A Measure Of Truth with The Struggle Of A Reformed Felon

I am a 33-year-old single mom wanting to provide for my daughter and I sometimes wonder is school even worth it. Managing my finances has become a struggle, which let me to file for bankruptcy because I could not keep up with the bills that I had accumulated prior to the current situation. So I ask, how can I better myself and prove my worth ethic and show society I am asset instead of a liability if no one is willing to take a chance on me? 

`What is a felon; a person who has committed a felony in the court of law. Who is this person? My name is Deshapreca Robinson and I am a convicted felon. In 2001 being young and stupid not knowing that my mistakes would catch up to me and have a reflection on my future. I plead guilty to four counts of false pretense, one count of uttering, and one count of forgery. The punishment I received for the crimes committed was being imprisoned and paying fines.  I was sentenced to 5 years each charge, ran concurrent and I served 3 years, one month, and day. My freedom was taken from me on May 9th of 2001 and given back on June 11th of 2004.   I did not know when I plead guilty in the state of Virginia; I would not be able to get my record expunged if you I had taken a plea agreement. 

If I knew what I know now, I would not have even made that stupid and senseless decision to mess up my life. Even though I was young, it was still my fault. No one put a gun to my head and forced me.  

So today, I live in Woodbridge, VA working for in retail making 7.50 an hour with a daughter that needs more than what my check can provide. I have yet to give up on myself even before my daughter was born. Now that she is here she needs me to be her provider and her protector, so that is what I will be. My drive and determination will be the reason I keep pushing.