"If she could put the hollow ache that haunts her into words, she would tell him, ‘I miss the father you never were.’” This poignant quote by John Mark Green encapsulates the enduring void left by my father's absence. After my parents divorced, he chose to start a new family and severed contact by the time I was seven. Despite living in the same town, where he serves as a police officer, he has never acknowledged my presence, adding complexity to my journey of self-discovery and resilience. My greatest achievement is excelling in life despite the challenges posed by my father's absence. Growing up without his support meant witnessing my mother's remarkable strength as the sole provider for my siblings and me. This lack of paternal support, particularly in a community where he is a prominent figure, posed emotional and financial challenges. Yet, these obstacles fueled my determination to forge my own path. Attending Wildwood Catholic Academy was made possible by financial aid due to our low-income status. It was not easy being the "financial aid kid" in a school where most students' parents own businesses. While peers drove new cars, I drove a used car, like my mother, a testament to my mother's sacrifices to provide me with opportunities. Her commitment has been a source of gratitude and motivation. I help support myself financially by working full-time during summers and breaks at Alfe’s Restaurant, and that experience has taught me invaluable skills in time management, responsibility, and perseverance. Therapy became a sanctuary, a place where I could explore and express the feelings of abandonment and insecurity that had haunted me. This experience was transformative, not only helping me navigate the emotional complexities of my father's estrangement but also igniting my passion for psychology. Through therapy, I learned the power of understanding and communication in healing and personal growth. My therapist's guidance opened my eyes to the profound impact that mental health professionals can have, fueling my desire to pursue psychology. Despite these challenges, I have embraced opportunities to grow and lead. As Miss North Wildwood 2024, I have proudly represented my community, inspiring local youth and promoting unity. This role, alongside my volunteer work with organizations like The Women of Wildwood, The Lazarus House Food Pantry, and the Lunch for Lynch Foundation, has instilled a deep sense of empathy and leadership. Looking ahead, I am eager to continue my journey at Flagler College in St. Augustine, majoring in Psychology, and being the first in my family to graduate from college. I hope to support children facing challenges similar to my own, providing the same support that was pivotal in my life. Complementing this, I will minor in Hospitality, inspired by my uncle's work in the community. By combining my academic pursuits with community service, I aim to make a lasting impact, demonstrating that perseverance can indeed overcome obstacles. Receiving the Bright Lights Scholarship would be transformative, providing financial relief and honoring the values of dedication, resilience, and perseverance. It would empower me to continue my education, inspired by personal experiences and a passion for supporting others through understanding, service, and leadership. Through resilience and determination, I have turned my father's absence from a source of pain into a catalyst for personal growth and community engagement. I am committed to using my experiences and education to create positive change, both at home and in my future community in St. Augustine.

In The Wildwoods, where I grew up, we strongly believe in the “power of community”. My commitment to community service and education is unwavering, and I aim to continue this dedication at Flagler College. However, financial challenges pose a significant barrier to my educational journey. As the sole provider, due to the estrangement of my father at the age of seven, my mother works tirelessly, yet the cost of college remains daunting. This scholarship is vital to bridging that gap, allowing me to focus on my studies without financial strain. Being the first in my family to graduate from college, it represents more than financial relief; it symbolizes hope and the opportunity to give back to a community that has shaped me. Volunteering has transformed my life, providing purpose and deepening my understanding of community dynamics. These experiences inspire my pursuit of a career in psychology, where I aim to create safe spaces for young people to express themselves and build resilience. Holding a public service title serving as Miss North Wildwood, I strive to be a role model, embodying kindness, empathy, and inclusion. My conservative and Catholic values reinforce my commitment to creating a positive environment. It also allows me to embody these values and connect with others publicly. This scholarship would not only alleviate financial burdens but also empower me to continue making meaningful contributions to society, honoring the values that my mother and my community have instilled in me. Thank you for your consideration.

