Everyone has a purpose on this earth.

That is a personal belief of mine. It doesn't matter if you see someone as lazy or sordid; they have a purpose which only they can know and act upon. I know for a fact that my mother's purpose is to fix everything in the most practical way. I may think she is cynical about life and that she needs to stop approaching people as if they are a computer she can fix, but that's just my opinion about her own life. From that, I can maybe deduce that her purpose is to be a "bad mother" to her two sons, but that's not the truth. (I would also like to mention that my mother is an amazing woman so calm down.)

Now, in my mind, saying "come to terms" has a slightly negative connotation. So I would like to be clear that my purpose is not something negative and I am perfectly happy with it. That being said, I have come to terms with my purpose on this earth.

My job is to help others.

I would like to say that part of this is to carry on a legacy or two, as odd as it may sound. Two of the most helpful people I have met in my lifetime are my aunt and my late step-dad.

My aunt works in Sioux Falls with The Center for Equality, a local LGBT+ advocacy group. I have also worked with this organization and I have never seen someone navigate through the system like my aunt does. I have seen her almost single-handedly handle local events and issues and I have always admired her for being her complete self while doing this. She can even say that something is too much for her, something I have yet to master. Most of all, my aunt might not even be here if it had not been for the compassion of others. I have learned from my aunt to take the generosity that life gives you and put it back into the world. If someone made your world better, you can do the same for someone else. I will always love my aunt for teaching me that lesson, even if she didn't intend to do so.

My step-dad taught me so much concerning happiness. At 32 he was living his ultimate dream. He had a store and sold trading cards, he had a family to care for and play board games with and a few cats to love as well. After a while, he decided to run his store and go back to his old job to work part-time. The whole time he remained happy with himself and his life. When he passed, my mother received an influx of messages from strangers who had been helped by him. All of them told us how much of a caring and nice guy he was. He may have dealt with the most rude customer imaginable or had been having a terrible day, but he always treated customers with respect and made them feel welcome. He was willing to help anyone and everyone. He'd help me with absolutely anything and maybe I'd have to make him some popcorn afterwards. I will admit that sometimes I aggravated him to no end, as did my brother, but at the end of the day he still loved us and was willingly to do anything for us. Matthew Reurink showed me that you may feel like a pile of crap, but you can always help others. I want to carry on this legacy.

These two people are my heroes and they have helped me reach decisions on my life purpose. Based on what they have imparted on me, I know that my calling is in advocacy. In almost every interview in February, I said "I want to be a voice for those who cannot speak."

I will be your voice.