Who I am.

Who am I? How did I become who I am? 

I am strong.  I am independent.  I am powerful.  I am a feminist.  I am interested in equality for everyone.  I am loving.  I am a survivor.  I am funny.  I am talented.  I didn't always feel this way, though.

I know I am strong, because of the nights that I stayed awake alone crying, but made it to see the sun rise at 5:07 the next morning.

I know I am independent because I don't need anyone in my life that doesn't need me.  I especially don't need people in my life that make me feel worthless, or treat me like anything less than the person I am.

I am powerful because I have the courage to go to speech competitions and get in front of hundreds of people and share my feelings.  I am powerful because I know that it's okay to ask for help, and it makes you strong, not weak.

I am a feminist because of the wage gap.  Because transgender people are still facing discrimination every day, for being who they are.  Because men that cry are seen as weak.  Because sex trafficking still exists.

I am interested in equality for everyone because everyone deserves to feel a place that they are comfortable and safe and loved.

I am loving because of my mother, who taught me that being heartless will make everyone leave.

I am a survivor of rape, depression, and anxiety.  I am not a victim.  I am not weak.  I am a survivor.  I am thriving, despite all the things that try to tear me down.  

I am talented in listening to people and helping them with their problems, which is why I want to be a psychologist so badly.

The moral of what I'm trying to say is, no matter where you came from, no matter who you have been told to be, or who has held you down, you can be great.  You can be the best at anything you put your mind to.  You have to believe in yourself, even if no one else believes in you.