“If she could put the hollow ache that haunts her into words, she would tell him, ‘I miss the father you never were.’” This poignant quote by John Mark Green captures the void left by my father's absence, a challenge that has profoundly shaped my journey. Growing up without him was more than an empty chair at the dinner table; it was a constant reminder of the relationship I never had. Yet, this absence fueled my desire to understand myself and others better. My mother, a beacon of strength and love, became my unwavering support, instilling in me values of empathy, resilience, and determination. This background has inspired my dream to become a licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy. Psychology excites me because I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of understanding and support. Through therapy, I learned to navigate my emotions and heal, which motivated me to offer similar guidance to children, especially those from broken homes or dealing with self-esteem issues. The impact I hope to make in my career is significant. I want to create a safe space for young individuals to express themselves freely, fostering mental wellness and resilience. In my community service and mentoring roles, I've already witnessed the transformative power of empathy and support. By helping others build their self-worth and emotional intelligence, I aim to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. Supporting female empowerment is central to my mission. Inspired by my mother and other strong women that she surrounds herself with, I've learned the importance of leadership and service. These women, respected business owners and philanthropists, have shown me how to command respect while giving back to the community. They have become mentors and chosen family, as I respectfully address them as my aunts. Their strength complements my mother’s kind and empathetic traits, often mistaken as weakness, teaching me that true empowerment involves balancing compassion with strength. As Miss North Wildwood, I've used my platform to inspire and connect with young women, reinforcing that strength and compassion are not mutually exclusive. I strive to uplift and support women in my community, creating a network of strong individuals who encourage one another. My role models demonstrate that female empowerment is about building each other up and creating opportunities for growth and leadership. A significant part of my motivation also comes from my role as an older sister to Molly Mae and Eddie. Their presence inspires me to be a role model, embodying the values of kindness, empathy, and inclusion. I want them and the youth in our small island community to see the importance of these principles in everyday life. My conservative and Catholic values reinforce my commitment to creating a positive environment. Being crowned Miss North Wildwood has allowed me to publicly embody these values, using my platform to inspire and connect with others. Dance serves as another source of motivation, surrounded by strong women. It is not only a creative outlet but also a form of therapy, offering a space to express myself and find solace. Through movement, I find clarity and strength, channeling my emotions into art. As I prepare for my future in psychology, I am motivated by the desire to support others, just as I have been supported by the remarkable women in my life. I plan to join a sorority to build a supportive network of women who uplift one another, embracing honesty, empathy, and kindness. This community will be vital as I navigate my academic journey and future career in psychology, ultimately helping me empower others and make a meaningful impact in the world.

"If she could put the hollow ache that haunts her into words, she would tell him, ‘I miss the father you never were.’” This poignant quote by John Mark Green encapsulates the enduring void left by my father's absence. After my parents divorced, he chose to start a new family and severed contact by the time I was seven. Despite living in the same town, where he serves as a police officer, he has never acknowledged my presence, adding complexity to my journey of self-discovery and resilience. My greatest achievement is excelling in life despite the challenges posed by my father's absence. Growing up without his support meant witnessing my mother's remarkable strength as the sole provider for my siblings and me. This lack of paternal support, particularly in a community where he is a prominent figure, posed emotional and financial challenges. Yet, these obstacles fueled my determination to forge my own path. Attending Wildwood Catholic Academy was made possible by financial aid due to our low-income status. It was not easy being the "financial aid kid" in a school where most students' parents own businesses. While peers drove new cars, I drove a used car, like my mother, a testament to my mother's sacrifices to provide me with opportunities. Her commitment has been a source of gratitude and motivation. I help support myself financially by working full-time during summers and breaks at Alfe’s Restaurant, and that experience has taught me invaluable skills in time management, responsibility, and perseverance. Therapy became a sanctuary, a place where I could explore and express the feelings of abandonment and insecurity that had haunted me. This experience was transformative, not only helping me navigate the emotional complexities of my father's estrangement but also igniting my passion for psychology. Through therapy, I learned the power of understanding and communication in healing and personal growth. My therapist's guidance opened my eyes to the profound impact that mental health professionals can have, fueling my desire to pursue psychology. Despite these challenges, I have embraced opportunities to grow and lead. As Miss North Wildwood, I have proudly represented my community, inspiring local youth and promoting unity. This role, alongside my volunteer work with organizations like The Women of Wildwood, The Lazarus House Food Pantry, and the Lunch for Lynch Foundation, has instilled a deep sense of empathy and leadership. Looking ahead, I am eager to continue my journey at Flagler College in St. Augustine, majoring in Psychology. I hope to support children facing challenges similar to my own, providing the same support that was pivotal in my life. Complementing this, I will minor in Hospitality, inspired by my uncle's work in the community. By combining my academic pursuits with community service, I aim to make a lasting impact, demonstrating that perseverance can indeed overcome obstacles. Receiving the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship would be transformative, providing financial relief and honoring the values of dedication, resilience, and perseverance. It would empower me to continue my education, inspired by personal experiences and a passion for supporting others through understanding, service, and leadership. Through resilience and determination, I have turned my father's absence from a source of pain into a catalyst for personal growth and community engagement. I am committed to using my experiences and education to create positive change, both at home and in my future community in St. Augustine.

