A Loving Lion: Meet the CNM Student Dedicated to Helping Others on Their Recovery Journey
When Matthew Pettit first enrolled in CNM he’d recently completed a drug treatment program and wanted to use his lived experience to help others. Fast forward to today, and Matthew is two terms away from graduating and is already making an impact in the community.
“I spent the first portion of my life in and out of the prison system and experiencing active addiction, so I didn’t think education was in the cards for me,” Matthew says. “After I completed treatment, I decided to go back to school and CNM was incredibly supportive from the get-go.”
Matthew wanted to enter the social work field, so he enrolled in CNM’s Human Services program. In this program, students learn about human behavior, social systems, and counseling techniques. He’s also earning his Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate of Completion, which focuses specifically on addiction counseling methods and techniques.
In the beginning, Matthew took one class at a time to ensure he stayed on track. Over time and with the support of his instructors, Matthew’s confidence grew and he excelled in his classes.
“I have so many instructors to thank for making my experience at CNM so positive,” he says. “I’ve been met with support every step of the way and it has made such an impact on my personal and academic journey.”
In addition to academic support, Matthew was also able to utilize Wellness CNM’s pilot transitional housing program to ensure he was in a safe and stable living environment. He lives in one of three apartment units that are available for currently enrolled CNM students who meet the application criteria. Students can use the apartments for up to two terms while looking for more stable housing.
This pilot program was critical to both Matthew’s ongoing recovery journey as well as his academic success.
“I was in the process of transitioning out of a sober living community called Endorphin Power Company and wasn’t sure where I was going to go next,” he explains. “CNM’s transitional housing was the perfect fit and has helped me stay sober, stay on track in school, and build a stronger financial foundation. The next step is to buy my own house, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without this program.”
When he’s not at CNM, Matthew is busy working as a mentor and advocate in the Albuquerque community. He works as the Parole Success Advocate at De-Serving Life, a non-profit organization that supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through legal and reentry services. He also works as a Comprehensive Community Support Services Program Manager for New Experiences Counseling and co-facilitates the Community Health Worker and Peer Support Worker Opioid ECHO Program.
But for Matthew, the most fulfilling work is through Healing Roar, a recovery organization he founded to provide an alternative to traditional 12-step programs. The group focuses on providing non-stigmatized support to all participants regardless of where they are in their recovery journey.
“The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines recovery as reaching your full potential, and that’s what Healing Roar hopes to help people do,” he says. “Regardless of where someone is when it comes to recovery, we are here to support and protect them like a loving lion, which is where the name comes from.”
After he graduates, Matthew has no plans of slowing down. He wants to continue to earn relevant certifications and will continue to work in the recovery community.
If he could give one piece of advice, it would be to never give up.
“Persistence is everything. No matter how many mistakes or setbacks you face, as long as you keep going, you haven’t failed,” he says. “A mistake or an error only becomes a failure when you stop trying.”