Julian
Julian
Don’t give up on yourself
Julian’s childhood was shaped by pain and turmoil. By the time most kids were learning multiplication tables, he had already been exposed to drug use and gun violence. At just 10 years old, he witnessed the murder of his cousin—a moment that left an indelible mark.
By his teenage years, survival meant hustling. Selling drugs wasn’t a choice; it was a necessity. But the life that promised quick cash came with a cost: Julian soon found himself in the grip of addiction, fighting a battle he never saw coming.
Julian was first arrested as a teenager for nonviolent offenses and soon found himself trapped in a cycle of prison and addiction. For a long time, hope felt out of reach.
But 11 years ago, everything began to shift. Julian finally got the mental health support he had needed all along—and with it, the chance to imagine a different future.
Talking about his struggles with drug addiction and learning how the trauma he experienced impacted his mental health, Julian fought to gain a better understanding of himself. Today, he is proud of his sobriety and his work as a mental health advocate.
Sometimes I’d feel stuck. I’d ask myself, ‘What am I doing?’ Until I found my purpose—sharing my story.
As Julian began writing and sharing poetry about his journey, a friend asked him to speak to a class of high schoolers about his fight against drug addiction. His presence engaged the teens in a way the teacher had never seen before.
“Sharing is like therapy for me. I want people to see what I went through because I don’t want them to get there.”
Julian saw his story’s power and how impactful it was for students to see that they weren’t alone in their experiences. He also came to see how this benefited his own healing.
Sharing is like therapy for me. I want people to see what I went through because I don’t want them to get there.
Today, Julian is a motivational speaker. Sharing his story in person and on social media, he helps others understand that they are not alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
He emphasizes that healing is not a linear process. He is also open to sharing how stigma has influenced his life.
As a man who has struggled with drug addiction and has been convicted of a felony, he struggled to find a stable job. His personality and determination made him a strong candidate, but when employers learned about his history, they were quick to decline his applications.
I could’ve easily given up and gone back to drugs.
And still, Julian has persevered. In addition to speaking, Julian is a cement truck driver as well as a father, an uncle, and a friend.
Julian still experiences physical trauma responses to loud noises and other triggers, but has gained the confidence to navigate these by leaning on his support systems, including his faith. He has also prioritized surrounding himself with positive influences.
I need to be surrounded by people who are headed the same way I am going or are where I want to be.
Julian plans to continue sharing his story, striving to ensure that those struggling know that they are not alone.
I just want people to know that change is possible. When you’re in the uncomfortable part, that’s the growing season. Don’t give up on yourself.