From the moment I took my first breath, my mother has been my unwavering support and inspiration. As a child growing up in a single-parent household, I have always been amazed at her ability to transform our home into a sanctuary of love and learning. She instilled in me a love for academics, music, arts, and culture—values that have become the foundation of my educational journey. Her endless sacrifices and dedication have been the foundation upon which I have built my dreams. Our family dynamic shifted dramatically when my parents divorced. My father chose to start a new family, leaving a void that could have easily shattered me. His absence was not just a missing face at the dinner table; it was a profound gap in my identity and self-worth. Growing up, I often felt the weight of his absence during milestones, like school events and family gatherings, where his support would have been cherished. Yet, in this void, my mother became all the more pivotal, stepping into roles that extended beyond those of a traditional parent. She became both mother and father, shouldering the responsibility of nurturing my intellectual curiosity and emotional resilience. Her strength was a beacon, lighting my path even when I felt overshadowed by insecurities and unanswered questions about my father's absence. She taught me to channel my emotions into productive outlets, such as singing the National Anthem at community events—a role that has become a source of pride and expression for me. This was a gift from her, a legacy of her own unfulfilled dreams as a vocalist, now realized through my voice. Her influence is evident in my commitment to community service, a value she instilled in me from a young age. Through volunteering, I have learned the importance of empathy and leadership. My mother led by example and encouraged me to give back to our community. Whether it was working with local charities or mentoring younger students, I found purpose in helping others, reflecting the compassion she has always shown. While my father's absence fostered feelings of insecurity and abandonment, my mother's presence has been a constant source of strength and guidance. Her unwavering support has taught me to trust others, to build meaningful relationships, and to understand that my worth is not defined by what is missing but by the abundance of love and encouragement that she and our village show. In honoring her sacrifices, I strive to be the best version of myself. I carry forward the lessons of resilience and empathy she has taught me. Her influence will guide me as I work to empower others, continuing her legacy of strength and dedication. As I look toward my future, I am determined to pursue a degree in Psychology that allows me to impact lives positively, just as my mother has impacted mine. My commitment to community service and education is unwavering, and I aim to continue this dedication at Flagler College. However, financial challenges pose a significant barrier to my educational journey. As the sole provider, my mother works tirelessly, yet the cost of college remains daunting. This scholarship is vital to bridging that gap, allowing me to focus on my studies without financial strain. Being the first in my family to graduate from college, it represents more than financial relief; it symbolizes hope and the opportunity to give back to a community that has shaped me. The Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship would not only alleviate financial burdens but also empower me to continue making meaningful contributions to society, honoring the values that my mother has instilled in me.

The Annual Pasta Dinner, organized by The Women of Wildwood, is a cherished event in our small beach town, held at Alfe's, a local fine dining restaurant. This event holds special significance for me, as it offers a unique opportunity to honor our first responders, including my father, a police officer in North Wildwood, from whom I have been estranged since the age of seven. Despite our personal distance, participating in this event allows me to show respect to him and his colleagues, reinforcing the vital bonds between our community and those who serve it. A key feature of the dinner is the "Pay it Forward" initiative, which enables community members to donate meals to first responders, healthcare providers, and teachers. The event also invites underprivileged families to dine at Alfe's, providing them with a fine dining experience they might not often have. Witnessing the joy it brings to these families deepens my understanding of community impact and the importance of inclusivity. Through volunteering at events like the Annual Pasta Dinner and my involvement with organizations such as the Lunch for Lynch Foundation and Lazarus House food pantry, I have developed valuable leadership, empathy, and organizational skills. My role as Miss North Wildwood has further enriched my community engagement, allowing me to inspire local youth and embody the spirit of service. Singing the National Anthem at community events and school functions has been an honor, connecting me with my roots and instilling a deep sense of patriotism and pride. My commitment to community service is unwavering, and I am eager to continue this dedication at Flagler College in St. Augustine. I plan to major in Psychology and minor in Hospitality, fields that perfectly blend my desire to understand human behavior and my interest in serving others. My uncle, a key figure in St. Augustine, has been instrumental in helping high school students learn about culinary arts and supporting the community through organizing the local food and wine festival. His leadership inspires me to follow in his footsteps. I hope to work alongside him, integrating into my new community by contributing to these meaningful initiatives. By combining my academic pursuits with community service, I aim to support projects that promote education, well-being, and cultural appreciation in St. Augustine. I would love to bring the “Pay it Forward” concept to my college town. However, financial challenges pose a significant barrier to my educational journey. As the sole provider, my mother works tirelessly, yet the cost of college remains daunting. This scholarship is vital to bridging that gap, allowing me to focus on my studies without financial strain. Being the first in my family to graduate from college, it represents more than financial relief; it symbolizes hope and the opportunity to give back to a community that has shaped me. The Gregory Chase Carter Memorial Scholarship would not only alleviate financial burdens but also empower me to continue making meaningful contributions to society, honoring the values of respect, resilience, and service.

