This is my story. This is my rhyme

“I stopped looking for the light. Decided to become it instead” — Francheska of ‘Hey Fran Hey’

I always felt like the grass was greener on the other side; throughout my high school career I found my greatest struggles as depression, anxiety, and the constant pressure to be “smarter” or “better” in myself. But when I overcame everything through my own personal strength and perseverance, I became my own light and forged my own path. I learned that the only person in the world that you should always be able to count on is yourself, and to build the endurance and independence it takes requires fear, darkness, and doubt. It was only in those times of bleakness was I able to grow upon myself and not rely on others for help. Although the support of others could have helped, I now have the pride in knowing I didn’t get lost in the fire, but instead I was built from it into the stronger person that I am today.