Michaela has always been a driven, strong-willed, independent woman. She excelled both in her education and career. At the University where she taught, she was respected by both her colleagues and students. Away from the hallowed halls of learning, however, Michaela had been battling with herself most of her life. As a young girl, she discovered the art of writing. This avenue of creativity allowed her to release the pent-up emotion of an unhappy childhood. Being raised by a single mother who battled mental illness, she saw first-hand the side effects. Seeing the behaviors of her mother, Michaela feared she was destined for the same fate. Michaela decided to use her creativity to her advantage. Soulful Reflections is a compilation of her work which chronicles her battles with depression and anxiety.