Taking care of yourself does not mean just physically caring for yourself; mental and emotional care is just as important. As someone who struggles with self-love and insecurity, taking care of myself can be difficult at times. However, with the help of positive influences in my life, I was able to develop healthy habits for my well-being. The first staying organized. When the pressure of assignments and college-class workloads seem overwhelming, I like to use an app called 24me to keep track of all of my assignments. I can make insert any assignment that is due and when the due date is on my calendar. Plus, it is very fulfilling to be able to cross the item off of my list when I complete it. I also force myself not to procrastinate like I used to. It may be a hassle to do an assignment that night, but it will be worth it the next night when I won’t have to stress about completing it. Next, in my daily life, I like to maintain healthy body habits. I love to cook and eat food, but instead of just eating something with little nutritional value I will take the extra time to cook something, creating something delicious and nutritious. It is also difficult for me to diet so instead of cutting out certain foods I love, I will substitute them with healthier options of that food. I also try to take care of my body as much as I can although it can be difficult. When I have time I will try to go to the gym or do something active outside with friends. It is not always easy to do these things, but the feeling of fulfillment afterward is worth it.

My journey of self-love began in the December of 2020. One of my closest friends sent me a link to a YouTube video about a 7-member Korean boy band named BTS. I instantly fell in love and after listening to their music and the positive messages behind it I realized something: I didn’t love myself and I hadn’t for a long time. Therefore, I decided it was time to turn my life around. First, I got myself out of a toxic relationship and did all the things I wanted to do before. I cut my hair and was able to embrace my hobbies and the things I was passionate about without being teased for them. After that, I just continued living my life how I had always wanted to. I wore what I wanted to wear and tried to encourage others to do the same. I realized that it doesn’t matter what others think and we should just do what makes us happy. Therefore, I began being unapologetically myself, and the way I remember to be true to myself every day is by focusing on my inner self and asking this question: “Who are you doing this for?” If the answer is for me then I know I am not dressing a certain way or acting a certain way to appease anyone. However, if I am shying away from a decision because I am afraid of what people will day I know that I am beginning to lose myself. So, I put in my AirPods and listen to BTS, telling me to love myself, telling me that is okay to be different. In short, when you embrace your inner-self and what makes you happy, it is so much easier to love yourself.

I took in a deep breath and opened my eyes to the sea of lights before me. Thousands of cellphone flashlights stared back in reply to my shining eyes. This was my dream, the moment I had been wishing for all my life. Unfortunately, this wasn’t real. When I opened my eyes again I was staring at my empty bedroom wall, returning from the fantasy I had often escaped to. But one day, my dreams might just come true. So as I put in my headphones, I turned on the song that had always inspired me to keep trying and working hard: “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal” by BTS. To begin my explanation of why this song is so inspiring to me, I must first explain how everyone has to start somewhere. For the K-pop group sensation BTS that was 12 years ago when the first member Kim Namjoon was recruited by BigHit Entertainment (now HYBE). As the other 6 members joined the group grew and debuted 3 years later. Now, they have over 20 million fans across the globe who love what they do. So while they started in a basement in Seoul, South Korea, they are now global phenomenons who are living their dreams, just like I hope to do someday. How does this relate to the song that inspires me? Well, the title alone implies the group’s strength and endurance over the years as they’ve grown. However, there is one line in the song that truly reminds me to keep trying because one day my dreams may come true. This line says “We were only seven, but we have you all now.” While I may not live in a popular area and no one knows my name, one day they possibly will.

Close your eyes and imagine the sound of a bird’s song filling your ears as the warm breeze tickles your cheeks. Soft blades of grass dance in the wind beneath your fingers. As you lean back you look out on the beautiful mountains in front of you. You spot the twisting rivers in the valley below and the lush green forests dappling the sea of green before you. This is what being a West Virginian means to me; experiencing and appreciating the natural beauty that our state has to offer. In high school, I ran cross country and one of my favorite things about traveling to different meets was the scenery I was able to admire while there. I vividly remember the vibrant, orange, red, and yellow maple trees that splattered the green landscape of Tucker county with color. In 8th grade when I traveled to Charleston to compete at the state tournament for Quiz Bowl my team had the privilege of visiting New River Gorge and the Beckley coal mines. Both of the places were amazing in each of their architectural feats as well as a blessing for the eye to witness. I also remember visiting the Apple Harvest Festival in Burlington, WV, and seeing everyone from my community come out for county fairs to participate in various events. I would notice how people interacted with their environment and the people around them. They were so friendly and warm with each other, even people they didn’t know. I also witnessed all of the different artisans in West Virginia and the talents they had to offer. The festival may have seemed like a simple thing from the outside, but when you actually became surrounded by the environment you became aware of what was really special about it. So how has this affected me as a West Virginian? It has taught me a lesson to look for beauty in the most unexpected places. When some people think of West Virginia they might picture a dingy coal mine or some other dull picture. This is because many people are not aware of the beauty that this state has to offer. Before my eyes were opened to the wonders of West Virginia I was unsure of how special the state really was as well. However, now when I hear the name “West Virginia” I imagine the towering stones of Seneca Rocks or the rushing waterfalls in Babcock. In short, by growing up in West Virginia I have been fortunate enough to experience flowing rivers, rushing waterfalls, and lush forests that stretch to the stars. I have also experienced the cultural and social aspect of West Virginia, the close friends, and family who share their gifts and talents with others to bring joy to the lives of others. Because of these experiences I have become more aware of the world around me. Each individual person has a story and has experienced life in a different way. We do not know the depth of a person until we truly get to know them and discover the hidden beauty that they behold inside them.