Carley Bender Cumba, an honors student for four years at Ridgewood, High School, NJ. I received a scholarship to Lehigh University, Class of 2024, I am a finance major. Throughout high school, I worked various customer service jobs. There was no, “here’s daddy’s credit card”. This forced me to learn the importance of hard work and independence. I was also involved in a special four year medical internship program atl The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ. This experience helped me discover my passion to be a healer. The tasks I engaged in required empathy, compassion, and the ability to listen to others nonjudgmentally.
I am a graduate of my aunt’s international retreats Boot Camp for Goddesses® Teens and Goddess to the Core® at Omega Institute, NY. As an adolescent, I struggled with eating disroders, body image, toxic relationships with boys, depression, and anxiety. I realized I allowed myself to be victimized by societies norm and only I could make the choice to claim my power back by embodying the lifestyle of the Goddess Warrior I grew up with. I can proudly state I was able to turn my pain into power. I strive to share my wisdom and strength to empower other young women around the world.
HER Story: Growing up, there were no male figures in my life. My father succumbed to addiction leaving my mother with 3 baby girls to fend for on her own. Anything and everything that needed to be done was achieved by her. She did not fall to self-pity or victimization, she continued to lead her life with her wisdom, strength, and good heart, a true Goddess Warrior.
Similarly, I was blessed with a second Goddess Warrior in my life: my Titi (Aunt) Sierra. Busy kicking ass at life, my sisters and I always counted down the days until we could see her again. And when we did, oh was life different than the princesses dressed in their lavish gowns, expensive jewelry, and carefully done makeup. There was no “sit still, look pretty”. Instead, it was hours of archery, walks in nature, hugging trees, learning and practicing the power of prayer, playing with healing crystals, and so much more. Each day spent together was a new adventure, a new experience, and a new lesson. To this day, I still hear her whispers of guidance in my head that I turn to in times of need. Overall, the Goddess seemed so much more powerful, independent, beautiful and fierce. Having these amazing figures in my life created a conflict of interest that benefitted me in the end. I ditched the tiara, dress, and heels, and instead imagined myself embodying the Goddess Warrior with a mighty headdress, elaborate war paint, and my bare feet. As my Titi Sierra would tell us. What’s the difference between a Goddess and a princess? The Goddess saves her self. THE END.