I have lost many people in life, people have walked away when things got ugly or when time comes and they pass on to the next life. Either way they both hurt the same because when you lose some one you experience the worst thing to exist heartbreak. Depending on how strong your bond to the person was you can sometimes physically feel broken and feel as if you have no purpose. I lost someone who cared for very much a year ago his name was Eli. No he didn't die but, he is dead to me. I felt the strain on our relationship months before the oxygen to our flame was cut off. Daily I fought hard to keep our spark ignited but, he continued to smother the flame. Eventually my matches got wet and I had nothing left to give, the fire had been put out. I laid awake many nights wondering what I could have done better but eventually someone came along and ignited a brand new flame something bigger and better. It was at this point I realized that nothing will ever stay together without the force of two working in harmony. I now choose to fight for myself and make me better. I realize that someone who truly cares will bring a extra match so when your's get wet they can help you light up better.

I love being an American bc of the people that fought for our freedom. My mama taught me that any person that risks their life for another's should be treated with utmost respect, especially a veteran. I think it is very important we Americans show pride in our country because some of them didn't make it back home but we never had to leave. These people paid the ultimate price for our freedom, some as young as 18. They had their whole life ahead of them but sacrificed it for people they would never meet. Not only did they give their life but mother's and father's gave children, nobody wants to bury their baby. Imagine losing something you created and cared for but someone they never knew took it away. There is no one to blame and you never got to say goodbye. All you have is a flag to represent something that was once inside you. We also need to remember the veterans that come back and will never be the same. Imagine having to take away something that is close to servals hearts and never being able to get that out of your mind. I also like to think about how you are a part of a big group and can bond with many others all over the country about the topic of patriotism. Patriotism is arguably one of the most celebrated things in the country and if you don't have a reason to be patriotic just remember the strangers that were so selfless they put their life on the line for you. Also take time to inform friends on this topic especially, if they say disrespectful things about this country. Also inform yourself on what's happening in the country and how you can improve it and take pride of keep it clean and beautiful don't neglect your duties as you have the honor of being in a country where freedom is real. We are truly spoiled and should be so grateful of the opportunities we get from the sacrifices these men and women made. The least you can do is stand for the national anthem and pledge. Remember these people when you choose to sit, talk, or promote any disrespect to this country. And the next time you see a veteran tell them a job well done and you appreciate them it will make these people smile and remember who they made this sacrifice for.

I have not overcome per say but, have learned how to deal and cope with mental illness. In 2021 I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and a eating disorder which was hard to handle as a 13 year old girl. I have not had the easiest life in the world but not the worst life I have a loving mother and have loving family members. At the time though I was struggling with school and being a young bi racial girl in a small country town with mostly Caucasians was not helpful in the slightest. At the time when all started was in 2020 and I had lost all of my friends that summer and went back to school my 8th grade year, with only my step sister beside me whom I don't like very much. It was rough I began to not eat, I slept all day long, and when I was awake I didn't really leave my room. I worried about everything. As my mental health still began to decline I couldn't cope and started to cut myself as a release. I never told anyone until I went to a psychiatrist and and got help. We went through many different medications and therapist until we found a good balance. I still had a raging eating disorder and nobody was helping until I met Tessa. My freshman year of highschool started and I had friends lots of them actually I was quite popular but, mentally was still struggling. So that's when I switched therapist and met Tessa she seemed to care more about me than most people and I felt comfortable telling her everything. She cared about my eating and boy problems and and that worried me or upset me and I truly was learning to cope and focus on myself and I can truly say I was happy. Soon Tessa moved clinic's and I didn't follow her but, I thought I was fine and continued on. I was fine until October when everyone at school showed their true colors and began to bully me about my race. I couldn't go to school without someone yelling slurs in my face and constantly having rude things said to me. One comment that has stuck with me this whole time is one boy looked me in my eyes and said, " I love how cool you are about people being racist". In the beginning of December I wouldn't go to school I wouldn't leave my room I just wanted to die. Until one day I just lost it and told my mom everything, she said I will contact Tessa and you can switch school's. So the beginning of January I switched to the school I'm at now I was welcomed with love and acceptance. No one cared I was different and everyone loved me. I began to see Tessa again at school which was very convenient and I was finally happy again. A year later I'm where I am now and the happiest I have ever been. I'm doing well academically, mentally, and physically. I have lowered my medicine and made amazing strides I truly am a different person now. I am a advocate for mental health and frequently talk about it online and make it a point to check up on my friends. I truly hope I can help people through my experiences and and show people that no matter your social status, race, gender, or looks you can struggle and never be embarrassed to ask for help.

Through the year 2022 I have been through many ups and downs. This year marked my one year of being diagnosed with depression and anxiety and shown how much I had overcome. But little did I know I would have to completely re find myself. As a biracial female in a small mostly white country town my life has not always been easy. But particularly during the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 I was ran out of my own school due to racism. That began a journey of it's own I had to take a step back and find myself. I had let others people's hate and ignorance get in my mind and unfortunately lost myself and forgot all the things I loved. I was at the point of wanting to end my life as I felt worthless and there was nothing else left for me. I was lost but, little did I know when I switched schools I would find people who would allow me to be myself and grow as person. On January 3rd 2022 I began my journey at Scott High School. From the moment I walked in the door I was shown love and respect. Even during my first day I seen a huge difference with all the kindness I was shown. Not one person was screaming slurs or derogatory phrases in my face it was refreshing. Through out all of these big changes in my life I had softball, even when I switched I continued to condition with the new team. Up until tryouts when I was the only girl to not make the high school team. It was at this point when I realized something had to change. So during this time I tried many hobbies done a ton of self care and worked on me. I founded that I am one strong lady and that I have been through many things in my life but have persevered. Some things that change were I found that I need to make more me time. I learned to rewire my brain to do what's best for me. I kept my big heart and my passion but, I let go of the parts of me that put others first. I worked on my health and found that working out was therapeutic for me. My biggest discovery was that while putting my self first I can also care for family and friends.