The St Hilaire Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship represents an opportunity to further my education and continue my commitment to community service and academic excellence. Throughout my high school career at Wildwood Catholic Academy, I have dedicated myself to my studies and community while excelling as a student athlete, aligning closely with the values of this scholarship. I have been on a competitive dance team and cheered all four years at Wildwood Catholic Academy. I played soccer my freshman year, and even though I wasn’t great at it, I continued with the team as the manager for the remaining three years. Dance is extremely important to me, as it is a creative outlet and has been a form of therapy to help me deal with life’s challenges. Juggling practices, performances, and games with schoolwork, community service, family life, and work is challenging, but so rewarding. Volunteering at the Lazarus House food pantry and participating in volunteer work with the Women of Wildwood, Lunch for Lynch Foundation, and Scotty Gregg Toy Drive have allowed me to consistently seek opportunities to make a positive impact. These experiences have enriched my understanding of community needs and equipped me with skills in leadership, empathy, and organization. Additionally, serving as Miss North Wildwood this past year has enabled me to engage with and inspire local youth, embodying the spirit of community service. Another way I contribute to my community is through music. I have the honor of singing the National Anthem at community events and all home basketball games. This role allows me to embody a sense of patriotism and community pride, while also honing my public performance skills and sharing my passion for singing. On the academic front, I have maintained a GPA of 4.04 while challenging myself with honors and AP courses. As a member of the National Honor Society, I have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and integrity. Being a member of the Student Council, Yearbook Club, and being elected Prom Queen were roles that helped my confidence in my leadership skills. I am eager to apply my learning to real-world contexts, as I'm planning to major in Psychology with the goal of further understanding and supporting individuals in my community and beyond. Beyond academics and volunteering, working full-time during summers and breaks at Alfe’s Restaurant has taught me invaluable skills in time management, responsibility, and perseverance. Despite the absence of my father since I was very young, my mother and my supportive community have been instrumental in my journey, providing unwavering support and encouragement. Financially, my family faces challenges that make paying for college difficult. My mother, as the sole provider, works tirelessly to support us, yet the cost of higher education remains a significant barrier. Although Flagler College is my top choice, the financial aid offered does not fully meet my needs. This scholarship would help alleviate the financial burden, enabling me to focus on my studies without the strain of financial uncertainty. The St Hilaire Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship would also enable me to serve as a role model for my siblings and peers, illustrating that despite life's challenges, one can rise and create meaningful change. By supporting my education, you will facilitate my aspirations to empower others and give back to the community that has shaped me. Being the first in my family to graduate from college, receiving this scholarship is crucial. It will help bridge the financial gap, allowing me to pursue my education and continue making meaningful contributions to society. I am deeply grateful for the consideration of my application.

