Anime has been a part of my life since I was eleven. It has made me joyful, sad, angry, ecstatic, and every other emotion humanly possible. Of course, every anime fan has a favorite series or film they can watch repeatedly without getting tired of it. If I had to choose an anime I could watch on repeat without losing interest, it would have to be the second Inuyasha movie- The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass. In this movie, Inuyasha, a half-demon, Kagome, a girl who can travel back and forth between the modern era and feudal Japan, and their friends think that they have finally vanquished the main villain of the series, Naraku. However, just as it seems like it will be smooth sailing going forward in collecting the remaining sacred jewels shards, which can grant anyone who wields them immense power, a new villain arises named Princess Kaguya, a demon who absorbed the celestial maiden from the old Japanese fairy tale. Kaguya, who was sealed away long ago, wants to stop time itself so that she can rule the world. She kidnaps Kagome and plans to eat her in order to consume the young woman's spiritual powers. When Inuyasha comes to rescue Kagome from Kaguya's clutches, Kaguya attempts to unleash Inuyasha's full demon side, which is known for being dangerous and attacking friend and foe alike. In an attempt to keep from losing Inuyasha to his demonic side, Kagome kisses him, finally acting upon her feelings that she has had lingering regarding Inuyasha for a long time. The kiss works, and Inuyasha is brought to his senses. he even kisses Kagome back, confirming his feelings for her as well. After a series of events, Kaguya is defeated, Naraku returns, and things are returned to the "status quo," but with hints that Inuyasha and Kagome's relationship has changed for the better. What I love so much about this movie is that it is a movie that allows the main characters to confront different realities following their enemy's "defeat." Inuyasha wants to become a full demon so he can feel strong and accepted, considering he was ostracized for most of his life because he was neither a full human nor a full demon. Kagome, on the other hand, knows that her time in the feudal era was only supposed to be temporary, meaning that despite all the bonds she has formed with her friends and Inuyasha, she is more than likely going to have to say goodbye for good when her mission of collecting jewel shards is complete. Seeing these two play off each other and their insecurities and fears is fantastic to watch, especially as they slowly start to accept their feelings for one another. This all coming together in a simple kiss speaks volumes about these characters' complexity and layers. On paper, they should not work together. In fact, their constant bickering and yelling would make you think that they hate one another. However, watching the movie, I love seeing how they deeply love one another and would do anything if it meant protecting the other from harm. It is a deep and great love that I want for myself when I find my future partner. Inuyasha: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass is an anime movie I hold near and dear to my heart. It has breathtaking animation and beautiful storytelling about how the love between two people can transcend anything, even time. The movie is an absolute must-watch for anime enthusiasts and non-anime enthusiasts alike, and I cannot express enough my love for this anime movie.

"Anyone can wear the mask." This quote encapsulates the idea that anyone can be Spider-Man. Over the years, several different actors have portrayed the beloved web-slinger. If I had to choose my all-time favorite actor who has played Spider-Man on the big screen, I would have to choose Tobey Maguire. To me, that is Spider-Man through and through. I grew up with his trilogy movies, and he is always the one I come to think of when I think of Spider-Man. Without those movies, I probably would not have grown to love all things superheroes or nerdy like I do now. What always gets me about Tobey's portrayal of Spider-Man is how his Spidey inspired others, often strangers, to act. In the first movie, Spider-Man is on the ropes when he is trying to save Mary Jane and the kids in the railcar. Just as Green Goblin is about to go in for the kill, regular every day people start throwing junk and trash at Green Goblin because they are inspired by Spider-Man's willingness to put himself on the lines for others. In the second movie, after saving a train full of people, these same passengers not only save him from falling to his death but also promise to keep his secret and try defending him when Doc Ock comes back to take him. In these moments, Tobey's Spider-Man inspires everyday people to show solidarity and kindness towards someone who is usually saving them. Spider-Man is a hero that could be anybody. It does not matter who a person is- anyone can be Spider-Man. However, for me, Tobey Macguire will always be my Spider-Man.

