"This book illuminates the legal and economic problems of girls and women searching for freedom and equality. Patricia is a perfect example of a woman who turned the tables on the system. It's life stories like this that can turn things around by illuminating the truth." -Margo St. James Patricia Bonelli built a successful twenty-year career in law enforcement, even though she started life on the wrong side of the law. As a teenager, she was neglected by parents and quickly learned how to survive on the streets by offering the only thing of value she thought she had-her body. As a single teenage mom, she came to realize that her choices were harmful. Patricia began a seemingly impossible turnaround to save her own life, so she could save her children. Through resourcefulness, determination, and sheer guts, she catapulted herself from one side of a holding cell to another. With three children in tow she attended college and became a celebrated success story. She has been recognized for her ability to show others that choice determines destiny and that new choices are always possible. She is also noted for teaching other professionals that no one is beyond redemption. And she shows us all that adversity can be our greatest teacher if we are courageous enough to embrace its gifts. An experienced and inspiring teacher and motivational speaker, Ms. Bonelli is a successful entrepreneur, instructor, author, and public speaker.