Lehan McStay is not just a name on Instagram—under the handle @Mourning____star_, she shares a story of strength, survival, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Her journey, marked by early trauma and many obstacles, shines as a beacon of hope and resilience. Today, Lehan works as a program supervisor for young adults with various abilities, while continuing her education and exploring new passions in forensic psychology.
Her story is one of courage that inspires anyone facing challenges, showing that even the darkest moments can lead to powerful growth and a meaningful career.
Lehan’s story begins with a heartbreaking and difficult chapter. At just 13 years old, she bravely testified against a sex offender who had hurt her and another young girl when they were only 10. This experience was not just traumatic; it came at a time when her family was already struggling. Her mother had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal injuries, which left her dependent on pain medication and unable to fully care for her children.
In that vulnerable moment, Lehan was targeted by someone who saw her situation as an opportunity. Despite the fear and isolation that followed, she found the courage to speak out and protect others. The impact of this event would shape her for many years, morphing into a series of challenges she had to overcome for over a decade.
Lehan’s early life was not easy, but it was full of moments that built her character and fueled her desire to help others. Watching her mother struggle with injuries and addiction, she learned responsibility at a young age. She had to be a caregiver, protector, and provider. “Putting on a brave face even though my entire world was falling apart was one of the biggest challenges,” she says.
At 14, Lehan got her first job as a camp counselor at a school that had expelled her the year before—a clear sign of her resilience and ability to move forward without bitterness. By 16, she had full-time work papers and began working full-time, supporting her family emotionally and financially for the past ten years.
These experiences not only taught her practical skills but also developed her empathy, understanding, and intuitive insight into human struggles. This foundation has become the backbone of her career in human services.
One of Lehan’s proudest achievements is her current role as a program supervisor at a transition-to-independence program for young adults with various abilities. This job requires a unique mix of patience, understanding, and leadership—qualities Lehan embodies fully.
Balancing full-time work and full-time college has been demanding, but she chose courses that directly applied to her work, creating a powerful synergy between her education and career. “Watching others succeed and grow makes my heart feel full,” she says. This role not only allows her to make a difference but also to witness the transformative power of support and guidance.
Lehan is currently exploring schools for the upcoming fall semester, with a strong interest in forensic psychology. This field feels like a natural next step, connecting her past experiences with her desire to understand human behavior on a deeper level. But Lehan remains open-minded and ready for whatever new experiences life has to offer.
Her passion for learning and growth reflects a core belief: life is a continuous journey of discovery and self-improvement.
A valuable lesson Lehan shares is about the importance of valuing people over being right. “During moments of conflict, do I value the person more than being right? Ten out of ten times, I value the person,” she explains. This approach helps her navigate the challenges in her personal and professional life with grace and humor.
Her advice to others entering the human services field is to understand the dedication it requires but also to realize that their authentic character is their greatest asset. Setting healthy boundaries is crucial, she says, and you can hold both courage and compassion at the same time.
Lehan McStay’s story resonates because it’s real. She does not hide the pain and struggles she has faced, but she also highlights the victories—big and small—that have carried her forward. Through her Instagram and work, she encourages others to see that healing is possible and that they can find purpose even in adversity.
Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, education, and heart-centered work. Whether it’s helping young adults transition to independence or pursuing a new field of study, Lehan shows that with determination, humor, and kindness, it’s possible to overcome life’s hardest moments.
Lehan is still on her path, but her story already teaches powerful lessons about survival, growth, and service. She reminds us all that life’s obstacles do not define us—our responses to them do.
By sharing her journey, Lehan hopes to inspire others to pursue careers in human services without feeling overwhelmed. She wants people to see the courage it takes and to know that compassion and strength are not mutually exclusive—they are best when they work together.
Her future looks bright, with college courses in forensic psychology and a heart ready for new challenges. Lehan McStay’s story is one that continues to unfold, filled with promise, healing, and the power to help others live better lives.
If you want to follow Lehan’s inspiring journey, check out her Instagram: @Mourning____star_.
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