Growing up, I experienced many challenges that, in my opinion, a child should never be expected to endure. I was stuck between the hatred my parents felt for each other and obedience was my only choice for survival. For fourteen years I felt the iron fists of my parents tighten, dragging me further from the ignorance I once possessed. Their fingers' coiled around my vocal cords, manipulating my voice and perpetually losing the title of my protectors and instead gaining the skills of a puppeteer. For years I accepted that my voice would never be heard. That is, until it was. April 12, 2018, was the day I regained my own thoughts, voice, and feelings. It was the day I met my foster family and also the day my life changed forever. Although I endured months of coping with trauma, I found purpose in my life. My experiences taught me empathy, self-awareness, and shaped my current values. As someone who went so long without a voice, my goal in life is to be an advocate for those who feel unheard by society. I plan to bring more awareness to mental health and the severe impact of mental and emotional abuse. In general, I want to help people. If you ask any of my teachers or classmates what I was like during my twelve years of public school, they would most likely answer with quiet. Although I didn't have much time to change my image, I was captain of color guard, received an award for student of the year, and participated in National Honor Society; all things I could never do before. Despite being unsure of what career I want to pursue, I'm determined to further my education.