“If she could put the hollow ache that haunts her into words, she would tell him, ‘I miss the father you never were.’” This poignant quote by John Mark Green encapsulates the enduring void left by my father's absence. After my parents divorced, he chose to start a new family and severed contact by the time I was seven. Despite living in the same town, where he serves as a police officer, he has never acknowledged my presence, adding complexity to my journey of self-discovery. Growing up without my father's support meant witnessing my mother's remarkable strength as the sole provider for my siblings and me. This lack of support posed emotional and financial challenges, yet fueled my determination to forge my own path. I live on a resort beach island, The Wildwoods, a community of family-owned businesses, hotels, and restaurants. This tight-knit community values hospitality and giving back. My mother has dedicated her adult life to hospitality, working as a wedding singer, bartender, waitress, manager, and wedding sales coordinator. From a young age, I helped in her work, learning the importance of dedication and connection, and the importance of a strong work ethic. A community event that showcases our spirit is the annual pasta dinner by The Women of Wildwood. It includes a "pay it forward" option to donate pasta dinners to local first responders and teachers, supporting those who serve us and fostering community solidarity. In this nurturing environment, I volunteered with The Women of Wildwood and The Lazarus House Food Pantry, reinforcing my commitment to serve others. As Miss North Wildwood, I proudly represented my community, promoting unity and inspiring local youth. I plan to major in Psychology and minor in Hospitality at Flagler College in St. Augustine. Hospitality, to me, is more than service—it's about creating spaces where people feel valued and cared for. Inspired by my mother and community, I hope to contribute to initiatives that promote education, well-being, and cultural appreciation. My uncle, a restaurant owner in St. Augustine, works closely with high schools and colleges, helping students explore culinary arts. He organizes Flagler's Food and Wine Festival and teaches a wine and spirits appreciation class. His dedication to education and community service inspires me to integrate into the St. Augustine community by fostering similar initiatives. I envision using my passion for hospitality to create inclusive environments that foster connection and understanding. Whether organizing community events that celebrate diversity and culture or supporting first responders with a meal, I aim to make a lasting impact. Receiving the “Invictus” Scholarship would provide financial relief and empower me to continue my education and be the first in my family to graduate from college. This support would enable me to serve as a role model, showing that despite life's challenges, one can rise and create meaningful change. Through resilience and determination, I am committed to using my experiences and education to create positive change, both at home in The Wildwoods and my future community in St. Augustine.

“If she could put the hollow ache that haunts her into words, she would tell him ‘I miss the father you never were,’” a quote by John Mark Green, encapsulates the void that has shaped my life. Growing up, I was constantly asked if I missed my father, and while my answer has always been no, the truth is I miss the relationship we never had. His absence was not merely a missing presence at the dinner table; it was a profound void in my understanding of identity. From an early age, my world was split between two households. My father’s priorities rarely included me, and by the time I was seven, he had completely cut me off, starting a new family without me. Watching my mother endure this was heart-wrenching. The guilt she carries, choosing a man like that to be the father of her child who failed miserably, deeply upset me. This bond with my mother became my saving grace. Despite the challenges, she was my constant, teaching me resilience and instilling in me a lifelong love for learning. My mother had once been a vocalist in a band, her dreams ended by my father who forced her to leave her career. Yet, she channeled her passion into educating me. From a young age, she prioritized my education, integrating music, arts, and culture into everyday activities. Her strength, complemented by her ability to surround herself with a village of strong women, has been crucial. These women exemplify strength and philanthropy, teaching me the importance of leadership and community service, especially when faced with personal challenges. Internally, this absence created feelings of insecurity and abandonment, which made trusting others difficult. I often put up emotional barriers, fearing that those I let in might leave, just as my father did. The absence of a father figure affected my self-esteem and sense of identity. Without his guidance and affirmation, I struggled to understand my worth and place in the world. The lingering question of what kind of person I would have been if he was present is a thought that often crosses my mind. School events, dance recitals and family gatherings were constant reminders of the void. This sense of isolation sometimes led me to shut myself off from the world, further aggravating my feelings of loneliness and exclusion. This was never something I wanted to discuss because of the humiliation. Despite these challenges, I have achieved significant success. I was crowned Miss North Wildwood, the town where my father serves as a police officer. Academically, I maintain a 4.04 GPA and am a member of the National Honor Society. I actively participate in Student Council, serve as Captain of the cheer team, and perform as the National Anthem Vocalist. My commitment extends to dancing on a competitive dance team, working full-time in the summer, and volunteering in my community. Being the first in my family to graduate from college, receiving this scholarship is crucial. It will help bridge the financial gap, allowing me to pursue my education and continue making meaningful contributions to society. As I prepare for my future in psychology, I am motivated by the desire to support others, just as I have been supported by the remarkable people in my life. I hope to find my own village of strong women who uplift and encourage one another, embracing honesty, empathy, and kindness. This network will be vital as I navigate my academic journey and future career in psychology. Overcoming adversity has not only molded my aspirations but also reinforced my commitment to personal growth and community service.

