Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies in general. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote, but it's what turned me into a leader. I was placed on this Earth at this time to help people, help people help themselves, and to help the community around me. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my journey to help others and get involved in my community by joining the Girl Scouts organization. This was my first start to achieving my goals. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to use to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows. We then would take these mats and pillows and give them to our local homeless shelters. We helped the homeless within our community to give them something comfortable to sleep on, but we also helped recycle and take care of our entire Earth at the same time. Another example of how I helped influence change within my community would be being a part of the National Honor Society at my school. Within that program, I can not even begin to describe and tell the multitude of events and opportunities I had the honor to be a part of to help the community. One of the things I'm most proud of is when I lead and organized a group of people to join me in cleaning up around the town. From Local parks and many other areas we rolled up our sleeves and cleaned up a multitude of trash; even after our devastating tornado that ripped apart our town, we continued to get up the next day and joined our entire town and community to put it back together. That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. I have positively impacted those around me by helping the environment, giving others a good life, and simply following after my own passion. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies in general. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote, but it's what turned me into a leader. I was placed on this Earth at this time to help people, help people help themselves, and to help the community around me. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my journey to help others and get involved in my community by joining the Girl Scouts organization. This was my first start to achieving my goals. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to use to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows. We then would take these mats and pillows and give them to our local homeless shelters. We helped the homeless within our community to give them something comfortable to sleep on, but we also helped recycle and take care of our entire Earth at the same time. Another example of how I helped influence change within my community would be being a part of the National Honor Society at my school. Within that program, I can not even begin to describe and tell the multitude of events and opportunities I had the honor to be a part of to help the community. One of the things I'm most proud of is when I lead and organized a group of people to join me in cleaning up around the town. From Local parks and many other areas we rolled up our sleeves and cleaned up a multitude of trash; even after our devastating tornado that ripped apart our town, we continued to get up the next day and joined our entire town and community to put it back together. That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. I have positively impacted those around me by helping the environment, giving others a good life, and simply following after my own passion. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies in general. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote. That is my inspiration. I was placed on this Earth at this time to help people, help people help themselves, and to help the community around me. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my journey to help others and get involved in my community by joining the Girl Scouts organization. This was my first start to achieving my goals. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to use to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows. We then would take these mats and pillows and give them to our local homeless shelters. We helped the homeless within our community to give them something comfortable to sleep on, but we also helped recycle and take care of our entire Earth at the same time. Another example of how I helped influence change within my community would be being a part of the National Honor Society at my school. Within that program, I can not even begin to describe and tell the multitude of events and opportunities I had the honor to be a part of to help the community. One of the things I'm most proud of was organizing a group of people to join me in cleaning up around the town. From Local parks and many other areas we rolled up our sleeves and cleaned up a multitude of trash; even after our devastating tornado that ripped apart our town, we continued to get up the next day and joined our entire town and community to put it back together. That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. That is what inspires me, the thought of being able to be a change in others' lives. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Their Blue Butterfly Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies in general. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote. I was placed on this Earth at this time to help people. To help people help themselves. