MY STORY
On January 22nd 2021, just two days after my 19th birthday, I overdosed on my prescription medications in an attempt to end my life. Over the course of the next year, I nearly died in a car accident, was kicked out of school in retaliation for my suicide attempt, and was later disowned by my biological family. Despite this unimaginable trauma I pushed forward, turning my pain into passion. I have since become an acclaimed public speaker and an award-winning mental health advocate on the international stage, using my lived experience to fight for the rights of others. My name is Taylor Locke and this is my story.
What Doesn't Kill You...
I was abused throughout most of my childhood. I turned toward my studies in order to escape, and because of my academic aptitude received a full-ride Naval ROTC scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. During my first semester at college, however, I was sexually assaulted by my closest friend. This sent me on a tailspin of depression and suicidal ideation that resulted in me attempting to end my life two months later. In the weeks that followed I was hospitalized, kicked out of school, and my car exploded on my drive home. My parents blamed me for everything I had “selfishly put them through”, and the subsequent year of abuse ended when I was kicked out the following Christmas.
... Makes You Stronger
It felt like I had hit rock bottom, but it was there I learned the only place I could go was up. I was eventually able to return to school and my ROTC unit. The rigorous structure of my military training helped to ground me, teaching me discipline, resilience, and a newfound sense of self. My family, however, could not be content with me being happy while on my own, so they tried to file a restraining order against me. After a year-long legal battle the entire case was thrown out and the request for their order was denied. Following its dismissal, I legally changed my entire name to Taylor Iris Locke, severing ties with my biological family once and for all and stepping into this new chapter in my life.
I'm Here to Make a Change
I had originally service selected to work on Naval Nuclear Reactors upon graduating from college. However, after a re-evaluation of my medical records I was medically discharged from continued military service due to my history with PTSD. I was initially disappointed, but I’ve since come to recognize this decision was for the best. While I could have pursued a lucrative career in the civilian STEM sector, I wanted to do more with my life and instead turned toward helping others. Today I hold numerous positions in the field, including at the global scale, and I will continue to use these platforms to share my story and advocate in support of those living with mental illness.