Class of 2021: Marissa Jean Blackburn from Lee Virtual School

How has Valerie’s House helped you with your grief journey?

“Valerie’s House has helped me so much to figure out the best way for me to grieve. I had to admit some very hard things to myself that I never thought bothered me. Now that I have, it’s a little easier, but it’s hard to do things I like because it just reminds me of why I’m grieving.”

What advice would you give to another grieving child/teen?

“I would let another grieving child/teen know that it’s not their fault. Their person is in a better place and, even though it may take time, Valerie’s House will help you find things that make you happy.”

If you had to describe yourself to a stranger in three adjectives, what would they be?

“Happy. Outgoing. Strong.”

What are your future goals? What’s next for you?

“My future goal is to have a career in criminal justice. I am going to a community college for two years and then a university for the last two.”