If my year had a soundtrack, the song from 1989 (Taylor's Version) that would be on it would probably be the opening song of the album "Welcome to New York." As cliche and sappy as it may seem, I feel like this song encapsulates that new and excitable feeling a person gets when they go to places like New York, where it feels like the city itself has been waiting for people to take that first step into its soundtrack of beats and rhythms. This year marked me being "welcomed" into my metaphorical New York, where I could "dance to this beat" of something new. It was a year of new experiences and wanting "somethin' more." In the spring of 2022, I graduated with my bachelor's degree in psychology. However, instead of diving straight into a career or master's program, I decided to take the fall off to save money and take a breather from undergrad. During that time, I evaluated what I wanted out of life and whether or not I truly wanted to continue my education like I originally planned or go straight into the workforce. Of course, something that many would find simple was nerve-racking for me. My anxiety made it hard for me to decide what I wanted to do. What if I chose one path and messed everything up? What if I chose another path and found myself unsatisfied after all the hard work I put down for a bachelor's degree? After going back and forth on what I wanted to do, I finally returned to school to get a master's degree in social work. Upon starting my second degree at the beginning of 2023, it felt like stepping into New York City, which I also visited for the first time this year. Everything felt exciting and flashy, as if a new world of options and possibilities opened up. While the experience was initially overwhelming, which is how many feel upon first arriving in New York, I felt like I could match the rhythm of this program, finding something I did not initially realize I wanted more until I took that first step. Every class I took and every textbook I read made me feel like I was discovering a "great love" that I did not realize I had. The opener to Taylor's 1989 feels like a new beginning point. It is a catchy opener and reminds me of the journey I took into my metaphorical New York in terms of starting my new degree. The person I was before the start of this year was "someone else before" that I barely recognize in terms of the person I am now. Even though the "lights were so bright" upon starting this new chapter in my life, I can confidently say that looking back on it all, "the lights" do not blind me anymore.

When you are in the dark, what do you usually do? Do you continue to stumble around and hope for the best? No. You tend to look for a source of light so you can find your way out. That is what I feel many individuals in therapeutic careers are; lights to guide those often left stumbling around in the dark. I want to enter this field and be a light for others. After all, I know all too well what it is like to be consumed by darkness. When I was around seven, my happy and carefree childhood was turned upside down when I went through a traumatic experience that far too many children end up experiencing at the hands of trusted adults. An adult hurt me in a way that still has a lasting impact on me. I kept what happened to me a secret for many years. The secret festered and grew, nearly swallowing me in complete darkness as time passed. The darkness manifested in behaviors such as increased anger, self-isolation from family and friends, and excessive fear whenever I was near male adults. One day, when I was around ten, I finally told my parents what had happened to me. After calling the authorities, I was recommended to begin therapy with a child therapist. I had never been in a setting like that before, and my young mind concocted this notion that I was somehow "broken" or "messed up" by visiting this doctor. However, the doctor slowly aided me out of this mindset. She guided me to rescue myself from this dark place by helping me unpack my buried emotions while also assuring me that what had happened was in no way my fault. Years later, while pursuing my undergraduate degree in psychology, I found myself in another mental health crisis. Triggers from my past popped up, threatening to send me back into the darkness I thought I had escaped in my childhood. I was regressing into that sacred and helpless little girl all over again. It had been years since I had been in a therapist's office, and it felt like a sense of failure on my behalf to require a therapist's services while pursuing a mental health-related degree. However, just like before, my therapist aided me out of the dark and helped me to mend old wounds that I failed to realize were left unhealed. Careers in the therapeutic field are far from being trouble-free. They can be demanding in every possible way, often leading to severe burnout that can affect a therapist's mental health. However, many who stay and do their best to help those in need are often the most essential and powerful lights for those in darkness and despair. Just like the two therapists who came before me, I want to be that light for others when they are lost; I want to be one of the people to help guide them out of the dark that has consumed far too many people for far too long.

The dream version of my future self is a confident, independent woman who does not fear the challenges that come her way because she has great faith in her abilities to succeed and the strong support system of loved ones she has surrounded herself with.

