Throughout my youth, my most toxic relationship was never with a person, but rather with conformity. No matter how soul-crushing, I always felt incapable of making my own path, having my own ideas, and acknowledging my worth. The pressure enveloped me like a cloud of smoke; it consumed me, convincing me I could never escape it. I used to think writing was just a quiet distraction from screaming parents and constant arguments, but it was the first place I learned how to be loud, regardless of the pressure. Being myself, a proud bisexual Ethiopian girl, was impossible in my house of traditional immigrant parents. After hearing the constant unacceptance and cruel words spat by classmates and parents, I shoved this part of my identity down for many years. Storytelling became my escape. Every word I wrote helped me give form to the ideas that developed in my head; it helped me reclaim my narrative; it taught me to fight for knowledge, empathy, and good change. For years, I watched the people around me, studying how they moved and spoke, trying to be likable and unproblematic. When I realized the toxic loyalty I had to silence and conformity, I feared I would never learn to create fully without borders. I eventually pushed myself to post my writing on social media and engage with others about the stories I believe in; that small act chipped away at the shell around me. It showed me that connection is possible, no matter how much I believed otherwise. It showed me the power of community and voice. Creating spaces where people can feel seen, valued, and safe to exist as themselves is what I feel called to do. Harnessing my identity in my writing allowed me to realize its power. I want to remind people that life can be colorful and give them a new lens through which to see it. I want to continue finding refreshing ways to connect with people hurting and give a voice to those who are voiceless. I've always craved connection within communities. I have only ever wanted to build bridges to fill the gaps between many kids and young adults. People should feel comfortable in themselves, see themselves in others, and see more kindness and genuineness than hatred. Thoughtfulness matters, but so does action, and taking risks for connection and truth is necessary. Some days, I still feel myself shrinking, unsure how to break the invisible wall between myself and others. But every time I force myself to speak, start a conversation, share an idea, put a feeling on a page, a brick from that wall falls, and I see myself becoming the confident and vulnerable leader I once only admired from afar. I’m drawn to humanity’s hidden stories, the ones found between the lines, in color, in emotion. Storytelling lets me transform pain into purpose and empathy into connection. Every human craves connection, and meeting people with words and art is a worldwide transformative effort that I believe in mercilessly. People don't always need words to see something and feel it so deeply in their souls, but when someone takes the time to read a well-crafted take on something raw and meaningful, it can alter someone's entire perception of the world and their life. I could have never gotten to where I am today without being brave, and I want to encourage other young people to be brave and lead with their hearts, no matter the hurt they may feel. Because one's bravery is a lifeline to people all around the world.