Room is a film that resonates deeply with me, not only because of its powerful storytelling but also because it reflects the kind of mother that my mother is. It is a story of resilience, unconditional love, and strength—qualities that mirror my own mother’s character and the bond we share. In the film, the relationship between Jack and his mother exemplifies a profound bond rooted in love and sacrifice, and I see a similar dynamic in my relationship with my mother. She has always prioritized my well-being, putting my needs above her own, much like Ma did for Jack. Our family dynamic was a bit different from the movie, as my parents were married, then divorced when I was two years old. It started as a split household. I would change houses weekly, but my father always had different priorities, spending time with his girlfriend at the time, or working while I was supposed to be spending time with him. This was until the age of seven, when my father completely cut me off and began a new family without me as a part of it. Not only did this affect me, it was heart-wrenching to watch my mom go through this. The guilt she carries, choosing a man like that to be the father of her child, who failed miserably, deeply upset me. The beauty through this storm was the relationship that I share with my mother. I couldn't imagine a life without her in it. She has been my constant since the first breath I took. Although I cannot rely on my father, I know that my mother will always stand by my side. Internally, my father's absence created a feeling of insecurity and abandonment that I carried with me throughout my life. The unanswered questions about why he abandoned me and whether I was to blame often haunts me. This emotional turmoil made it difficult for me to trust others and form meaningful relationships. I often found myself putting up emotional barriers, afraid to let people in for fear they might leave, just as my father did. The absence of a father figure affected my self-esteem and sense of identity. Without his guidance and affirmation, I struggled to understand my worth and place in the world. The lingering question of what kind of person I would have been if he were present is a thought that often crosses my mind. Room mirrors my feelings of confinement and the desire for freedom, both physically and emotionally. Just as Jack yearns to explore beyond the confines of the room, I also long to find my place in the world and to be free from the shadows of my past. The movie reminds me of the importance of resilience and hope, even in the darkest of times. It shows that with love, perseverance, and courage, one can overcome feelings of rejection and find their way to healing. In conclusion, Room is more than just a film for me; it’s a reflection of my journey, my relationship with my mother, and the strength I find in her support. It reminds me that despite the hardships and the voids in my life, love and resilience can help me carve out my own space in this world. I aspire to major in psychology, helping others deal with their obstacles in life by leaning on their support system. I have learned to navigate the complicated obstacles of life with strength and grace, continually striving to overcome adversity and find the best version of myself, and I would love to help others do the same.

“If she could put the hollow ache that haunts her into words, she would tell him ‘I miss the father you never were.’ ”, a quote from John Mark Green. For as long as I can remember, a void occupied my head and heart. His absence was not just a person missing at the dinner table, but a never ending hole of understanding my own identity. As I get asked many times in my life, do you miss your father? My answer has always been no, but in reality, I miss the relationship I never had with my father. Growing up without my father in my life has impacted me in ways that continue to shape who I am today. It started as a split household. I would change houses weekly, but my father always had different priorities, whether it was spending time with his girlfriend at the time, or working while I was supposed to be spending time with him. This was until the age of seven, when my father completely cut me off and began a new family without me as a part of it. Not only did this affect me, it was heart-wrenching to watch my mom go through this. The guilt she carries, choosing a man like that to be the father of her child who failed miserably, deeply upset me. The beauty through this storm was the relationship that I share with my mother. I couldn't imagine a life without her in it. She has been my constant since the first breath I took. Although I cannot rely on a father, I know that my mother will always stand by my side. This is something I am eternally grateful for. Internally, my father's absence created a feeling of insecurity and abandonment that I carried with me throughout my life. The unanswered questions about why he abandoned me and whether I was to blame often haunts me. This emotional turmoil made it difficult for me to trust others and form meaningful relationships. I often found myself putting up emotional barriers, afraid to let people in for fear they might leave, just as my father did. The absence of a father figure affected my self-esteem and sense of identity. Without his guidance and affirmation, I struggled to understand my worth and place in the world. The lingering question of what kind of person I would have been if he was present is a thought that often crosses my mind. Socially, growing up without a dad had its own set of challenges. I often felt different from my friends who had both parents involved in their lives. I always wondered what it was like to have family dinners, with both of your parents who loved each other, and a father who loved me. That is something that I will never get to experience. This provoked jealousy and animosity toward people who had their fathers. Why did I let his actions control my feelings, making me think negatively of the world? School events, dance recitals and family gatherings were constant reminders of the void. This sense of isolation sometimes led me to shut myself off from the world, further aggravating my feelings of loneliness and exclusion. This was never something I wanted to discuss because of the humiliation. Nobody in my life understood the pain I was enduring. While the absence of my father has undoubtedly been a constant struggle in my life, it has also shaped me into a resilient and self-reliant individual. This journey has taught me empathy, understanding, and the importance of being present for those I care about. While it’s been a source of pain and struggle, it has also been a motive for growth and self-discovery. Through this experience, I have learned to navigate the complicated obstacles of life with strength and grace, continually striving to overcome adversity and find the best version of myself.