The sewing kit sitting beside me on the table was silently encouraging for me to pick it up. I was to scared, Iv'e never tried something new like this before. After hours of staring at the tiny pins and needles I finally picked it up a began to put together my first ever project. Through many hours of pushing that needle back and forth and pricking my finger at every turn I finally had my completed vision. A mushroom hat that will sit upon my head. From that day I knew what I wanted to spend my time doing. What started from a fear turned into a bright new hobby that I would be doing years later. I took what I knew and begun helping others who needed it through sewing and piecing things together. My passion on the side is cosplay, an activity where you not only bring characters to life but bring together a bigger community. Through my time as a cosplayer I have met thousands of people from conventions I go to, each with a new and unique story. Through my platform I spread the word of others. My one goal is to bring together a community that can interact as one and small obstacles such as race, weight, etc. are no longer a hurdle but a celebration. To celebrate one's differences is to embrace what makes each person unique. recognizing that our individuality shapes our perspectives, strengths, and identities. By valuing these differences instead of fearing them, we create a world built on understanding, acceptance, and respect. If there is any one thing I learned from my countless journeys it is that love is more powerful than hate. When you love someone or something you form a deep and passionate connection; not only does this have to be romantic, it can be love through an understanding of words, hobbies, interest and so much more. Connecting a group of people and watching them interact is a great joy to many alike, allowing unique personalities, perspectives, and connections to come together in meaningful and unforgettable ways. Through my college journey I intend to continue this passion and spread this positivity onto campus. Even when I finish with my schooling and receive my degree in creative writing I will move forward with me newly gained knowledge and give back more to my new community and friends. I hope to inspire others through my words, encourage creativity in those around me, and continue building meaningful connections that will last far beyond my education. Through both my writing and my actions, I want to leave a positive impact on the people and communities that helped shape me into the person I am today.

When I was in 7th grade I was told looking at women for to long was considered a sin and any thoughts along those lines would wound me up in the depths of the 7th ring. I never understood what they meant, not untill I developed my first feelings for a bright and optimistic young blonde. I knew I was meant to surpress these feelings and I wasn't allowed to have that little light in my chest whenever her name was mentioned. That's why I took up the habit of writing, instead of talking to the demons in the closet why not have the pages do the talking for me. I would pour my heart out to that little pink notebook. I almost felt bad for it, for how my thoughts would consume the page and how convinced I was that I was on my way to meet the fire in death. Eventually I outgrew that crush but I couldn't escape the tight feeling I got in my chest whenever the words, "Gay" came out of someones mouth. It almost felt like an insult; It was so odd to hear those words when I couldn't tell whether to pick up the blue or pink paper. So, I did the only thing I could do which was to write. I would write untill my hand got tired, it just felt so natural and I felt good doing it. Even if the words that appeared on the page weren't exactly worded the way I had said in my head. When I got to freshman year of high school, I couldn't deny this part of myself and I started to seek help from others. This is where I would eventually meet my current girlfriend. She showed me that the parts of myself that I tried so hard to hide away were the parts of the rose that never got shown. I needed to accept and embrace my identity so I could fully bloom. It wasn't easy at first, of course I had nights when I cried in my room and thought, "Why can't I be normal?" No matter what I kept telling myself I knew this was apart of how I grew. Now I'm a senior in high school and I have fully appreciated my identity and I don't keep it hidden anymore. I finally faced those demons, but I learned they weren't nasty or mean but they were kind and gentle. With this fully discovered part of myself I finally felt free enough to write with expression. I now write short stories and poems about acceptance. Not only that but I even find time to start exploring my favorite genre, fantasy, that's what I write most now. I'm grateful to everyone who has encouraged me and stayed with me through everything. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that everything will be okay and you will learn to love yourself for who you are. That it will take time but you will get there. I am always proud to say I'm apart of the LGBTQ+ community and most of all I'm proud of how my thoughts on a small piece of paper have turned into beautiful stories.