My life has been full of uncertainty, sorrow, and triumph. As a toddler, I was very shy; to the point where I refused to talk to or play with anyone. I had to take another year of preschool, not for behavioral concerns, but for poor communication skills. My teachers suggested that I get tested for autism. No parent wants to ever hear those words. After testing, it was determined that I did not have autism, but I displayed symptoms like those who have this impairment. Even today, I still show autistic traits such as not making eye contact with people, not being the first to start a conversation, and being awkward at the center of attention. Knowing that I may have autism is difficult to cope with. It was disheartening to think that I have a disability that separates me from the rest of the crowd. Trying to make friends was a challenge. Being the shy student I was, I could never go up to someone and become their friend. I would always wait for others to walk up to me first, but it never happened. For the longest time, I thought that nobody liked me. I would always sit alone at lunchtime and I would always be the one student in class who was left without a partner. Many times, I grew depressed. I felt like this world was better without me. I even considered committing suicide. Even today, I still have thoughts about leaving this world. Life was not meant for me to live in. It wasn’t until fourth grade when I started to talk to my classmates and it wasn’t until fifth grade when I became a regular, everyday student. I was probably the most popular in my fifth and sixth-grade classes. Gaining friends that early made it easy to make friends in junior high and high school. Being able to take a variety of classes in school and being able to take advanced opportunities helped boost my confidence and happiness. Because of my talent and intelligence, I started receiving the recognition that I wanted my whole life. I finally found my purpose. I am honestly surprised that I am still here, stepping on this ground, still living. But what has kept me pushing forward were the chances awaiting for me in the future. I tell myself that tomorrow will be a better day. Each year, I grow more comfortable with stepping out of my shell and being myself. I have not been the same person who hides in the shadows, waiting for a glimpse of hope. Now, I am the person who attempts to find that glimpse of hope and will be the happiest when they obtain it. I am proud to say that these past few years have been the greatest few years I could have asked for. The friends and teachers I have met have changed my life forever. I am thankful to myself for pushing the limits to raise expectations and achieve great things in life. As I continue to live on happily, I will always look back on these hard times. I will remember my suffering and I will never forget the times I motivated myself to fight my inner demons. I know I will have more hardships to battle, but my determination and persistance will not prevent me from achieving my goal. If I can conquer depression, I can conquer anything. I am looking forward to seeing how much I continue to grow and how much it has paid off to venture through the obstacles life threw.