There are thousands of animated and live-action Disney characters, so picking a favorite can be challenging. From beautiful princesses to animal sidekicks to excentric villains, there is no shortage of characters to choose from. Out of the entire catalog of characters, though, my favorite of the bunch is a relatively newer character that has only recently been added to Disney's line-up in the past few years. Despite only appearing in one of Disney's more recent animated series, she is my favorite character to come out of Disney since Ariel from the Little Mermaid. This character is Luz Noceda from the Owl House. Luz is one of my favorite characters because of who she is as a person and how that impacts others. Luz does not quite fit in with anybody at home in the human world. However, she remains passionate about many hobbies and has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen from a fictional character. Luz has helped friends and foes become better people merely by treating them with the kindness they have often been deprived of in their own lives. This kindness towards others allows her to connect and help those in the new realm she enters after she runs away from home. She assists the most wanted witch in the land into becoming someone who can be vulnerable again after putting up emotional walls for decades; she helps the school bully realize that she is more than just a product of her parenting and is worthy of love without having to prove herself, and she even gets the right-hand man of the main villain to see through the lies and manipulation he has been brainwashed into believing about the world his whole life. While she does not change everyone, those she has helped are better people because of it. Not enough people appreciate Luz Noceda for who she is, but that is okay. Luz, to me, embodies the idea that one person can make a big difference in the lives of so many people. She is not perfect, often being someone who is either naive or pushy, but she always has the best of intentions in mind and only wants to help wherever she can. Even though she does not have a legion of fans like her Disney princess counterparts, Luz is definitely one of my favorite Disney characters.

As a mentor for College Mentors for Kids, I want to shape the life of my "little buddy" in a positive direction. I had a mentor when I was a little kid, and she left a significant impact on me. She helped me through a difficult time in my life, comforting me as I faced what I thought was an insurmountable challenge. Without her help, I might not be here today. I want my little buddy to know that I can be that same sort of comfort for them. With how crazy the world is today, what with a global pandemic and an uncertain future, it is scary enough for an adult. I can only imagine what a child could be thinking about all this. I want my little buddy to know that they are not alone in this crazy dumpster fire that is the world right now. I want them to come to me and feel that they can trust that someone will be there for them.

What do a girl from Maine and a girl from Pakistan have in common? Some people may assume two girls from opposite sides of the globe could have nothing in common whatsoever. After all, the cultures and values in those regions are so vastly different; how could common ground possibly be found? Somehow, I was able to find that commonality and much more in the book "I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai, one of my all-time favorite books. The book is an autobiography for Malala Yousafzai, a girl shot by the Taliban for trying to go to school. The reader learns about Malala's family, interests, dreams for the future, and what life is like in a country many in the Western world before the attempt on her life. What I found inspiring was how I was able to connect with Malala. I empathized with her struggles of being the oldest and only girl in a family with younger brothers and two parents. I understood her desire to pursue an education to achieve her goals. I connected with her fantasies of growing up to be someone beyond the small town she was born in. I even related to her spiritually regarding her deep religious devotions even though she practices Islam and I practice Christianity. It boggles my mind how many similarities I could draw from a girl who lives a life so different from my own. Her book inspired me to be more open to people that I may initially think I have nothing in common with, pushing me to make friendships with others from entirely different sets of circumstances compared to myself. I truly think this book could inspire many others to look for what we have in common with one another instead of what we do not.

I would say that I have such an eclectic bunch of hobbies that it is difficult to narrow down which one is my favorite. After all, my hobbies range from cosplaying for videos on TikTok to painting random flowers on canvases. However, despite gaining much enjoyment from these hobbies, one stands above the rest: drawing. Inspired by friends in high school and artists on Instagram, I have spent the past few years doodling on the pages of countless sketchbooks. At first, my drawings were no more than silly stick figure-like pieces that make me cringe every time I think back on them. However, as time has gone on, there has been a clear improvement in my work. Now, I only slightly cringe when I go through the pages of a recently completed sketchbook. Despite this self-deprecating artist humor, I find much enjoyment in drawing. I use my "sketch-time," as I like to call it, to de-stress myself from the long days of school and work that I often encounter. For a few hours at a time, I can escape the insane world around me and give my full attention to something I have control over. I can create something that, while not perfect, is my own creation. The images I draw on the blank pages are forever immortalized and often give a glimpse into that moment in time for me, which only further helps emphasize how far I have come. I know drawing can be seen as a simple hobby, but it holds a special place in my heart. I feel like it helps me reach across time, from allowing me to reconnect with my past through previous doodles, keeping me grounded at the moment with current sketches, and finally helping me plan what is to come with future art. Not only that, but it helps momentarily take me away from the stress and pain of the world to find enjoyment and contentment. And for that, I am grateful.

