Dear Pastor,

I am a 21-year-old young lady who was raised with my grandmother, but she passed away when I was 18 years old. When I was growing up I was molested and teased about my parents leaving me by my aunts. What affects me now is that at the age of 18, I was partially put out of the house. I went to stay with my boyfriend in the country and after a while I went to search for a job. I later found out that he didn't want me to work. He became controlling and jealous.

I told him that I was going back to Kingston because I found a job there. He gave me enough money to do a few things and I came and was staying by my aunt. Her children were stealing from me so I decided I was going to leave, but another aunt who lives close by told me that I should not go back to the country, I should stay with her. She lives with her boyfriend and was pregnant at the time. She was working while her boyfriend was working on and off.

I then started to realise that whenever I bought things for breakfast and when I was ready to use them, they were not where I left them. When I asked her about it, she would curse me. She wanted me to take care of her and her man and I could not afford it. Because I couldn't take care of her, she wanted me out and I left.

I went back to the house I used to live in with my grandmother and it was driving me crazy because I had to do everything on my own. I wanted to go back to school and I needed to get out of the house, so I placed an ad in the newspaper seeking a live-in job. I got one and I went back to school. I left after a while because I wasn't getting any respect there. I finished school, nevertheless.

lunch money

I got a similar job after school, but I was unfortunate because I worked without getting paid and food. When I was leaving I didn't know where to go and my boyfriend and I were not together. He left me because he found someone who has money.

I got involved in a programme in Kingston, but I am only getting $3,200 per week for stipend to help with bus fare and lunch money. I ensure that I pay my electric and water bills and contribute to food. But lately I cannot find enough money for food because I am saving to go back to school again in September. If I don't give the people I am staying with money for food, I have to stay hungry even when they cook and they know I am there. I know they will soon want me out and I don't have anywhere to live. I wish I could find a family who would accept and help me.

Pastor, I will become a medical doctor and I just need some help to prove people wrong. But in the condition I am in now I am depressed. I don't want to turn to a man who will use me. Please tell me what to do.

V.B., Kingston

Dear V.B.,

You are a very ambitious young woman. I will inform you if anyone is willing to assist you.

Pastor