I have learned that over the years, I constantly let negativity control my everyday choices. I went through a lot of trauma as a child, and I let that overcome all of my hopes and dreams for my future. I put a stop to letting that negativity be the aspect of my life, put it all behind me, and started focusing on myself and my dreams. There will always be bumps in the road, but knowing that I have overcome some of my most difficult obstacles motivates me everyday.

My brother, who is three years old, motivates me daily. For the past year and a half, I have been looking after my brother due to my parents separation. I never had the motivation and support that I needed from my parents growing up, so while my brother is still young, I’m trying to make a life for myself in hopes that one day he can look up to me and remember that he can do everything that he puts his mind to.

Around the age of thirteen, my life significantly went downhill and still continues to bring me down. My parents constantly fought, I’ve gone through heartbreaks, lost friends, and had to take care of my three year old brother for the last year and a half. I gave up during high school. I let the negativity that surrounded me shape me and the life I thought I was destined to live. After graduation high school, I took my life into my own hands for the first time and motivated myself to continue my education, work on myself and my mental health, and I couldn’t be more happier of the person I am today. I hope that in the future, I can continue to look back on my childhood and use that as motivation to never let anything stand in my way of fulfilling my dreams.

“Don’t Follow,” by Alice In Chains. Recently, a family member of mine passed away. He loved the band Alice In Chains, and this song always reminds me of him. The standout lyrics of this song, “say goodbye, don’t follow,” have really impacted my life. When I hear those lyrics, I think to myself, “Just because something didn’t go your way, or you’re just not having a good day, doesn’t mean that everything will never go your way or you’ll never have a good day again. Instead of dwelling on the negativity, say goodbye to it. Don’t follow it and make that negativity part of your life.” And I think that is something everybody should learn and contribute into their mindset.