Growing up, I lived in a typical nuclear family. It was as average as average could be. I had a loving mom, a hard-working dad, two annoying little brothers, and a dog that loved to dig up the backyard. Everything seemed to be perfect. However, when I entered college, my parents decided to divorce each other. The average life I had seemed to shatter into a million pieces, and I was among those broken shards. Following the divorce, I felt like I was in a tug-of-war with my mom and dad. As the oldest, I saw the ugliest sides of both my parents, sides that no kid should ever see of their parents. I was angry, hurt, sad, a whole hodge-podge of emotions that threatened to consume me in a sea of darkness. I hit some of the lowest points that I never thought were humanly possible. At one point, I even contemplated self-harm as a solution to the pain. All of that changed when I started talking to a therapist. She helped me work through my emotions and got me to gain the confidence to set proper boundaries between my parents and myself. I learned how to step back and care for myself without bringing my parents' issues into my personal life. I felt happy, and like I could breathe again for the first time in ages. It has been a few years since then, and I am still going strong. Because of what I faced in the past, I have overcome more challenging adversities that have been thrown my way. Situations that would have been insurmountable before the divorce were manageable because of what I went through, and the help I received in my time of need.

Anyone who knows me knows that sketching is one of my favorite simple pleasures. It has been that way ever since I was in high school. I always have a sketchbook with me wherever I go, with a pencil or pen not far away. For me, sketching is more than just doodling on a page; it is a sense of capturing time and immortalizing it in my own way. I do not always plan out what I sketch- sometimes it is just random doodles that make no sense- but it brings me a great sense of joy every time I open up to a new page or an old one to see a previous sketch. I find pleasure in seeing how far I have come from the beginning to the end of a sketchbook. The book itself is almost like a personal time capsule. My art style may have even changed between sketches, but it is still my work when the book is finally closed.

What do a girl from Maine and a girl from Pakistan have in common? Some people may assume two girls from opposite sides of the globe could have nothing in common whatsoever. After all, the cultures and values in those regions are so vastly different; how could common ground possibly be found? Somehow, I was able to find that commonality and much more in the book "I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai, one of my all-time favorite books. The book is an autobiography for Malala Yousafzai, a girl shot by the Taliban for trying to go to school. The reader learns about Malala's family, interests, dreams for the future, and what life is like in a country many in the Western world before the attempt on her life. Surprisingly, I was able to connect with Malala in several ways. I empathized with her struggles of being the oldest and only girl in a family with two younger brothers and two parents. I understood her desire to pursue an education to achieve her goals. I connected with her fantasies of growing up to be someone beyond the small town she was growing up in. I even related to her spiritually regarding her deep religious devotions even though she practices Islam and I practice Christianity. It boggles my mind how many similarities I could draw from a girl who lives a life so different from my own. Her book inspired me to be more open to people that I may initially think I have nothing in common with, pushing me to make friendships with others from entirely different sets of circumstances compared to myself. I truly think this book could inspire many others to look for what we have in common with one another instead of what we do not.

One of the main ways I tend to relax and take care of myself is through drawing. I picked up the hobby a few years back, and it has been my go-to de-stressor ever since. Back in high school, my friend was showing me her sketchbook, and I thought it was so cool how she could express herself with just some images on a page. Around this same time, I also got into graphic novels and the different stories explored using the medium, which further piqued my interest in art. So one day, while at Hobby Lobby with my mom, I picked up a simple black sketchbook and have not looked back since. When I draw, I tend to doodle what I am feeling in the moment. My art is nowhere near the level of a professional, but I still take pride in it, especially when I compare it to previous pieces I might have done in the past. If it is something I made, I can find enjoyment in it, even if it is just a simple 3/4 profile picture of a fictional character. I tend to pour my heart out into my art, and the number of times it has helped me de-stress is numerous. I know it may seem like a simple task to some, or maybe some may not find value in it. However, I think drawing has been a valuable asset in keeping my mental health in check during times of crisis.

I would say that I have such an eclectic bunch of hobbies that I do not know how to narrow down which ones are my favorite. Nevertheless, for the sake of this essay, I will do my best. One hobby I have gotten into over the past few years is drawing. Artists on Instagram have inspired me to pick up my pencil and doodle on the pages of countless of sketchbooks. I use my "sketch-time," as I like to call it, to de-stress myself from the long days of school and work that I often encounter. Another hobby of mine is reading. I know it sounds cliche, but I find it so relaxing to curl up under a blanket with a good book and get lost in the maze of words. I owe this particular hobby to my 5th-grade teacher, who got me invested in reading with her narration of the book "A Wrinkle in Time." Finally, another hobby of mine is cosplaying. This hobby is one that I picked up following my first comic convention back in 2014. I like the idea of dressing up as different characters from fictional series and acting like them. I know it may seem a bit weird to some, but for me, it allows me to forget about the troubles of the world, even if it is just for a little bit. I could go on and on about several other hobbies, such as writing, painting, and singing, but I think you get the idea here. I have many hobbies that offer different avenues of de-stressing myself, especially during these uncertain times. I think hobbies can do wonders for many people, and it is interesting to learn about just how many hobbies are out there to be explored.

