Mariah shares her origins and family background, including the challenges she faced growing up without her parents.

• Born in East LA, Mariah is of Filipino and Mexican descent.
• She grew up in foster homes because her parents were on drugs and unable to care for her.

Mariah describes her negative experiences in the foster care system and her behavioral issues as a child.

• The foster system treated her poorly, and she struggled with adjusting to different families.
• She often misbehaved, longing for her mother and rejecting the care of foster families.

At 16, Mariah was approached on the street and began sex work, realizing it could be a way to make money.

• She got into sex work after being offered money by a stranger when she was just 16 years old.
• Mariah quickly understood that sex work could be lucrative but has only held regular jobs for brief periods.

Mariah discusses the dangers and emotional challenges she faces in her line of work.

• She feels uncomfortable and at risk during her work, fearing the unknown outcomes of each night.
• Mariah has had dangerous experiences, including having a gun pulled on her.

Mariah talks about the financial side of sex work, her experiences with a pimp, and drug use.

• She can make up to $1,000 in a day and night, working every day of the week.
• Mariah's drug use began due to the stress caused by a pimp, specifically methamphetamine.

Mariah reflects on her relationships with clients, the absence of friends, and her interactions with other sex workers.

• She has learned to be cautious with clients and tries to gauge their intentions.
• Mariah struggles with making friends and describes a sense of camaraderie with other workers on the street.

Mariah shares her regrets, aspirations for the future, and the impact of her work on her self-worth.

• She regrets losing custody of her children due to an accident and harbors dreams of becoming a teacher or studying law.
• Mariah's work has greatly affected her self-worth, and she struggles with the concept of love, despite her experiences.

Mariah concludes with reflections on her life lessons and her hopes for the future.

• She emphasizes the importance of not allowing others to take advantage of her.
• Despite her difficult journey, Mariah remains hopeful for a better future and a return to her children.