only transformed my own life but have also become a beacon of hope for my son. My mission to make a positive impact on the lives of children through Elementary Education is a testament to the profound influence teachers had on me during my troubled youth. From the ashes of an abusive past, I have risen to pursue a career that allows me to be the mentor and guide I so desperately needed as a child.
Through education, dedication, and unwavering resilience, I have overcome my biggest fear and hardship, demonstrating that it is possible to break the cycle of generational trauma. My journey serves as a reminder that from the depths of adversity, one can emerge with purpose, determination, and a commitment to building a better future—for oneself and for those who come after.
Maeband is excited to inspire and encourage all moms to succeed by helping them through our Scholarship for Moms. A new mom is picked every semester to receive the Maeband Scholarship. You can read HERE who is eligible and how you can apply.
