Robin Halvorson

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Robin Halvorson, a full time speaker at Aim For Success, has a unique ability to relate with teenagers. She believes every child has the ability to become successful and overcome whatever circumstances they face. Robin shares with students how she has overcome difficult situations in her own life.

Life was tough when I was a kid. My father was a homeless drug addict, and I was raised by my mom who was a single parent. On many occasions we didn’t know where we would live next because we couldn't afford to pay the rent or even put food on the table.

You know, it’s not unusual for kids growing up in this type of environment to turn to alcohol, drugs and sex.  Life is tough, and many times they think those things are going to make them feel better about their situation. At 13, I was feeling that pressure, but I also knew those were the things that had destroyed my dad's life and were beginning to destroy my sister's life as well. I knew if I wanted a chance to reach my dreams and goals I could not go down that path.

Despite the many opportunities to make bad decisions in my teens and early twenties, I remained determined to stay focused on my future and avoid alcohol, drugs and sex. In looking back on that decision today, I realize it was the best decision of my life because my choice to be abstinent gave me, what I believe, the ability to excel in high school and receive a college scholarship. I graduated with a degree in Communications which led me to Aim For Success where I now have the privilege to talk to thousands of young people about the very risks I overcame.

An education and my job are awesome! But, that's not the best thing about my decision to avoid alcohol, drugs and sex. The best thing is I met this really cool guy, and in September of 2011, he became my husband. Now my dreams are continuing to come true, and I am so grateful for my decision to choose the abstinent lifestyle.