Sheryl Meitzen finds purpose and hope through sobriety and education
Sheryl Meitzen can’t help but get emotional when she reflects on her educational journey at Victoria College. She went from a young mother experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction to a sober, dedicated mother and soon-to-be college graduate.
“My journey began in 2013,” said Meitzen. “I was a young, houseless mother, struggling with addiction, lacking direction and hope. After a short but enlightening stay in rehab, I found a sponsor in recovery who had once been a student at Victoria College. That is when I realized that education, combined with sobriety, was the solution I needed to move forward.”
Meitzen found a way forward, but it wasn’t without its setbacks. She worked hard and focused on her studies and part-time job at VC. But as often happens in recovery, she relapsed. Despite the loss of her job and a brief stint in jail, she once again committed to starting over.
Meitzen had previously earned three certificates in Business Management. Her passion for education and prior experience at VC helped her land a job at the University of Houston-Victoria.
“Life was getting better, so I knew I had to keep moving forward,” said Meitzen.
She maintained her sobriety, earned a promotion and focused on her children. Life was once again upended when her father had a stroke. So, Meitzen did the only thing she could – she packed up her family and moved back to Cuero to care for her father and mother, who was bedridden.
“Tragically, my dad passed away in October, just a month after his stroke, and my mother died four months later in February 2024,” said Meitzen. “Just when I thought things might stabilize, more tragedy struck. My son was diagnosed with two disabilities and my boyfriend passed away seven months after my mother. I felt completely defeated, but I knew I had to keep moving forward.”
Looking for support and direction, Meitzen called Pam Neuman, the former director of VC’s KEY Center. That phone call led her to where she is today – nine years sober, working as a recovery specialist and a proud mother who will walk across the stage Saturday to receive her associate degree.
“Whether you plan on going into the workforce or decide to pursue a bachelor's degree, just remember that you can choose to turn pain into purpose, failure into fuel, and grief into action,” said Meitzen. “And if you do not see a path, create one. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, and it is already a success because you kept moving forward!”
Meitzen had the honor of sharing her story at the KEY Center’s annual luncheon and will continue inspiring everyone around her to keep moving forward.
She is proud to now work as a Recovery Support Peer Specialist, teaching drug education classes and mentoring women struggling with addiction.
VC wants to hear from former and current Pirates. Visit VictoriaCollege.edu/ShareYourStory to submit a success story in honor of VC's 100th anniversary.