Introduction

My name is Setiva Gardner, and I am a woman defined by resilience, purpose, and the chaotic beauty of a life lived authentically. As a mother of three and a full-time student at Eastern Oregon University, I am pursuing an Interdisciplinary Studies degree with minors in Psychology and Sociology/Anthropology. My drive is deeply personal; I grew up in a household shaped by my parents' struggles with addiction, an experience that left a lasting impression on my understanding of trauma and stability. Witnessing the confusion and pain that young people endure when their support systems fail has given me a unique perspective on why youth sometimes choose the wrong path. I am not just studying social structures; I am working to be the kind of guide and parent who leads with empathy, strength, and the wisdom I wish had been present in my own childhood.

This journey has led me to a place where healing and accountability intersect. Currently, I am building restorative justice programming in my community, a path I never fully imagined but one that every life experience has prepared me for. Through my education and hands-on mediation work, I have come to believe that real change only happens when we see people as whole individuals rather than broken problems. I am particularly drawn to restorative justice because it allows for genuine reconnection and healing within the community. My work today is rooted in the same values that helped me survive my youth: a deep care for those who are often overlooked or written off and a commitment to preventing harm through understanding.

Looking ahead, my future focuses on leadership and sustainable community-based justice. My long-term goal is to establish a fully integrated restorative justice center in Douglas County where schools, families, and agencies can collaborate to support at-risk youth. By combining research and policy with real-world experience, I intend to be a force for good, whether through professional advocacy or the example of growth and persistence I set for my children at home. This e-Portfolio serves as a roadmap of that journey, illustrating how I combine academic theory with practical action to address complex social issues. As you explore these sections, I hope you see a portrait of what is possible when we meet our greatest challenges with compassion and courage.