It's subtle, but if you look closely, you'll see a small tattoo on the inside of Amanda's left wrist. It reads – nothing changes if nothing changes. It's a phrase she heard while serving time for having prescriptions filled that were not her own. Those words resonated at a time when Amanda was first beginning to realize she had to change her life. Today, they serve as a daily reminder of where she's been. And where she's going.
One moment, you can hear the regret in Amanda's voice. It is deep and genuine. Especially when she talks about losing custody of her son. But the next moment, you hear resolve and determination.
Turning her own life around is simply not enough for Amanda. She won't rest until she is helping others avoid the mistakes she's made. Amanda is well on her way to becoming the difference maker she wants to be. She is working toward a bachelor's degree in psychology with an emphasis in addiction counseling.
Her goal is to work in the court system, because that's where she believes the greatest opportunity lies for generating life-changing impact. She would prefer to help people stay out of prison, rather than helping them after they get out.
As her career moves forward, she will be speaking from experience. She credits Alvis with making her see what is possible. And for putting her on a path that led to her regaining custody of her son.
While she is no longer incarcerated, Amanda will tell you she received "a life sentence." Because like the tattoo on her wrist, the number assigned to her by the court system will always be behind her name. Helping others avoid that same fate is all the reward she needs.