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my solo journey by joining the organization of Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows, which we then gave to our local homeless shelters. We helped so many people and made a grand impact in our community. I had finally found my calling. I was finally achieving what I was placed on this Earth to do; it’s like they say, one flap of a butterfly’s wing can create a storm. If I were to be honest with you, I’m not sure what happened. It was as if a switch was flipped one day, and I was consumed in darkness—no idea how to fly out. The world—which was filled with warmth, sun, butterflies—suddenly stopped turning. I was consumed by loneliness and worry daily. While all the other butterflies migrated together to warmer weather, it seemed as if I was the one left behind in the cold. Like I said previously, I wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what had occurred because, to this day, it feels as if someone cut a chunk of my memory from inside me and threw it away. I don’t remember what happened let alone the person that I was back then. Although, I don’t think the present me during that time had much of an idea either. My wings were cut. Each day was nonstop torture. My anxiety and depression were skyrocketing to an all-time high—I was drowning. My wings had become wet with rain, and I could no longer fly let alone see the blue sky above. That’s why I’m afraid of butterflies. They’re small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I was a blue butterfly—but, like a single candle lit in the darkness, something was still there. Something was still calling out to me. As much as I’d ignore it and bat it away, it stayed persistent. “I am here to help people.” But how can I help others if I couldn’t help myself? What could I do as a simple, insignificant blue butterfly? That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Their Blue Butterfly Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies in general. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote. I was placed on this Earth at this time to help people. To help people help themselves. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives, but one flap of a butterfly’s wing can create a storm. If I were to be honest with you, I’m not sure what happened. It was as if a switch was flipped one day, and I was consumed in darkness—no idea how to fly out. The world—which was filled with warmth, sun, butterflies—suddenly stopped turning. I was consumed by loneliness and worry daily. While all the other butterflies migrated together to warmer weather, it seemed as if I was the one left behind in the cold. Like I said previously, I wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what had occurred because, to this day, it feels as if someone cut a chunk of my memory from inside me and threw it away. I don’t remember what happened let alone the person that I was back then. Although, I don’t think the present me during that time had much of an idea either. My wings were cut. Each day was nonstop torture. My anxiety and depression were skyrocketing to an all-time high—I was drowning. My wings had become wet with rain, and I could no longer fly let alone see the blue sky above. That’s why I’m afraid of butterflies. They’re small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I was a blue butterfly—but, like a single candle lit in the darkness, something was still there. Something was still calling out to me. As much as I’d ignore it and bat it away, it stayed persistent. “I am here to help people.” But how can I help others if I couldn’t help myself? What could I do as a simple, insignificant blue butterfly? That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote. Im here to help people. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my solo journey by joining the organization of Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows, which we then gave to our local homeless shelters. We helped so many people and made a grand impact in our community. I was finally achieving what I was meant to do, but it’s like they say, one flap of a butterfly’s wing can create a storm. If I were to be honest with you, I’m not sure what happened. It was as if a switch was flipped one day, and I was consumed in darkness—no idea how to fly out. The world—which was filled with warmth, sun, butterflies—suddenly stopped turning. I was consumed by loneliness and worry daily. While all the other butterflies migrated together to warmer weather, it seemed as if I was the one left behind in the cold. Like I said previously, I wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what had occurred because, to this day, it feels as if someone cut a chunk of my memory from inside me and threw it away. I don’t remember what happened let alone the person that I was back then. Although, I don’t think the present me during that time had much of an idea either. My wings were cut. Each day was nonstop torture. My anxiety and depression were skyrocketing to an all-time high—I was drowning. My wings had become wet with rain, and I could no longer fly let alone see the blue sky above. That’s why I’m afraid of butterflies. They’re small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I was a blue butterfly—but, like a single candle lit in the darkness, something was still there. Something was still calling out to me. As much as I’d ignore it and bat it away, it stayed persistent. “I am here to help people.” But how can I help others if I couldn’t help myself? What could I do as a simple, insignificant blue butterfly? That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote. Im here to help people. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my solo journey by joining the organization of Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows, which we then gave to our local homeless shelters. We helped so many people and made a grand impact in our community. I was finally achieving what I was meant to do, but it’s like they say, one flap of a butterfly’s wing can create a storm. If I were to be honest with you, I’m not sure what happened. It was as if a switch was flipped one day, and I was consumed in darkness—no idea how to fly out. The world—which was filled with warmth, sun, butterflies—suddenly stopped turning. I was consumed by loneliness and worry daily. While all the other butterflies migrated together to warmer weather, it seemed as if I was the one left behind in the cold. Like I said previously, I wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what had occurred because, to this day, it feels as if someone cut a chunk of my memory from inside me and threw it away. I don’t remember what happened let alone the person that I was back then. Although, I don’t think the present me during that time had much of an idea either. My wings were cut. Each day was nonstop torture. My anxiety and depression were skyrocketing to an all-time high—I was drowning. My wings had become wet with rain, and I could no longer fly let alone see the blue sky above. That’s why I’m afraid of butterflies. They’re small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I was a blue butterfly—but, like a single candle lit in the darkness, something was still there. Something was still calling out to me. As much as I’d ignore it and bat it away, it stayed persistent. “I am here to help people.” But how can I help others if I couldn’t help myself? What could I do as a simple, insignificant blue butterfly? That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote. Im here to help people. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my solo journey by joining the organization of Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows, which we then gave to our local homeless shelters. We helped so many people and made a grand impact in our community. I was finally achieving what I was meant to do, but it’s like they say, one flap of a butterfly’s wing can create a storm. If I were to be honest with you, I’m not sure what happened. It was as if a switch was flipped one day, and I was consumed in darkness—no idea how to fly out. The world—which was filled with warmth, sun, butterflies—suddenly stopped turning. I was consumed by loneliness and worry daily. While all the other butterflies migrated together to warmer weather, it seemed as if I was the one left behind in the cold. Like I said previously, I wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what had occurred because, to this day, it feels as if someone cut a chunk of my memory from inside me and threw it away. I don’t remember what happened let alone the person that I was back then. Although, I don’t think the present me during that time had much of an idea either. My wings were cut. Each day was nonstop torture. My anxiety and depression were skyrocketing to an all-time high—I was drowning. My wings had become wet with rain, and I could no longer fly let alone see the blue sky above. That’s why I’m afraid of butterflies. They’re small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I was a blue butterfly—but, like a single candle lit in the darkness, something was still there. Something was still calling out to me. As much as I’d ignore it and bat it away, it stayed persistent. “I am here to help people.” But how can I help others if I couldn’t help myself? What could I do as a simple, insignificant blue butterfly? That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Their Blue Butterfly By Sarah Tolan Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies in general. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote. I was placed on this Earth at this time to help people. To help people help themselves. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my solo journey by joining the organization of Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows, which we then gave to our local homeless shelters. We helped so many people and made a grand impact in our community. I had finally found my calling. I was finally achieving what I was placed on this Earth to do; it’s like they say, one flap of a butterfly’s wing can create a storm. If I were to be honest with you, I’m not sure what happened. It was as if a switch was flipped one day, and I was consumed in darkness—no idea how to fly out. The world—which was filled with warmth, sun, butterflies—suddenly stopped turning. I was consumed by loneliness and worry daily. While all the other butterflies migrated together to warmer weather, it seemed as if I was the one left behind in the cold. Like I said previously, I wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what had occurred because, to this day, it feels as if someone cut a chunk of my memory from inside me and threw it away. I don’t remember what happened let alone the person that I was back then. Although, I don’t think the present me during that time had much of an idea either. My wings were cut. Each day was nonstop torture. My anxiety and depression were skyrocketing to an all-time high—I was drowning. My wings had become wet with rain, and I could no longer fly let alone see the blue sky above. That’s why I’m afraid of butterflies. They’re small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I was a blue butterfly—but, like a single candle lit in the darkness, something was still there. Something was still calling out to me. As much as I’d ignore it and bat it away, it stayed persistent. “I am here to help people.” But how can I help others if I couldn’t help myself? What could I do as a simple, insignificant blue butterfly? That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Their Blue Butterfly By Sarah Tolan Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies in general. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote. I was placed on this Earth at this time to help people. To help people help themselves. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my solo journey by joining the organization of Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows, which we then gave to our local homeless shelters. We helped so many people and made a grand impact in our community. I had finally found my calling. I was finally achieving what I was placed on this Earth to do; it’s like they say, one flap of a butterfly’s wing can create a storm. If I were to be honest with you, I’m not sure what happened. It was as if a switch was flipped one day, and I was consumed in darkness—no idea how to fly out. The world—which was filled with warmth, sun, butterflies—suddenly stopped turning. I was consumed by loneliness and worry daily. While all the other butterflies migrated together to warmer weather, it seemed as if I was the one left behind in the cold. Like I said previously, I wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what had occurred because, to this day, it feels as if someone cut a chunk of my memory from inside me and threw it away. I don’t remember what happened let alone the person that I was back then. My wings were cut. Each day was nonstop torture. My anxiety and depression were skyrocketing to an all-time high. My wings had become wet with rain, and I could no longer fly. That’s why I’m afraid of butterflies. They’re small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I was a blue butterfly—but, like a single candle in the darkness, something was still there. Something was calling out to me. As much as I’d ignore it and bat it away, it stayed persistent. “I am here to help people.” But how can I help others if I couldn’t help myself? What could I do as a simple, insignificant blue butterfly? That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Their Blue Butterfly By Sarah Tolan Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies in general. