When I was diagnosed with Selective Mutism at fourteen, a lot of things made sense. Like how there are times I can not speak, no matter how much I want to. How, when I moved to a new school in fourth grade, I didn’t speak for months and would silently follow the girl who would eventually become my best friend. There have been times I have felt lesser than because sometimes I can not do something so basic, that most people take for granted. I have been yelled at, called stupid, and pressured to speak when I can’t. But I know I am not stupid, that the ability to speak is not a given. My experiences have led to a fascination in communication and the written word. Even when unable to speak, I have found solace in writing, where I am able to express what I can not say. When I went for my bachelor’s, I double majored in Communication Studies and creative writing for what I think is the most important reason to pursue higher education—to follow my passions and achieve a better understanding of myself. In college, I discovered a love for poetry, how unusual metaphors and just a few words can say so much and make people consider someone else’s perspective from a new angle. I have received a few awards for my poetry, and when accepted to a convention to talk about one of my poems, even though I was anxious, I couldn’t stop talking. Poetry has brought me a sense of comfort and purpose I do not always find elsewhere. Earlier this year, I was accepted to St. Mary’s College of California to pursue my passions and get an MFA in poetry. This is the next big step in my life, and even though I’m scared to leave my home of Kentucky, I know this is what I need to do. I need to get my MFA, to pursue what I love, strengthen my craft, and find a way to make a career out of my passions. My first experiences with college taught me a lot about myself and how to have courage, how I am not lesser than when I struggle, and how my words matter. I have a lot to say, and even though I can not always speak what’s on my mind, I can write it. My words matter, spoken or otherwise.