Dr. Cynthia McQueen knows what it means to question whether life is worth continuing. As a child, she experienced abuse, bullying, isolation, and thoughts of suicide.

Yet the years ahead held experiences she could not have imagined during those painful moments.

She went on to earn a doctorate, build a distinguished career spanning more than forty years in education, and serve as a school superintendent and principal. She also enjoyed a career in television and radio, built a family, and became a grandmother.

Her journey was not free from further hardship. As an adult, she faced damaging false allegations that spread publicly. She also survived cancer.

In Victim to Victorious: The Purpose of Pain, she draws upon these experiences to encourage teenagers who may feel trapped by their circumstances.

Her message is especially personal because she has witnessed the devastating loss of former students to suicide. She wants young people to understand that help exists and that they do not have to suffer silently.

Through faith, personal reflection, and suicide prevention resources, Dr. McQueen urges readers to seek support, remain hopeful, and give themselves the opportunity to experience a future they cannot yet see.