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote. I was placed on this Earth at this time to help people. To help people help themselves. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my solo journey by joining the organization of Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows, which we then gave to our local homeless shelters. We helped so many people and made a grand impact in our community. I had finally found my calling. I was finally achieving what I was placed on this Earth to do; it’s like they say, one flap of a butterfly’s wing can create a storm. If I were to be honest with you, I’m not sure what happened. It was as if a switch was flipped one day, and I was consumed in darkness—no idea how to fly out. The world—which was filled with warmth, sun, butterflies—suddenly stopped turning. I was consumed by loneliness and worry daily. While all the other butterflies migrated together to warmer weather, it seemed as if I was the one left behind in the cold. Like I said previously, I wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what had occurred because, to this day, it feels as if someone cut a chunk of my memory from inside me and threw it away. I don’t remember what happened let alone the person that I was back then. My wings were cut. Each day was nonstop torture. My anxiety and depression were skyrocketing to an all-time high. My wings had become wet with rain, and I could no longer fly. That’s why I’m afraid of butterflies. They’re small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I was a blue butterfly—but, like a single candle in the darkness, something was still there. Something was calling out to me. As much as I’d ignore it and bat it away, it stayed persistent. “I am here to help people.” But how can I help others if I couldn’t help myself? What could I do as a simple, insignificant blue butterfly? That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.

Their Blue Butterfly By Sarah Tolan Blue Butterflies: small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I’ve always felt highly connected to the insect—ironic because of how visibly afraid I am of butterflies in general. I’m not sure why, just like I’m not sure of anything else really when it comes down to it in my life, but there is one thing I’m sure of: my purpose. Ever since I was little, before my fascination with blue butterflies began, I always knew my calling. Day after day, month after month, one simple quote was engraved into me, as if it was written in my soul before I even came to this Earth. “I am here to help people.” Such a small yet significant quote. I was placed on this Earth at this time to help people. To help people help themselves. And just like a butterfly, I was determined to put that effect onto people’s lives. I started my solo journey by joining the organization of Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouts, we did countless volunteer work. One of the biggest projects we created, which remains one of the biggest achievements in my life today, was obtaining my Silver Award. Our project consisted of over 50 hours of volunteer work in which we used recycled plastic bags to crochet and form into sleeping mats and pillows, which we then gave to our local homeless shelters. We helped so many people and made a grand impact in our community. I had finally found my calling. I was finally achieving what I was placed on this Earth to do; it’s like they say, one flap of a butterfly’s wing can create a storm. If I were to be honest with you, I’m not sure what happened. It was as if a switch was flipped one day, and I was consumed in darkness—no idea how to fly out. The world—which was filled with warmth, sun, butterflies—suddenly stopped turning. I was consumed by loneliness and worry daily. While all the other butterflies migrated together to warmer weather, it seemed as if I was the one left behind in the cold. Like I said previously, I wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what had occurred because, to this day, it feels as if someone cut a chunk of my memory from inside me and threw it away. I don’t remember what happened let alone the person that I was back then. Although, I don’t think the present me during that time had much of an idea either. My wings were cut. Each day was nonstop torture. My anxiety and depression were skyrocketing to an all-time high—I was drowning. My wings had become wet with rain, and I could no longer fly let alone see the blue sky above. That’s why I’m afraid of butterflies. They’re small, delicate, and vulnerable creatures. I was a blue butterfly—but, like a single candle lit in the darkness, something was still there. Something was still calling out to me. As much as I’d ignore it and bat it away, it stayed persistent. “I am here to help people.” But how can I help others if I couldn’t help myself? What could I do as a simple, insignificant blue butterfly? That’s the thing about butterflies: they are the representation of change. I help people, that is what I was born to do. Even though a butterfly is small, delicate, and vulnerable, they are also the symbol of a person’s essence, joy, and peace. Each day I grow stronger and wiser than before, flying away from that darkness and doing whatever it takes to aid others on their own journey. I want to be others’ wish granters, the candle in their darkness, the wind beneath their wings. I am their blue butterfly.