As someone with ADHD who has recently been diagnosed with lupus (an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's tissues and organs instead of viruses), I have always found it challenging to fit in and for others to understand my complex emotions, particularly during my childhood. I have always been an emotional person, and teachers often struggled to manage my emotional outbursts and short attention span. For a long time, I lacked the tools to cope in ways that resonated with me, leading to feeling as if my life was a constant struggle with those around me and the world itself. During middle school, I battled with my confidence and faced cruel judgment from my peers for being 'different' or 'weird.' It wasn't until I discovered music and art that I found doors for self-expression, which guided me along my ongoing path toward self-love and empathy. Last summer, just before my official diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, my health deteriorated significantly. I experienced severe joint pain and stiffness, became anemic, and completely lost my appetite. I dealt with frequent fainting periods and arthritis symptoms, which resulted in countless hospital visits without any clear answers. During these distressing times, I found myself in a hopeless state, where I could only find reassurance in the healing melodies of music. Music has been a consistent friend and coping mechanism in my life, providing comfort during both my toughest and most joyful moments. It has taught me to embrace my flaws and appreciate the diversity of our world. Artists like Melanie Martinez, Billie Eilish, and Aurora have profoundly influenced my life and perspective, helping me understand that expressing emotions is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Their music has allowed me to see the beauty in what some might consider 'weird' or 'odd' and encouraged me to celebrate my differences. Through music, I've overcome my fear of being an outsider and embraced my individuality, expressing my "weirdness" through art, ultimately finding peace within myself. My goal is to empower others to heal and overcome their inner struggles, just as music and art have done for me. It pains me to see people struggle with trauma and neglect regarding mental health and self-love. With the support of college and scholarships, I strive to assist those in pain, represent our diverse world, and give a voice to the voiceless through my art. I want to challenge misconceptions about being neurodivergent and show that it is not a flaw I need to fix but rather an issue of society's empathy and willingness to educate others about diverse minds. My chronic illness has strengthened my resilience, and through my work, I hope to encourage empathy and offer hope to those who feel lost, just as I once did.