Growing up, I lived in a typical nuclear family. It was as average as average could be. I had a loving mom, a hard-working dad, two annoying little brothers, and a dog that loved to dig up the yard. Everything seemed to be perfect. However, when I entered college, my parents decided to divorce each other. They had been together for almost 20 years, almost as long as I had been alive, and now they were suddenly getting divorced just as I was entering the next critical phase of my life. Looking back on it now, there were obvious signs that things were getting bad, but I guess I chose to ignore them and live in the sense of denial. The average life I had seemed to shatter into a million pieces, and I was among those broken shards. After the divorce, I felt like I was in a tug-of-war with my mom and dad. They both blamed each other for the marriage falling apart, failing to see how they were dragging my brothers and me into the mess. As the oldest, I saw the ugliest of both my parents' sides and how they would berate each other with little to no regard to how I would be affected. How was I supposed to choose between my mother and father? I was angry, hurt, sad, a whole hodge-podge of emotions that threatened to consume me in a sea of darkness. I hit some of the lowest points that I never thought were humanly possible. All of that changed when I started talking to a therapist. She helped me work through my emotions and helped me to gain the confidence to set proper boundaries between my parents and me. I learned how to step back and care for myself without bringing my parents' issues into my personal life. I felt happy again, and like I could breathe for the first time. Since then, it has been a few years, and I am still going strong. My parents have both settled down their simmering resentment between each other, but not entirely. Still, I am somewhat grateful for going through that hardship in a strange sort of way. Because of what I faced in the past, I have overcome more challenging adversities that have been thrown my way. Situations that would have been insurmountable before the divorce were manageable because of what I went through, and I hope to carry this resilience into my work as a therapist. I am working towards getting my bachelor's degree in psychology. My next step in my academic journey is completing a master's in social work. I am looking to work as a therapist for either children or veterans, but I am not sure which group to devote myself to help. I plan to use what I have learned to help others become strong and resilient to the world's challenges.

When I went to see Hamilton in Chicago, I knew how the story would go. However, as the second to last song was reaching its climax, I became more aware of the finality of Alexander Hamilton's story. As the bullet neared him in his final duel, Alexander began to reflect on his life and on the legacy he would leave behind. He thought as death inched ever so closer, "What is a legacy?" For some reason, that quote became poignant as the curtains fell and the music died. What did I want my legacy to be? I stewed on the concept for days after the curtain had fallen. Then, on the plane ride home, I finally had an idea of what I wanted my legacy to be: a legacy of kindness. As we all know far too well, the world can be an unforgiving place with pitfalls and obstacles around every corner trying to knock us down. It has a nasty habit of bringing out the worst in ourselves and others, resulting in hate and resentment between people to fester and grow. However, when I go, I want to leave behind some piece of myself that reminds others to be courteous to one another to make the world seem brighter. I want family, friends, and strangers that I leave behind to tell others how I worked to improve lives through acts of generosity; how I made others smile when they were feeling down; how I was willing to lend an ear to anyone who needed someone to listen. I want my legacy garden to grow flowers of charity and compassion that inspire others long after I have left this world. I know it sounds simple, but I think the world could use a little more kindness in it.

Being a fan of both musicals and Disney, I have to go with "The Next Right Thing" from Frozen 2 as the most inspiring song for me. While many may see this as one of the more depressing songs in the Frozen franchise, I find great inspiration from it and Anna's push to keep moving forward even when you think you cannot stand. What I find so inspiring about this song is that, unlike similar songs, this Disney song focuses on someone just trying to do the next right thing. The song is about how grief and sorrow can have such a visceral hold on you, crushing you to the point of wanting to give up entirely, but that you still have to keep going on no matter what. It is not about finding the ultimate goal of happiness but taking the first steps towards getting away from those negative feelings. Nowadays, people are often told to stop being sad and be happy, but it is not easy to go from intense feelings like sadness or grief to joy or happiness; it takes steps to get there, and this song highlights that it is okay to take your time, but regardless, you have to take those steps if you want to get better. This song is a great reminder that it is okay to take your time getting better, and that it is not an overnight fix when it comes to these strong emotions. It may take some time to get better, but you can get there at your own pace. The point of it all is taking that first step towards betterment, no matter how small.

