At only 27-years-old, life hasn’t been fair to Amber.
She chose to be called “Amber” in order to protect her identity. She had dreams and went to college, but instead of using her degrees, she chose life as a prostitute.
“I went to San Jose State University and I graduated from University of Phoenix, ASU,” Amber told FOX40.
Everyone she loved died and left her. She says life got in the way. A mother of three, Amber was all alone and had to make hard decisions.
“Three of my brothers died of heroin overdose,” said Amber.
Amber’s step-mother died in her arms, she was the only one there to care for her.
She says it left her broken and broke. All alone, she says she had no choice but to sell herself to make money.
She uses motels in northern California to conduct illegal prostitution, and has a long list of clients.
“I have to survive somehow,” Amber said. “If it’s selling my body, it’s selling my body.”
It’s dangerous and lonely for Amber, she lost her children and she brushes with death every day.
“I’ve been robbed, shot at, stabbed and thrown out of cars when they are still moving,” Amber told FOX40
With all the heartbreak and pain that comes with her decision to prostitute, why do it?
“It makes more than any other professions. I make $1,000 a day,” she said.
So what will it take for her to give up this lifestyle to get her children back?
“I pay $3,800 a month in child support; whatever they need, I will do it for them,” Amber said.
For Amber, no matter how risky this is, it’s her reality; survival of the fittest. Even though she knows it’s illegal, even though she knows she could die.
In her world, everyday she wakes up is a gift.