When I was fourteen, I, like many young teenagers, was trying to figure out who I was and who I wanted to be. I had just moved to a new school where no one knew me, friendships were hard to come by, and school lacked the excitement it once had for me. Then one day, I saw a news story about a girl from Pakistan, not much older than me, being shot by the Taliban simply because she wanted to go to school. She had survived and was talking about the book she published titled "I Am Malala ." For some reason, I was captivated by this random news story and decided to go and buy the book for myself to read. Malala and I could not be any more different; she is a Muslim girl from Pakistan, and I am a Christian girl from Maine. However, as I read the first few chapters, I learned more about this girl on the other side of the world and how we were not so different. She was the oldest and only girl among her siblings, having two brothers like me, and she was a lover of all things book-related. I was able to connect with her in a way that I never thought could be possible. It boggles my mind how much connection and similarities I could draw from a girl who lives a life so different from my own. Her book inspired me to be more open about people that I may initially think I have nothing in common with, pushing me to make friendships with others from entirely different sets of circumstances compared to myself. I truly think it could inspire many others to look for what we have in common with one another instead of what we don't.

Despite the sad look, I promise you that Shadow is loved and cared for. He may also look a bit plump, but that's a far cry from when we first got him. He first came to us with the name "King," having come from a home where he was mistreated and starved. He would flinch at the slightest raised voice and pee out of fear of my Dad's hand. Now, he's in his golden years of life with two little Schnauzer puppies following him everywhere and a belly full of food. I'd say he's truly living like a King now.

Anyone who knows me knows that sketching is one of my favorite simple pleasures. It has been that way ever since I was in high school. Whether it is to class, the store, church, or even a doctor's appointment, I always have a sketchbook with some pencils. I do not always plan out what I sketch- sometimes it is just random doodles that do not even make sense to me- but it brings me a great sense of joy every time I open to a new page to draw. I like that it is my own work that I can later look back on to get a better idea of my state of being during that single moment in time. I find joy in seeing how far I have come as an artist from beginning to end a sketchbook. My art style may have even changed in some areas while staying consistent in others, but it is still my work when the book is closed. For me, sketching is more than just doodles on a page; it is a sense of capturing time and immortalizing it in my own way.

Growing up, I lived in a typical nuclear family. Not everything was perfect, but it was as average as average could be. However, when I entered college, my parents divorced. They had been together for almost 20 years, and now they were suddenly divorced. I had seen the signs, but I guess I chose to ignore them. The average life I had seemed to shatter into a million pieces, and I was among those broken bits. After the divorce, I felt like I was in a tug-of-war with my mom and dad. They both were blaming each other for the marriage falling apart, falling to see how they were dragging my brothers and me into the mess. As the oldest, I saw the ugliest of both my parents' sides and how they would berate each other with little to no regard to how I would be affected. How was I supposed to choose between my mother and father? I was angry, hurt, sad, a whole hodge-podge of emotions that threatened to consume me in a sea of darkness. All of that changed when I started talking to a therapist. She helped me work through my emotions and helped me to gain the confidence to set proper boundaries between my parents and me. I learned how to step back and care for myself without bringing my parents' issues into my personal life. I felt happy again and like I could breathe for the first time. I carry the lessons from therapy with me to this day and continue to utilize them to press forward through hard times.

Mirrors often help me in staying true to myself. When I was younger, my aunt would say to me, “do you like the person you see in the mirror?” She wasn’t just referring to physical appearances either; she was also talking about who I was on the inside. Did I like who I saw both inside and out? When I want to see if I’m true to myself, I’ll go to my bathroom mirror and stare at my reflection. Sometimes it’ll last for a few seconds; other times, it’ll be a few minutes. I try to envision who I am beneath the freckles and baggy eyes. Who is the person who woke up this morning? Who is this girl who just got out of the shower? Who is she really? Heck, sometimes I’ll even talk to myself, ask my reflection questions. Are you happy? What’s on your mind today? Do you want to talk about it? Often, these self-reflecting conversations with myself help to ensure that I continue to be true to myself and my own beliefs. Mirrors are supposed to reflect who we are as people. I try my best to use mirrors as a way of self-reflecting on aspects that go beyond the nerdy glasses and freckled cheeks; I want to know who’s behind all that. I want to know if I’m just putting on an act to please someone else, or if I’m being the genuine person I know I am.